Easy Overnight French Toast
Save time and stress by preparing French toast casserole in the slow cooker the day before you need it. Instead of individually dipping and pan-frying each custardy slice of bread, add everything to the slow cooker, soak it overnight, then let the slow cooker work its magic in the morning! An overnight soak gives the custard plenty of time to soak into the buttery cubes of toasted brioche. The casserole then gently cooks in the slow cooker to produce tender, pudding-like results, loaded with the warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg, with a touch of sweetness from vanilla. Grab a bottle of maple syrup! You’ll want to dig in as soon as this casserole is ready!
Why Make French Toast Casserole in the Slow Cooker?
I didn’t realize how versatile a slow cooker could be until it transformed bread, egg, and cream into the most luxurious breakfast treat! Using a slow cooker saves me time and builds a better French toast casserole. I love not having to fire up the oven, plus I can take this dish anywhere! I prepare the toasted brioche and the custard the night before, then let the slow cooker take over in the morning. This gives me a chance to enjoy my first cup of hot tea and watch cartoons with my kids. Also, when you bake a custard, typically you want a warm and moist environment so the texture stays velvety, instead of rubbery, which can happen when custard is overcooked. The slow cooker mimics just the right steamy environment. The eggs in the casserole cook gently over a longer period of time, allowing the creamy, spice-infused custard to bring everything together.
What’s the Best Bread for French Toast Casserole?
French brioche is my top choice for French toast. It’s a tender and rich bread made with flour, butter, eggs, and a touch of sugar. It has a nice chew, with golden buttery crust, but yields a silky texture when it absorbs the custard. I found pre-sliced loaves at Trader Joe’s, which I then cut into cubes. Brioche rolls, loaves, and burger buns work great as well. Challah, French bread, or even sourdough would be tasty substitutes.
How Do You Make This French Toast Casserole?
French toast casserole is easy to make. Here’s how! As the casserole cooks, it will puff up, then deflate a bit. When done, the center should no longer be jiggly. Custards are ready to eat at 175oF.
How Much Time Does It Need to Cook?
French toast casserole is a wonderful dish to make on slow and laid back weekend mornings, for Sunday brunch, or when you need to serve a group buffet style. Depending upon when you want to eat, plan for 30 minutes to take the chill off the insert before cooking. If you placed the cold insert and food in the slow cooker, it would increase the time it takes for the temperature to ramp up. Letting the pot sit briefly at room temperature helps to reduce cook time. The casserole should be ready in about two and a half hours if cooked on the high setting. If cooked on the low setting, it should take about five hours. Your kitchen is going to smell amazing! It’s best not to slow cook the casserole overnight—the eggs in the casserole may overcook and become rubbery in texture, instead of smooth and custardy.
A Great Make-Ahead Breakfast for the Week!
This French Toast Casserole also reheats well, so it’s a good choice if you need a make-ahead breakfast for the week. French toast casserole can be refrigerated for up to five days and then reheated in the microwave. Reheat in 30-second intervals until warmed through, about 1 1/2 to 2 minutes.
What Are Some Ways to Adapt This Recipe?
The ways to add some variety and excitement to this basic Slow Cooker French Toast Casserole are endless. Try any of the following:
Top with sliced strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries.Add dried cranberries, raisins, or apples to cook with the casserole.Sauté apples or peaches with brown sugar and butter, then serve on top.Mix up the spices and add cardamom, cloves, ginger, or even cocoa powder.Add crunch with chopped pecans, almonds, or walnuts.Kids love chocolate chips on top or in the casseroleMake mom happy with some homemade caramel sauce drizzled over the top.
Try These Sweet or Savory Breakfast Casseroles
Baked Blueberry French Toast Casserole Got leftovers? Anything goes with this casserole. Ham and Cheese are a classic casserole combination! Baked Cherry French Toast Casserole is perfect for spring! Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Casserole is simple and satisfying!
Once cool, transfer toasted bread to the slow cooker and arrange in an even layer. The casserole is ready when the custard is set in the center and puffy; it should not be runny or jiggle. It will shrink slightly once the heat is turned off. The center of the casserole should be above 175oF when tested with a thermometer.
