Slow Cooker French Toast Casserole Recipe

Get ready to fall head over heels for this Slow Cooker French Toast Casserole — a luscious, custardy brunch treat with crackly cinnamon-sugar topping, studded with toasty pecans and soaked with sweet vanilla-spiced flavor. It’s pure comfort in every bite, and the best part? Your slow cooker does all the heavy lifting!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Slow Cooker French Toast Casserole relies on a handful of simple, quality ingredients — each one plays a special role, from creamy custard to buttery topping. Nothing fancy, just wholesome basics that come together for pure brunch bliss!

• Brioche Bread, Stale: Brioche gives you a rich, velvety bite — and using stale bread means it soaks up all that wonderful custard. French, Challah, or Texas toast work beautifully, too.
• Pecans, Chopped (Optional): These bring a hint of nutty crunch and toastiness, but you can absolutely skip them if you prefer a nut-free casserole.
• Large Eggs: The foundation of your custard — eight eggs create a lush, creamy texture that binds everything together.
• Whole Milk: Adds richness and helps the bread bake up custardy and soft, never dry.
• Real Maple Syrup: Infuses the casserole with deep caramel sweetness — real maple is a must here for that classic flavor.
• Pure Vanilla Extract: Just a tablespoon completely brightens the dish and balances the warm spices.
• Salt: Enhances all the other flavors and keeps things from becoming too one-note sweet.
• Ground Cinnamon & Nutmeg: The duo that makes French toast… well, French toast! Warm, aromatic, and totally nostalgic.
• Butter: For the topping — little pats melt into golden, indulgent pockets throughout the casserole.
• Brown Sugar (Light or Dark): Teaming with cinnamon atop your casserole, brown sugar forms a glistening, slightly gooey top crust everyone will fight over.

Variations

One of my favorite things about Slow Cooker French Toast Casserole? It’s endlessly customizable! Swap in your favorite bread, adjust for dietary needs, or jazz up the flavors — there are options for every craving and special occasion.

• Berry Burst: Gently fold in a cup of fresh or frozen berries before cooking for jammy, fruity pockets in every slice.
• Dairy-Free Version: Use canned coconut milk or any unsweetened non-dairy milk for a creamy, luscious result.
• Gluten-Free Swap: Your favorite gluten-free sandwich bread, cut into cubes, transforms this into a celiac-friendly treat.
• Chocolate Decadence: Sprinkle in chocolate chips with the bread cubes for a double-dose of brunch joy!

How to Make Slow Cooker French Toast Casserole

Step 1: Prep Your Slow Cooker and Bread

Start by giving your slow cooker a generous coating of nonstick spray or a swipe of butter — you want every scrumptious bite to come out smoothly. Cut your brioche (or alternate bread) into chunky 1-inch cubes. If your bread isn’t quite stale, no worries: a quick 10-minute bake at 250°F turns it perfectly ready for soaking up the custard.

Step 2: Layer the Bread and Pecans

Tumble the bread cubes into your greased slow cooker, sprinkling in the chopped pecans as you go for cozy nutty layers. There’s no need to be precise — rustic is beautiful, and this is a casserole made for comfort!

Step 3: Whisk Up the Custard

In a big bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, real maple syrup, vanilla extract, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Pour this luscious custard mixture evenly over the bread and pecans. Gently stir if needed to ensure all of the bread is getting a nice bath in that delicious liquid.

Step 4: Let It Soak (Optional)

If you have the time, let the mixture rest for a couple of hours before cooking — this gives the bread even more time to soak up every bit of custard for the richest, creamiest texture. But if you’re in a hurry, go right ahead to the next step!

Step 5: Add the Topping

Mix together the brown sugar and ground cinnamon, then sprinkle this mixture over the soaked bread. Top it all off with little pieces of butter — as it cooks, the butter will melt and mingle with the brown sugar for a glossy, cinnamon-sweet top.

Step 6: Cook Low and Slow

Cover with the slow cooker lid and set on HIGH for 2 to 2½ hours, or LOW for 3 to 4 hours. The casserole is done once the custard has set and the edges are deliciously golden. Your kitchen will be filled with the irresistible aroma of cinnamon and butter — it’s almost impossible to wait!

How to Serve Slow Cooker French Toast Casserole

Garnishes

This Slow Cooker French Toast Casserole is a canvas for all your favorite brunch toppings! Finish each serving with a drizzle of warm maple syrup, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a scatter of fresh berries for a pop of color and brightness. For extra indulgence, a dollop of whipped cream or a spoonful of Greek yogurt is heavenly.

Side Dishes

Pair this dreamy casserole with crispy bacon, maple sausage links, or a big bowl of fresh fruit salad. If you’re craving something savory on the side, tender scrambled eggs or a sharp cheddar omelet balances out the sweetness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a brunch buffet or special occasion, scoop the casserole into pretty ramekins or serve “family style” straight from the slow cooker with a rustic wooden spoon. Add edible flowers or curls of citrus zest on top for a festive, photo-ready table centerpiece!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers? Lucky you! Simply let your Slow Cooker French Toast Casserole cool, then cover and refrigerate for up to four days. The flavors get even deeper overnight, and it stays incredibly moist and satisfying.

Freezing

You can freeze portions of the casserole for brunch-ready mornings — just wrap slices tightly or portion into freezer-safe containers for up to two months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating for best texture.

Reheating

Reheat gently in the microwave (covered, with a splash of milk if you like) or warm slices in a 325°F oven until heated through. Top with a bit more syrup or fruit to refresh each serving.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I know you’re going to fall in love with Slow Cooker French Toast Casserole — it’s the kind of cozy, crowd-pleasing treat that instantly makes any day feel special. Give it a try and watch your kitchen fill with smiles, warmth, and the unbeatable scent of fresh, cinnamon-kissed brunch!

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