Description
This Crockpot French Toast Casserole is a delicious and convenient breakfast dish perfect for lazy mornings or brunch gatherings. Featuring buttery brioche bread soaked in a rich mixture of eggs, milk, and warm spices, it slowly cooks to a custardy perfection. The casserole is topped with brown sugar and butter, creating a beautifully caramelized crust. Easily prepared the night before, this slow cooker recipe offers a hands-off way to enjoy a classic comfort food.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread
- 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 slow cooker: Grease the insert of a 5-quart or larger slow cooker to prevent sticking and set aside.
- Add the bread: Place the cubed brioche bread evenly at the bottom of the greased slow cooker insert.
- Mix custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the beaten eggs, whole milk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and a pinch of salt until well combined.
- Soak the bread: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the cubed bread, then gently press the bread down to ensure it is fully submerged and soaking up the liquid.
- Chill to soak: Cover the slow cooker insert with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for deeper flavor infusion.
- Add toppings: After soaking, sprinkle the light brown sugar evenly over the top of the bread. Dot the surface with the cubes of unsalted butter.
- Cook the casserole: Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 1 to 2 hours or on low for 2 to 4 hours. Cook until the egg mixture is fully set and the top is golden and bubbly.
- Serve: Once cooked, serve the casserole warm immediately. Enhance the dish with maple syrup, fruit compote, or a dusting of powdered sugar as desired.
Notes
- Day-old brioche bread works best as it soaks up the custard without becoming mushy.
- Refrigeration time for soaking can be extended overnight to save time in the morning and deepen the flavors.
- Use a slow cooker insert large enough (5 quarts or bigger) to allow the casserole to cook evenly.
- Cooking times can vary depending on the slow cooker model, so check for doneness by ensuring the custard is set and no longer jiggly.
- For added texture, sprinkle chopped nuts or dried fruits before cooking.
