Description
This Crockpot French Toast Casserole is a warm, comforting breakfast dish perfect for busy mornings or leisurely weekend brunches. Made with cubed brioche bread soaked in a cinnamon-spiced egg and milk mixture, then slow-cooked to a custardy perfection topped with brown sugar and butter, it offers a rich, decadent flavor without the need for stovetop preparation.
Ingredients
Scale
Base
- 16 ounces loaf sliced brioche bread, cut into 1-2” cubes (day old works best)
Custard Mixture
- 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: Grease a 5-quart or larger slow cooker insert. Add the cubed brioche bread to the bottom, spreading it evenly.
- Mix custard: In a 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 custard mixture over the bread cubes. Press the bread gently down to ensure it is submerged in the liquid. Cover and refrigerate the slow cooker insert for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight, to allow the bread to absorb the custard.
- Add toppings: Sprinkle the light brown sugar evenly over the soaked bread. Dot the top with the unsalted butter cubes.
- Cook the casserole: Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 1 to 2 hours or on low for 2 to 4 hours, until the custard is set and the bread mixture is fully cooked through.
- Serve: Remove from the slow cooker and serve immediately. Complement with maple syrup, fruit compote, or a dusting of powdered sugar for extra flavor.
Notes
- For best texture and absorption, use day-old brioche bread.
- The soaking step can be done overnight for convenience and more flavor penetration.
- Cooking times may vary depending on your slow cooker model; check doneness by ensuring the custard is set.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated gently in a microwave or oven.
- Top with fresh berries or nuts for added texture and taste.
