why make this recipe
This slow cooker French toast casserole gives you warm, soft custard bread with a sweet brown sugar top without standing by the stove. It is easy to set up and feeds a crowd. For other simple breakfast ideas, try this 4 delicious toast recipes for breakfast to mix up your menu.
introduction
This casserole uses stale brioche (or similar) soaked in a spiced egg and milk mix, then slow-cooked until set. You get a custardy inside and a caramel-like topping with little work. If you like make-ahead breakfasts, see an overnight french toast casserole for another hands-off option.
how to make Slow Cooker French Toast Casserole
Follow these steps to make the casserole in your slow cooker. The ingredients and full directions are below.
Ingredients :
- 24 ounces stale Brioche bread (about a loaf and a half. You can use French or Challah bread or Texas toast)
- 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
Directions :
- Grease your slow cooker insert with nonstick cooking spray or butter.
- Cut the loaf of bread or slices into 1-inch cubes. Then, layer it with the pecans (if using) in the crockpot. PRO TIP: This recipe is best with stale bread. If you don’t have any on hand, simply place the cut cubes on a baking sheet and place them in a 250-degree F oven for 10 minutes.
- Whisk the eggs, milk, real maple syrup, pure vanilla extract, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a large bowl.
- Pour the egg mixture over the cubed bread and nuts in the slow cooker. Stir gently to coat the bread. If possible, but not necessary, let it sit for a couple of hours so the bread is saturated with the custard.
- To make the topping, cut the butter into small pieces, set it aside, and then mix brown sugar and cinnamon in a small mixing bowl. Next, sprinkle the brown sugar mixture over the top of the soaked bread and top that with the butter pieces.
- Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on HIGH for 2 to 2 1/2 hours or the LOW setting for 3 to 4 hours. When done, serve your slow cooker french toast with warm maple syrup, powdered sugar, or fresh fruit.
If you want a fruit twist in the mix, consider the quick blueberry french toast casserole as a guide for folding berries into the recipe.
how to serve Slow Cooker French Toast Casserole
Serve warm in squares right from the slow cooker. Top with warm maple syrup, a dusting of powdered sugar, or fresh berries. For a side idea that pairs well, look at a recipe for blueberry french toast casserole to get serving ideas with fruit.
how to store Slow Cooker French Toast Casserole
Let the casserole cool to room temperature. Cover and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat slices in the microwave for 30–60 seconds or in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes until warm.
tips to make Slow Cooker French Toast Casserole
- Use stale bread for best texture; to stale fresh bread, bake at low heat for 10 minutes.
- Let the bread soak if you have time — 1–2 hours helps the custard soak in.
- Use full-fat milk for richer flavor.
- If you need a savory side, try simple ideas like toast or spreads from these easy avocado toast recipes.
- Watch the slow cooker the first time you make this to learn how your cooker heats; cook times can vary.
variation (if any)
- Add 1 cup of fresh or frozen berries for a fruit version.
- Stir 1 teaspoon of orange zest into the egg mix for a citrus note.
- Swap pecans for walnuts or leave nuts out for a nut-free dish.
FAQs
Q: Can I use other bread besides brioche?
A: Yes. French bread, challah, or Texas toast works fine. Stale bread gives the best texture.
Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: Yes. Assemble it in the slow cooker insert, cover, and refrigerate for up to 8 hours before cooking.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: Yes. Wrap portions tightly and freeze up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Q: Do I need to flip or stir while cooking?
A: No. Cook without stirring. The slow cooker will set the custard evenly.
Q: Can I use a different sweetener?
A: You can swap maple syrup for honey or a sugar substitute, but flavor and texture may change.
Conclusion
For another slow cooker take, see this Easy Slow Cooker French Toast Casserole – Suburban Simplicity for tips and photos.
This version compares well to the recipe on Slow Cooker French Toast Casserole – Recipes That Crock! for timing ideas.
If you prefer an overnight prep method, this Overnight Crockpot French Toast Casserole shows a prep-ahead approach.
For a simple, classic slow cooker guide, try the notes at Easy Slow Cooker French Toast Casserole.
For another easy crock pot option, see Easy Crock Pot French Toast Casserole | Adventures of Mel.
Slow Cooker French Toast Casserole
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 24 ounces stale Brioche bread About a loaf and a half. French or Challah bread or Texas toast can be used.
- ½ cup pecans Chopped, optional.
- 8 large eggs
- 3 cups whole milk Full-fat milk for richer flavor.
- ¼ cup real maple syrup Can be substituted with honey.
- 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
Preparation
- Grease your slow cooker insert with nonstick cooking spray or butter.
- Cut the loaf of bread or slices into 1-inch cubes and layer it in the crockpot with the pecans, if using. For best results, use stale bread. If you don't have stale bread, place the cut cubes on a baking sheet and heat in a 250°F oven for 10 minutes.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Pour the egg mixture over the cubed bread and nuts in the slow cooker. Stir gently to coat the bread. If possible, let it sit for a couple of hours to allow the bread to saturate with the custard.
- For the topping, cut the butter into small pieces and mix brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Sprinkle the brown sugar mixture over the soaked bread and top it with the butter pieces.
Cooking
- Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on HIGH for 2 to 2.5 hours or on LOW for 3 to 4 hours.
- When done, serve the slow cooker French toast with warm maple syrup, powdered sugar, or fresh fruit.