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Ultimate Slow Cooker French Toast Casserole
This slow cooker French toast casserole turns simple bread, eggs, milk, maple syrup, and warm spices into a rich, comforting breakfast. It is easy to assemble ahead of time, feeds a crowd, and fills the kitchen with the cozy aroma of cinnamon and baked brioche.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 150 minutes
Total Time: 165 minutes
Servings: 12
Why Make This Recipe
- Easy preparation: Assemble everything directly in the slow cooker with minimal cleanup.
- Perfect for a crowd: Twelve servings make this casserole ideal for holidays, brunches, and family breakfasts.
- Rich and comforting flavor: Brioche, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, pecans, and brown sugar create a warm, satisfying combination.
- Make-ahead friendly: The bread can sit in the custard for a couple of hours before cooking, giving it time to absorb the flavors.
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
How to Make It
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 and set it aside. Then, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon in a small mixing bowl.
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.
How to Serve It
- Drizzle each serving with warm maple syrup for extra sweetness.
- Add powdered sugar and fresh fruit, such as berries, for a bright finish.
- Serve it with a side of bacon, sausage, or yogurt for a complete breakfast or brunch.
How to Store It
Let leftover French toast casserole cool, then place it in an airtight container and refrigerate it. Reheat individual portions until warm.
For longer storage, freeze cooled portions in freezer-safe containers. Thaw frozen portions in the refrigerator before reheating. Reheat gently until warmed through to help preserve the soft custardy texture.
Helpful Tips
- Use stale bread whenever possible. It absorbs the custard without becoming overly soggy.
- Stir gently after adding the custard so the bread is coated while the cubes remain intact.
- Keep the slow cooker covered during cooking so the casserole cooks evenly and retains moisture.
- Letting the assembled casserole sit for a couple of hours allows the bread to absorb more of the egg mixture and spices.
Optional Variations
- Use French bread, Challah bread, or Texas toast instead of Brioche.
- Add chopped pecans for a nutty crunch, or leave them out for a nut-free casserole.
- Choose light or dark packed brown sugar for the topping, depending on how deep you want the caramel flavor to be.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use bread other than Brioche?
Yes. You can use French bread, Challah bread, or Texas toast. Stale bread works best because it absorbs the custard well.
Do I have to let the casserole sit before cooking?
No. Letting it sit for a couple of hours is optional, but it helps the bread become saturated with the custard.
Can I cook this French toast casserole on LOW?
Yes. Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 3 to 4 hours. You can also cook it on HIGH for 2 to 2 1/2 hours.
What toppings go well with this casserole?
Serve it with warm maple syrup, powdered sugar, or fresh fruit.
Can I leave out the pecans?
Yes. The pecans are optional, so you can omit them without changing the rest of the recipe.
Slow Cooker French Toast Casserole
This slow cooker French toast casserole turns simple bread, eggs, milk, maple syrup, and warm spices into a rich, comforting breakfast. Perfect for a crowd and make-ahead friendly.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 24 ounces stale Brioche bread (about a loaf and a half. You can use French or Challah bread or Texas toast) Stale bread absorbs the custard better.
- 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 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. Then, layer it with the pecans, if using, in the crockpot.
- In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, real maple syrup, pure 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.
- Optionally, let it sit for a couple of hours to allow the bread to absorb the custard.
Topping
- Cut the butter into small pieces and set it aside.
- Mix the brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
- Sprinkle the brown sugar mixture over the top of the soaked bread, then top with the butter pieces.
Cooking
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on HIGH for 2 to 2 1/2 hours or on LOW for 3 to 4 hours.
Serving
- Serve with warm maple syrup, powdered sugar, or fresh fruit.
Notes
Use stale bread for best results and let the assembled casserole sit for a couple of hours to enhance flavor absorption. You can use different types of bread and customize toppings.
