This Slow Cooker French Toast Casserole is your new breakfast best friend! It’s warm, fluffy, and filled with sweet, buttery goodness that makes mornings a treat.
What’s great is that you can toss everything in the slow cooker the night before. I just love waking up to the smell of breakfast without lifting a finger! 🥞
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
French Bread: The texture of French bread is perfect for soaking up the custard. If you don’t have French bread, you can use challah or brioche for a richer flavor and fluffiness.
Eggs: Eggs give the casserole its structure. If you’re looking for a vegan option, flax eggs or silken tofu blended until smooth can be good substitutes. Just keep in mind it may alter the texture slightly.
Milk & Cream: Whole milk gives a nice creaminess, while heavy cream adds richness. If you’re lactose intolerant, try almond milk or oat milk as alternatives. You could also skip the cream to lighten it up a bit.
Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the dish, but feel free to swap it with brown sugar for a deeper flavor. Maple syrup can also be used as a sweetener for a twist!
Nuts: Walnuts or pecans add a great crunch. If you prefer it nut-free, simply leave them out or substitute with seeds like sunflower seeds.
How Do I Ensure My Casserole is Perfectly Set?
Getting the right texture in your French toast casserole is key! Here’s how to make sure it sets perfectly:
- Soak: Let the bread soak in the egg mixture for at least 30 minutes before cooking. Press down to ensure it’s all coated.
- Low and Slow: Cooking on low heat for 6-7 hours allows the casserole to set gently, preventing a soggy bottom. It’s a slow cooker, so resist the urge to crank up the heat!
- Check for Doneness: The center should be set and the top golden brown. A toothpick inserted should come out clean.
Following these tips will give you a delightful casserole that’s fluffy, flavorful, and perfectly cooked!
Slow Cooker French Toast Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 loaf (about 12 ounces) of French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
- Maple syrup (for serving)
- Fresh berries (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus 6 to 7 hours of cooking time on LOW. It’s perfect for making ahead of time; you can prep it the night before and let the slow cooker do all the work while you sleep!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Slow Cooker:
Start by greasing the inside of a 4- to 6-quart slow cooker with butter or non-stick spray. This will help prevent the casserole from sticking, making serving easier.
2. Add the Bread:
Place the cubed French bread into the slow cooker. Spread the cubes out evenly to make sure every piece gets that delicious egg mixture absorbed.
3. Mix the Custard:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until everything is combined nicely. This custard will soak into the bread, so make sure it’s all well-blended!
4. Combine:
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread cubes in the slow cooker. Use a spatula or your hands to gently press the bread down, ensuring that it absorbs the custard mixture.
5. Add Nuts and Butter:
If you’re using nuts, sprinkle the chopped walnuts or pecans over the top of the bread. Then, dot the top with small pieces of butter to add extra richness and flavor.
6. Cook:
Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6 to 7 hours. The casserole should be set and have a nice golden top when it’s ready. Don’t worry if you wake up to the aroma of sweet French toast; it’s all part of the magic!
7. Serve:
Once cooked, be careful when removing the casserole from the slow cooker; use pot holders or let it cool slightly on warm. Dust with powdered sugar, cut into squares, and serve warm with maple syrup and fresh berries for the perfect finishing touch.
Enjoy this comforting, effortless breakfast perfect for family mornings or special occasions! It’s sure to be a hit!
Can I Use Whole Wheat Bread Instead of French Bread?
Yes, you can use whole wheat bread for a healthier option! Just keep in mind that it may give a denser texture compared to the light, fluffy consistency of traditional French bread.
Can I Make This Casserole the Night Before?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole the night before and assemble it in the slow cooker. Just cover it and store in the fridge. In the morning, set it to cook on LOW, and it will be ready by breakfast!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm individual portions in the microwave or place in the oven covered with foil at a low temperature until heated through.
What Can I Use Instead of Heavy Cream?
If you want to reduce fat or calories, you can substitute the heavy cream with additional milk or use a non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk. The texture might be slightly different but still delicious!