Crockpot French Toast Casserole: The Ultimate Easy Breakfast

Nothing beats waking up to the warm, cinnamon-scented aroma of a Crockpot French Toast Casserole cooking overnight. With minimal effort, you can enjoy a rich, custard-soaked brioche dish topped with a buttery crumble—practically the love child of classic French toast and bread pudding. This slow cooker recipe is perfect for holiday mornings, lazy weekends, or brunch gatherings when you want something indulgent yet effortless.

this Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔️ Easy & Hands-Off

Just prep the night before, toss everything in the slow cooker, and wake up to a delicious breakfast. No flipping or standing by the stove required.

✔️ Decadent Yet Simple

Custard-soaked brioche turns into a soft, pudding-like texture with a crispy, caramelized topping—pure breakfast bliss.

✔️ Perfect for a Crowd

Whether it’s Christmas morning or a potluck brunch, this slow cooker French toast casserole serves 10 people with ease.

✔️ Pairs Well with Other Breakfast Favorites

Serve this alongside classic French toast, a French omelette, or even heart-shaped grilled cheese sandwiches for a fun breakfast spread.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Ingredient List

• 1 ½ loaves brioche, cubed
• 8 large eggs
• 3 cups whole milk
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• ½ cup butter, room temperature, cubed
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• Softened butter for greasing the Crockpot

Notes on Quality

Brioche is the best bread for this recipe due to its soft texture and rich flavor. You can also use challah or a sturdy white bread. Slightly stale bread works best because it absorbs the custard without getting too soggy.

Possible Substitutions

• Milk Alternatives: Swap whole milk with half-and-half for a richer custard or use oat or almond milk for a dairy-free option.
• Sweeteners: Try coconut sugar or maple syrup instead of brown sugar.
• Spices: Add a pinch of cardamom or pumpkin spice for a seasonal twist.

Step-by-Step Instructions

• Gather the ingredients for your Crockpot French toast casserole.
• In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and vanilla extract.
• Add half of the bread cubes into another large bowl and pour half of the egg mixture over them. Toss gently to coat. Repeat with the remaining bread cubes and egg mixture.
• Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for the best flavor.
• In a separate bowl, mix the butter cubes and brown sugar to create the crumble topping. Cover and store in the fridge until ready to use.
• Grease the inside of the slow cooker with softened butter to prevent sticking. Add the soaked bread cubes, spreading them out evenly.
• Sprinkle the brown sugar butter crumble over the top.
• Cover and cook on low for 7 hours.

• Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy warm!

Expert Tips & Tricks

Best Practices

• Make sure the bread cubes are evenly coated with the egg mixture to avoid dry spots.
• Greasing the slow cooker with butter ensures crispy edges and prevents sticking.
• Refrigerating the soaked bread overnight deepens the flavors and enhances the texture.

Common Mistakes

• Using fresh bread can make the casserole mushy. If your bread is fresh, cube it and dry it in a 170°F oven for 15-20 minutes.
• Overcooking can dry out the casserole. Stick to the 7-hour cooking time on low.

Time-Saving Tips

• Prepare everything the night before so all you have to do in the morning is turn on the slow cooker.
• If you need a faster option, cook on high for 3-4 hours instead of low for 7 hours.

Serving Suggestions

Pairings

Serve with fresh berries, powdered sugar, or a drizzle of warm maple syrup. Pair it with a fluffy French omelette or crispy bacon for a well-rounded meal.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish with toasted pecans, sliced almonds, or whipped cream for an extra touch. Serve directly from the Crockpot or transfer to a serving platter for a more polished presentation.

Beverage Pairings

Pair this casserole with hot coffee, chai tea, or fresh orange juice. For an extra treat, serve alongside a homemade vanilla latte or a spiced apple cider.

Storage & Reheating

Leftover Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheating Methods

• Microwave: Heat individual servings for 30-45 seconds.
• Oven: Reheat at 325°F for 10-15 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out.
• Air Fryer: Heat at 350°F for 5 minutes for a crispy topping.

Frequently Asked Questions

Substitutions & Adjustments

Can I make this gluten-free? Yes, just use gluten-free bread. Brioche-style gluten-free bread works best.

Can I use a different type of bread? Absolutely. Challah, sourdough, or a sturdy white bread all work well.

Troubleshooting

Why is my casserole too wet? It may need more cooking time or the bread was too fresh. Dry it in the oven before soaking next time.

Why is my topping not crispy? Use cold butter for the crumble topping and avoid over-mixing it into the bread.

Variations & Customizations

Dietary Adaptations

• Dairy-Free: Use plant-based milk and dairy-free butter.
• Low-Sugar: Reduce the brown sugar or use a sugar substitute like monk fruit sweetener.

Flavor Twists

• Pumpkin Spice: Add ½ cup of pumpkin puree and swap the cinnamon for pumpkin spice.
• Chocolate Chip: Stir in mini chocolate chips before cooking.
• Caramel Apple: Add diced apples and a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Seasonal/Holiday Versions

For Christmas morning, add dried cranberries and a touch of nutmeg. In the fall, mix in pecans and a swirl of maple syrup.

Conclusion

This Crockpot French Toast Casserole is a game-changer for breakfast lovers. With its rich, custard-like texture and caramelized topping, it’s the perfect dish for feeding a crowd with minimal effort. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday brunch or a cozy weekend breakfast, it’s guaranteed to impress.

Looking for more delicious breakfast ideas? Check out Classic French Toast or this elegant French Omelette. If you love fun and creative recipes, try these adorable Heart-Shaped Grilled Cheese Sandwiches.

For more breakfast inspiration, follow along on Pinterest: Cooking with Callie on Pinterest

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