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Slow Cooker French Toast Casserole Recipe

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4.2 from 10 reviews

This Slow Cooker French Toast Casserole is a comforting and easy breakfast dish perfect for busy mornings. Cubed stale brioche bread is soaked in a creamy custard made with eggs, whole milk, maple syrup, and warm spices, then slow-cooked to a soft and custardy perfection. A sweet cinnamon-brown sugar and butter topping caramelizes during cooking, creating a rich and flavorful breakfast casserole that serves 12.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 24 ounces stale Brioche bread (about a loaf and a half; can substitute with French, 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

Topping

  • ½ cup butter, sliced
  • ½ cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Slow Cooker: Grease the slow cooker insert thoroughly with nonstick cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
  2. Cube the Bread: Cut the brioche or alternative bread into 1-inch cubes. Layer the cubed bread evenly in the crockpot, adding chopped pecans between layers if using. For best results, stale bread is preferred; if using fresh bread, dry it out by baking the cubes in a 250°F oven for 10 minutes.
  3. Mix Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until fully combined and smooth.
  4. Combine Bread and Custard: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the cubed bread and nuts in the slow cooker. Gently stir to ensure all pieces are coated. For maximum custard absorption, allow the mixture to sit for a couple of hours before cooking if time permits.
  5. Prepare Topping: Mix the brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the soaked bread, then dot the top with slices of butter.
  6. Cook the Casserole: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on HIGH for 2 to 2 ½ hours or on LOW for 3 to 4 hours. The casserole is done when the custard is set and a knife inserted near the center comes out clean.
  7. Serve: Serve the French toast casserole warm, topped with extra maple syrup, powdered sugar, or fresh fruit as desired for a delicious breakfast treat.

Notes

  • For best texture, use stale bread or let fresh bread cubes dry in a low oven before assembling.
  • Adding pecans is optional but adds a nice crunchy texture and flavor.
  • You can prep the casserole in advance and refrigerate it before cooking to make mornings even easier.
  • If the top browns too quickly, you can cover the slow cooker with foil underneath the lid during the last part of cooking.
  • Make sure to grease your slow cooker well to prevent sticking and to aid in easy serving.

Find it online: https://bitezly.com/slow-cooker-french-toast-casserole-recipe/