Description
Waking up to the smell of warm cinnamon, buttery bread, and sweet vanilla is exactly what mornings should feel like—and with this Slow Cooker French Toast Casserole, you don’t have to lift a finger in the morning to make it happen. This easy, comforting breakfast bakes right in your crockpot while you sleep, making it one of the best Crockpot French Toast options for holidays, weekends, or any time you want a make-ahead breakfast that feels like a hug in a bowl.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients for Slow Cooker French Toast Casserole:
- 1 loaf of French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 8 cups)
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Optional Toppings:
- Powdered sugar
- Maple syrup
- Fresh berries or sliced bananas
- Chopped pecans or walnuts
Instructions
- Prep the Bread: Cut the French bread into 1-inch cubes and let it sit out for a few hours or overnight to dry slightly. Dry bread soaks up the egg custard better and prevents sogginess.
- Grease the Slow Cooker: Spray the inside of your slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray or coat it with softened butter to prevent sticking.
- Make the Custard: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, brown sugar, white sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and melted butter until well combined.
- Assemble the Casserole: Place half of the bread cubes into the slow cooker. Pour half of the custard mixture over the bread. Add the remaining bread cubes and pour over the rest of the custard. Press gently to ensure all bread is soaked.
- Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or on HIGH for 2.5–3 hours, until the edges are golden brown and the center is set. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking to keep moisture and heat sealed in.
- Serve: Spoon into bowls and top with powdered sugar, maple syrup, and your favorite fruits or nuts. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Overnight option: Assemble the casserole in the slow cooker insert, cover, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, place the insert in the slow cooker base and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 2.5–3 hours.
- Best bread: Use slightly stale or toasted French bread, brioche, sourdough, or challah for the best texture. Very soft sandwich bread can become soggy.
- Flavor variations: Try pumpkin spice (add pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice), apple cinnamon (add sautéed apples), berry cream cheese, pecan praline, or chocolate chip between the layers.
- Common mistakes to avoid: Don’t use very fresh bread, don’t overcook (check at the minimum time), and always grease the slow cooker to prevent sticking.
- Storing & reheating: Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1–2 minutes or in the oven at 325°F (163°C) for 10–15 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 220mg
Keywords: Slow Cooker French Toast Casserole, Crockpot French Toast, Overnight French Toast Casserole, Make Ahead Breakfast, Holiday Brunch Recipe, Cozy Breakfast Casserole