Description
This Crockpot French Toast Casserole is a warm, comforting breakfast dish featuring cubed brioche bread soaked in a rich mixture of eggs, milk, vanilla, and spices, slow-cooked to perfection. Perfect for busy mornings or brunch gatherings, it offers a hands-off cooking approach with a delightful balance of sweet and cinnamon flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
French Toast Base
- 16 ounces loaf sliced brioche bread, cut into 1-2 inch cubes (day old works best)
- 6 eggs, beaten
- 2¼ cups whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
Topping
- ½ cup light brown sugar
- ¼ 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, ensuring the bread is spread out evenly.
- Make the Egg Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the beaten eggs, whole milk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and a pinch of salt until fully combined.
- Soak the Bread: Pour the egg and milk mixture evenly over the cubed bread, then press the bread down gently to submerge it into the liquid. Cover the slow cooker insert and place it in the refrigerator to chill for 1 hour, allowing the bread to absorb the mixture. For best results, you may refrigerate it overnight, covered.
- Add Toppings: After soaking, sprinkle the light brown sugar evenly over the soaked bread. Distribute the cubes of unsalted butter evenly on top to enhance richness during cooking.
- Cook the Casserole: Cover the slow cooker and cook the French toast casserole on high for 1-2 hours or on low for 2-4 hours, depending on your slow cooker, until the bread and egg mixture is fully cooked and set.
- Serve: Once cooked, serve the casserole immediately with maple syrup, fruit compote, or a dusting of powdered sugar as desired. Enjoy warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Day-old brioche bread works best as it absorbs the custard mixture without becoming too soggy.
- Soaking the bread overnight enhances flavor and texture but can be done for as little as 1 hour for quicker preparation.
- Cooking times can vary depending on your slow cooker; start checking doneness at the lower end of the cooking range.
- Feel free to add fruits like blueberries or sliced apples before cooking for added flavor.
