Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy and hands-free: The slow cooker does all the work for you.
- Perfect for feeding a crowd: Great for holidays or brunch parties.
- Customizable: Add fruit, nuts, or your favorite toppings.
- Make-ahead friendly: Prep the night before and cook in the morning.
- Warm, cozy flavors: Sweet cinnamon and vanilla in every bite.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Bread (brioche, challah, or French bread, cubed)
- Eggs
- Milk or half-and-half
- Brown sugar
- Granulated sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Ground cinnamon
- Ground nutmeg (optional)
- Salt
- Butter (melted, for greasing and drizzling)
- Optional toppings: maple syrup, powdered sugar, berries, chopped nuts, or whipped cream
Directions
- Prepare the slow cooker: Grease the crockpot insert with butter or non-stick spray.
- Add the bread: Place cubed bread evenly into the crockpot.
- Make the custard: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth.
- Assemble the casserole: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread, pressing down lightly so all cubes absorb the liquid.
- Add butter: Drizzle melted butter over the top for a rich flavor.
- Cook:
- Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2–2½ hours, until the center is set and edges are golden.
- Serve: Spoon into bowls and serve warm with your favorite toppings such as maple syrup, berries, or powdered sugar.
Servings and timing
- Servings: 6–8
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 4–5 hours on LOW (or 2–2½ hours on HIGH)
- Total time: About 5 hours
Variations
- Apple Cinnamon: Add diced apples and a sprinkle of extra cinnamon before cooking.
- Blueberry French Toast Casserole: Layer fresh or frozen blueberries between bread cubes.
- Pecan Praline: Top with chopped pecans and a drizzle of caramel before serving.
- Chocolate Chip: Add chocolate chips to the bread mixture for a sweeter version.
- Pumpkin Spice: Mix a few tablespoons of pumpkin purée and pumpkin spice into the custard for a fall twist.
- Overnight Version: Assemble the casserole the night before, refrigerate, and cook in the morning.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cooled portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheat:
- Microwave: Heat individual servings for 45–60 seconds.
- Oven: Warm at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes until heated through.
FAQs
What’s the best bread for French toast casserole?
Brioche, challah, or French bread work best because they’re rich and absorb the custard without becoming soggy.
Can I use stale bread?
Yes! Slightly stale bread actually works better since it soaks up the egg mixture more effectively.
Can I prepare it the night before?
Definitely. Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate overnight, then cook in the morning.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, but make sure your crockpot is large enough. You may need to extend the cooking time by 30–45 minutes.
Why is my casserole soggy?
This can happen if there’s too much liquid or if it wasn’t cooked long enough. Make sure the center is set before serving.
Can I use non-dairy milk?
Absolutely. Almond, oat, soy, or coconut milk all work well in place of dairy.
Can I make this without eggs?
Yes. Substitute a vegan egg replacer or blend of mashed banana and plant-based milk for a dairy-free, egg-free version.
How do I keep the top from getting too brown?
Place a piece of paper towel under the lid to absorb excess moisture and prevent condensation from dripping back onto the casserole.
Can I add syrup before cooking?
It’s best added after cooking so the casserole doesn’t become too sweet or sticky.
What sides go well with French toast casserole?
Fresh fruit, yogurt, breakfast sausage, or a side of scrambled eggs make great accompaniments.
Conclusion
Crockpot French Toast Casserole is the ultimate lazy-day brunch recipe—rich, cozy, and irresistibly delicious. With minimal prep and the convenience of slow cooking, it’s a fuss-free way to serve a crowd or treat your family to a comforting breakfast. Whether topped with fruit, syrup, or powdered sugar, this easy recipe delivers classic French toast flavor with no flipping required.
PrintCrockpot French Toast Casserole
Crockpot French Toast Casserole is a cozy, hands-free breakfast made in your slow cooker. Soft bread cubes soak in a rich cinnamon-vanilla custard and cook to golden, fluffy perfection—perfect for serving with maple syrup, powdered sugar, or fresh fruit at brunch or holidays.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4–5 hours on LOW (or 2–2½ hours on HIGH)
- Total Time: About 5 hours
- Yield: 6–8 servings
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Slow Cooker
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 loaf brioche, challah, or French bread, cubed
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups milk or half-and-half
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp butter, melted (for greasing and drizzling)
- Optional toppings: maple syrup, powdered sugar, berries, chopped nuts, or whipped cream
Instructions
- Prepare crockpot: Grease the slow cooker insert with butter or non-stick spray.
- Add bread: Place cubed bread evenly into the crockpot.
- Make custard: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, brown sugar, granulated sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth.
- Assemble casserole: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread, pressing gently so all cubes absorb the liquid.
- Add butter: Drizzle melted butter over the top for richness.
- Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2–2½ hours, until the center is set and edges are golden.
- Serve: Spoon into bowls and top with maple syrup, powdered sugar, or fruit.
Notes
- Brioche or challah bread gives the richest flavor and texture.
- Use slightly stale bread for best absorption.
- To prevent sogginess, ensure the casserole cooks until the center is fully set.
- For an overnight version, assemble the night before and refrigerate until ready to cook.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 180mg