If you’re craving a morning treat that feels indulgent but requires very little hands-on effort, this Crockpot French Toast Casserole Recipe is about to become your new best friend. Imagine tender cubes of day-old bread soaking in a luscious, cinnamon-kissed custard, slowly cooked to perfection in your slow cooker. The result is a warm, comforting dish that’s soft, custardy, and lightly spiced—ideal for those cozy weekend breakfasts, special holiday brunches, or anytime you want to impress your guests without scrambling in the kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows six steps of making a dish in a black slow cooker on a white marbled surface. Step 1 has a few yellow-orange egg yolks floating in white milk with brown cinnamon powder sprinkled in the center. Step 2 shows the mixture blended into a smooth, light brown liquid with some yellow patches. Step 3 adds cubed white bread with crusts on top of the liquid, filling the cooker. Step 4 has a layer of crushed nuts sprinkled evenly over the bread. Step 5 adds a sprinkling of brown sugar over the nuts, creating a rough-textured layer. Step 6 finishes with small pieces of pale butter spread across the top. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create a wonderfully rich and cozy dish. Each component plays a special role: the bread forms the hearty base, while the egg and cream custard infuse flavor and tenderness. Cinnamon and vanilla add that classic warmth, and a touch of brown sugar brings just the right amount of sweetness.

1 loaf day-old bread (French bread, brioche, or challah): Stale bread soaks up the custard beautifully without turning mushy.
6 large eggs: These create the rich custard that binds the casserole together.
1½ cups milk: Adds creaminess and moisture for a tender crumb.
½ cup heavy cream: Enhances the custard’s richness and silky texture.
½ cup brown sugar: Gives a deep, caramel-like sweetness.
2 tablespoons melted butter: Adds a hint of richness and helps brown the casserole slightly.
1 teaspoon cinnamon: Provides warm, aromatic spice.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a lovely, sweet fragrance that brightens the flavors.
¼ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all other flavors.
Cooking spray: Prevents sticking and helps clean-up be a breeze.

How to Make Crockpot French Toast Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Crockpot

Start by giving your slow cooker a good spray with cooking spray to ensure the casserole doesn’t stick to the sides. This simple step will make serving and cleaning up much easier later on.

Step 2: Add the Bread

Spread the cubed day-old bread evenly at the bottom of the crockpot. Using slightly stale bread is key because it soaks up the custard better without dissolving into mush, giving you that perfect texture.

Step 3: Whisk the Custard

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, melted butter, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt. This blend is pure magic—it’s what gives the casserole its silky, custardy goodness and those cozy spices throughout.

Step 4: Layer and Soak

Pour the custard mixture over the bread cubes, making sure to cover them thoroughly. Gently press the bread down so it soaks up all the goodness. This little step guarantees every bite is loaded with flavor and softness.

Step 5: Cook Low and Slow

Cover the crockpot and cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours, or on HIGH for 2 to 3 hours, until the casserole is set and cooked through. The slow cooking is what makes the bread tender and the custard perfectly cooked without any fuss.

Step 6: Let It Rest

Once done, turn off the heat and let your casserole rest for about 10 minutes. This resting time helps the flavors meld and makes the dish easier to serve, so be patient—it’s worth the wait!

How to Serve Crockpot French Toast Casserole Recipe

Crockpot French Toast Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Top the casserole with a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of warm maple syrup, or a scattering of fresh berries for a burst of color and wholesome sweetness. Whipped cream or chopped nuts are also delightful options if you want to add some texture.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs beautifully with fresh fruit salad, a side of crispy bacon, or some fluffy scrambled eggs. These sides balance the rich, sweet casserole perfectly, making your breakfast or brunch feel complete and satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Crockpot French Toast Casserole Recipe in rustic ceramic dishes for a cozy vibe or on a beautiful platter with fresh herbs sprinkled around the edges to add freshness and color. You can even cut it into individual squares for an elegant brunch presentation that’s easy to grab and enjoy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The casserole tastes fantastic when lightly warmed up, making for an effortless next-day breakfast.

Freezing

You can freeze leftover casserole in a freezer-safe container for up to one month. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge before warming it gently in the oven or microwave.

Reheating

Reheat portions in the microwave for about 60 seconds or warm the whole casserole in a 350°F oven until heated through to maintain that soft, custardy texture.

FAQs

Can I use fresh bread instead of day-old bread?

While fresh bread can work in a pinch, day-old or slightly stale bread is best because it soaks up the custard without turning too mushy, resulting in a better texture.

Can I add fruits or nuts to the casserole?

Absolutely! Adding chopped apples, berries, or raisins before cooking elevates the flavor, and nuts can add wonderful crunch either before cooking or as a garnish.

Is it possible to make this casserole vegan?

This particular recipe relies heavily on eggs and dairy for its custard base, making it tricky to veganize without major modifications. However, using plant-based milk and egg substitutes could be experimented with, though texture and taste may vary.

Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?

You can, but it’s best to use a larger slow cooker or make two batches. Overfilling your crockpot may increase cooking time and affect even heat distribution.

How do I know when the casserole is fully cooked?

The casserole should be set in the middle and not jiggly when done. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached.

Final Thoughts

This Crockpot French Toast Casserole Recipe has truly become a beloved go-to for easy, cozy mornings filled with warmth and comfort. The combination of minimal effort and maximum flavor makes it a standout dish perfect for any occasion where you want to gather people around the table with a smile. Give it a try and get ready to savor every delicious, custardy bite.

Crockpot French Toast Casserole Recipe