Slow Cooker French Toast Casserole

French toast is one of those comforting morning recipes that will make you eat dessert for breakfast. What’s not to love about thick-sliced ​​bread drenched in custard? It’s the perfect way to turn a loaf of bread into something magical.

Save time and stress by making the French toast casserole in the slow cooker a day ahead of time. Instead of dipping and pan-frying each slice of bread individually, pop it all in the slow cooker, soak overnight, and let the slow cooker work its magic in the morning!

Soaking overnight gives the pudding enough time to soak into the butter cubes of the toasted brioche. The casserole is then gently cooked in the slow cooker for tender, pudding-like results, infused with the warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg and a hint of sweetness of vanilla.

Grab a bottle of maple syrup! Once this casserole is ready, you’ll want to hit it!

Why Make French Toast Casserole in the Slow Cooker?

I didn’t realize how versatile a slow cooker could be until it turned bread, egg and cream into the most luxurious breakfast treat!

Using a slow cooker saves me time and builds a better French toast casserole. I love not having to fire up the oven and I can take this dish anywhere! I make the toasted brioche and pudding the night before, then let the slow cooker take over in the morning. This gives me the opportunity to enjoy my first cup of hot tea and watch cartoons with my children.

When you’re baking a pudding, you usually want a warm and humid environment so the texture stays velvety and not rubbery, which can happen when the pudding is overcooked.

The slow cooker mimics just the right steaming environment. The eggs in the casserole cook gently for an extended period of time, allowing the creamy, spice-infused custard to bring it all together.

What is the Best Bread for French Toast Casserole?

French brioche is my go-to choice for french toast. It is a tender and rich bread made with flour, butter, eggs and a touch of sugar.

It has a nice bite with a golden buttery crust but yields a silky texture as it soaks up the custard. I found pre-sliced ​​loaves at Trader Joe’s, which I then diced.

Brioche buns, breads, and burger buns also work great. Challah, French bread, or even sourdough would be tasty substitutes.

How do you make this french toast casserole?

French toast casserole is easy to make. Here’s how!

1. Toast the bread to remove moisture while helping soak up more custard.
2. Prepare the pudding, add the bread cubes and soak in the fridge overnight (or at least an hour).
3. The next day, allow the slow cooker insert to come to room temperature with the soaked bread cubes, then place in the slow cooker!
4. Get ready to devour a big piece!

As the casserole cooks, it will puff up and then deflate a bit. When you’re done, the center should stop wobbling. Custards are ready to eat at 175oF.

How much time does it take to cook?

French Toast Casserole is a wonderful dish for slow and lazy weekend mornings, for Sunday brunch, or when you need to serve a group buffet.

Depending on when you plan to eat, allow 30 minutes to cool the insert before cooking. Placing the cold insert and food in the slow cooker would increase the time it takes for the temperature to ramp up. Leave the pot at room temperature for a short time to reduce the cooking time.

The casserole should be ready in about two and a half hours if cooked on high. If cooked on low, it should take about five hours. Your kitchen will smell fantastic!

It is best Not to slowly cook the casserole overnight – the eggs in the casserole may overcook and get a rubbery texture instead of being smooth and pudding-like.

A great make-ahead breakfast for the week!

This French Toast Casserole also reheats well, so it’s a great choice when you need a breakfast for the week. French toast casserole can be refrigerated for up to five days and then reheated in the microwave. Reheat in 30 second intervals until heated through, about 1 1/2 to 2 minutes.

What options are there to customize this recipe?

The ways to add some variety and excitement to this easy Slow Cooker French Toast Casserole are endless.

Try the following:

• Garnish with sliced ​​strawberries, raspberries, blueberries or blackberries.
• Add dried cranberries, raisins or apples to cook with the casserole.
• Sauté apples or peaches with brown sugar and butter, then serve on top.
• Mix the spices and add cardamom, cloves, ginger or even cocoa powder.
• Add crunch with chopped pecans, almonds, or walnuts.
• Kids love chocolate chips on top or in a casserole
• Make mom happy with some homemade caramel sauce drizzled on top.

Try these sweet or savory breakfast casseroles

• Baked Blueberry French Toast Casserole
• Do you have leftovers? Anything goes with this casserole.
• Ham and cheese is a classic casserole combo!
• Baked Cherry French Toast Casserole is perfect for spring!
• Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Casserole is easy and satisfying!