Slow Cooker French Toast Casserole Recipe
Introduction
This Slow Cooker French Toast Casserole is an effortless, make-ahead breakfast perfect for busy mornings or special occasions. Using stale bread soaked in a rich custard and topped with a buttery brown sugar mixture, it comes out warm, tender, and full of cozy flavors.
Ingredients
- 24 ounces stale Brioche bread (about a loaf and a half; French, Challah, or Texas toast can also be used)
- ½ cup pecans, chopped (optional)
- 8 large eggs
- 3 cups whole milk
- ¼ cup real maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ cup butter, sliced
- ½ cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for topping)
Instructions
- Step 1: Grease the slow cooker insert thoroughly with nonstick cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Step 2: Cut the bread into 1-inch cubes. Layer the bread cubes and chopped pecans (if using) evenly in the slow cooker. For best results, use stale bread; if fresh, dry it in a 250°F oven for 10 minutes before cubing.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, whole milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined.
- Step 4: Pour the egg mixture over the bread and nuts in the slow cooker. Gently stir to ensure all the bread is coated. For deeper flavor, let it sit for a couple of hours to absorb the custard, though this step is optional.
- Step 5: Prepare the topping by mixing brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the soaked bread, then place small pieces of butter on top.
- Step 6: Cover and cook on HIGH for 2 to 2 ½ hours or on LOW for 3 to 4 hours until the casserole is set and golden. Serve warm with extra maple syrup, powdered sugar, or fresh fruit if desired.
Tips & Variations
- Using stale bread helps the custard soak in better without becoming too mushy; if fresh bread is all you have, lightly toast it first.
- Add dried fruit like raisins or cranberries for extra texture and flavor.
- Swap pecans for walnuts or omit nuts altogether if preferred.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute milk with almond or oat milk and use a non-dairy butter alternative.
Storage
Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through, or in a preheated 350°F oven for about 15 minutes to regain crispness. This casserole does not freeze well due to its custard base.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare this casserole the night before?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole in the slow cooker insert, cover it, and refrigerate overnight. Remove it from the fridge about 30 minutes before cooking to take the chill off, then cook as directed.
What if I don’t have a slow cooker?
You can bake this casserole in a 9×13-inch greased baking dish at 350°F for about 45-50 minutes, until the custard is set and the top is golden brown.
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Slow Cooker French Toast Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes to 4 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This Slow Cooker French Toast Casserole is a delightful and easy breakfast dish that combines the richness of brioche bread with a cinnamon-spiced custard, slow-cooked to perfection. It’s a comforting, hands-off recipe perfect for busy mornings or brunch gatherings, delivering a warm and flavorful start to your day.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 24 ounces stale Brioche bread (about a loaf and a half; French, Challah, or Texas toast can be used)
- ½ cup pecans, chopped (optional)
- 8 large eggs
- 3 cups whole milk
- ¼ cup real maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Topping
- ½ cup butter, sliced into small pieces
- ½ cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Grease your slow cooker insert thoroughly with nonstick cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking during cooking.
- Prepare the Bread: Cut the brioche or your chosen bread into 1-inch cubes. Layer half of the bread cubes into the slow cooker, then sprinkle the chopped pecans evenly if using. Add the remaining bread cubes on top. For best results, use stale bread; if fresh, dry it in a 250°F oven for 10 minutes before using.
- Make the Custard Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, real maple syrup, pure vanilla extract, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until fully combined and smooth.
- Assemble the Casserole: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread and pecans in the slow cooker. Stir gently to ensure all bread pieces are coated. For extra flavor and texture, let the mixture sit for a couple of hours so the bread can soak up the custard well.
- Prepare and Add the Topping: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the soaked bread and custard. Distribute the sliced butter pieces on top for a rich, caramelized finish.
- Cook the Casserole: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on HIGH for 2 to 2 ½ hours or on LOW for 3 to 4 hours. The casserole is done when the custard is set and the top is golden and bubbly.
- Serve: Serve warm with extra maple syrup, a dusting of powdered sugar, or fresh fruit to enhance the flavors and presentation.
Notes
- Using stale bread helps absorb the custard better; if using fresh bread, drying it in a low oven is a great substitute.
- You can omit pecans for a nut-free version or substitute with other nuts if desired.
- This recipe is flexible with bread types—brioche adds richness, Challah or French bread are good alternatives.
- If your slow cooker runs hot, start checking doneness slightly earlier to avoid overcooking.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated gently for a quick breakfast the next day.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 to 4 hours (depending on slow cooker setting)
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: slow cooker french toast casserole, crockpot breakfast casserole, slow cooker breakfast, cinnamon french toast, easy brunch recipes
