This Slow Cooker French Toast Casserole is a warm and tasty treat perfect for breakfast or brunch! It’s packed with soft bread, eggs, milk, and a sprinkle of sweet cinnamon.
Who knew making French toast could be so easy? Just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it work its magic while you sip your morning coffee. It’s like a tasty hug in a dish! ☕️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Day-Old Bread: Use French bread or brioche for the best flavor and texture. However, if you don’t have these, any bread like challah or even whole wheat bread works well. Just make sure it’s a bit stale so it can soak up the custard!
Eggs: Large eggs are a must for binding everything together. If you’re vegan, flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg) can be a good alternative, but the texture may vary.
Milk and Heavy Cream: Whole milk and heavy cream make this dish rich and creamy. If you’re looking for lighter options, you can use almond milk or skim milk. Just keep in mind it might be less decadent.
Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the casserole nicely. You can swap it out for brown sugar for a deeper flavor or even maple syrup to add a nice twist!
How Do I Ensure My Casserole is Set Just Right?
Cooking time is crucial for this casserole. The best way to check is to look for a firm and slightly puffed-up texture. Here’s how:
- If cooking on low, aim for 6 to 7 hours. On high, it should take about 3 to 4 hours.
- To be sure it’s set, insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean. If it’s still wet, give it extra time.
- Remember that slow cookers can vary in heat, so if your casserole looks done, keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking.
Letting it rest for a few minutes after cooking helps improve the texture too!
Slow Cooker French Toast Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 loaf day-old bread (such as French bread or brioche), cut into 1-inch cubes
- 6 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Optional Toppings:
- Maple syrup
- Powdered sugar
- Glaze icing
- Fresh banana slices
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Slow Cooker French Toast Casserole takes about 20 minutes to prepare and then cooks for 3 to 7 hours, depending on your slow cooker setting. It’s perfect for a leisurely breakfast or brunch when you can let the slow cooker do all the work while you enjoy your morning!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Slow Cooker:
Start by greasing the inside of your slow cooker with a bit of butter or non-stick spray. This will help the casserole not to stick as it cooks.
2. Add the Bread Cubes:
Take your day-old bread and cut it into 1-inch cubes. Place these cubes evenly in the bottom of the slow cooker, making sure they are spread out nicely.
3. Mix the Egg Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt. Mix it well until everything is combined.
4. Soak the Bread:
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread cubes in the slow cooker. Make sure all the pieces of bread are soaked well in the custard mix. Use a spoon to gently press down any bread that floats to ensure it’s soaking properly.
5. Add the Butter:
Drizzle the melted butter over the top of the bread and egg mixture. This adds richness and flavor to your casserole.
6. Slow Cook:
Cover your slow cooker with the lid and set it to cook. Choose low for 6 to 7 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours. Check that the custard is set and the bread is tender before it’s time to serve.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
When your casserole is ready, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and scoop portions onto plates. Top each serving with maple syrup, a sprinkle of powdered sugar, glaze icing, or fresh banana slices if you like. Enjoy your cozy, comforting treat!
Can I Use Fresh Bread Instead of Day-Old Bread?
It’s best to use day-old bread for this recipe because it absorbs the egg mixture better without becoming mushy. However, if you must use fresh bread, let it sit out for a few hours to dry out, or lightly toast it before adding it to the casserole.
Can I Prepare This Casserole the Night Before?
Absolutely! You can assemble everything the night before, cover the slow cooker insert, and refrigerate it. In the morning, just set it in the slow cooker to cook. This makes for an easy and stress-free breakfast!
How Should I Store Leftover Casserole?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm individual portions in the microwave or in the oven at a low temperature until heated through.
Can I Add Other Ingredients?
Yes! Feel free to customize your casserole by adding fruits like berries or apples, nuts, or chocolate chips to the bread mixture before pouring the egg custard. Just remember to adjust the sweetener if you’re adding more ingredients that are naturally sweet!
