Description

A hands-off, comforting slow cooker French toast casserole perfect for cozy mornings, featuring a custardy texture with cinnamon and vanilla flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

1 loaf bread (about 10 cups cubed) – brioche, challah, thick-cut white bread, or sourdough
8 large eggs
2 cups whole milk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/4 cup brown sugar (50g)
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons (30g) melted butter
Optional add-ins:
1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
1 cup fresh or frozen berries (blueberries or raspberries)
Sliced bananas

Instructions

Cut bread into 1-inch cubes and spread on a baking sheet. Let sit uncovered for a few hours or overnight to dry out slightly.
In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, brown sugar, salt, and melted butter until smooth and well combined.
Lightly grease the slow cooker insert with butter or non-stick spray.
Layer half of the bread cubes evenly in the bottom of the slow cooker. Sprinkle half of the optional nuts or fruit if using.
Pour half of the custard mixture evenly over the bread layer.
Repeat layering with remaining bread, nuts or fruit, and custard. Press down gently to ensure bread soaks in custard.
Cover and cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours. Avoid opening the lid during the first few hours.
Check that custard is set and top is golden with slightly crispy edges.
Serve warm with maple syrup, fresh berries, powdered sugar, whipped cream, or cookie crumbles as desired.

Notes

Use day-old or dried bread to prevent sogginess. Melted butter in custard and greasing slow cooker helps create a golden top. Resist opening lid early to ensure custard sets properly. Customize with nuts, fruits, or spices like nutmeg. For vegan version, use almond milk, flax eggs, and coconut oil. Assemble night before and refrigerate for easy morning cooking.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 4 to 5 hours
Category: Breakfast, Brunch
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving (approxima
Calories: 320
Sugar: 12
Sodium: 280
Fat: 12
Saturated Fat: 6
Carbohydrates: 40
Fiber: 2
Protein: 10

Keywords: slow cooker, French toast casserole, breakfast casserole, brunch recipe, easy breakfast, cinnamon, vanilla, comfort food