Description
This Crockpot French Toast Casserole is a comforting and easy make-ahead breakfast perfect for busy mornings or brunch gatherings. Featuring custardy, cinnamon-spiced brioche cubes slow-cooked to perfection, it offers a rich and decadent start to your day with minimal effort. The slow cooker method ensures a moist and tender texture without the need to stand over a stove or oven.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Bread
- 16 ounces loaf sliced brioche bread, cut into 1-2” cubes (day old works best!)
Custard Mixture
- 6 eggs, beaten
- 2 1/4 cups whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
Topping
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cut into cubes
Instructions
- Prepare the bread: Add the cubed brioche bread to the bottom of a greased 5 quart or larger slow cooker insert to create an even layer.
- Mix custard: In a separate bowl, whisk together beaten eggs, whole milk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and a pinch of salt until fully combined.
- Combine custard and bread: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread cubes in the slow cooker. Press the bread gently down with a spatula or spoon to submerge all pieces into the custard liquid.
- Chill to soak: Cover the slow cooker insert and place it in the refrigerator for 1 hour (or overnight if preferred) to allow the bread to absorb the custard thoroughly.
- Add topping: After soaking, remove the insert from the fridge. Evenly sprinkle the light brown sugar on top of the bread and dot the surface with cubes of unsalted butter.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 1 to 2 hours or on low for 2 to 4 hours. The casserole is done when the egg mixture is set and the bread is cooked through.
- Serve: Once cooked, serve immediately. This dish pairs wonderfully with maple syrup, fruit compote, or a dusting of powdered sugar for extra sweetness and flavor.
Notes
- Day-old brioche bread is recommended for better texture and absorption.
- You can prepare the casserole the night before and cook it in the morning for a fresh hot breakfast.
- Adjust the cooking time depending on your slow cooker’s heat settings as they may vary.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute whole milk with almond or oat milk and use non-dairy butter alternatives.
- Add fresh fruit like berries or sliced bananas before cooking for added flavor and nutrition.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 150g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 180mg