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
Scale
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
