Easy Slow Cooker French Toast Casserole is a game-changer for busy mornings, transforming a classic breakfast into a hands-off, incredibly delicious meal. This recipe is perfect for anyone looking to simplify their weekend brunch or weekday breakfast routine without sacrificing flavor or that comforting French toast taste.
Key Ingredients for Easy Slow Cooker French Toast Casserole
- 1 loaf (16 ounces) of brioche, challah, or French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Butter or cooking spray, for greasing the slow cooker
- Optional toppings: maple syrup, fresh berries, powdered sugar, whipped cream
How to Make Easy Slow Cooker French Toast Casserole
This Easy Slow Cooker French Toast Casserole is a dream for busy mornings! It offers a wonderfully simple way to enjoy a decadent breakfast with minimal effort. The magic lies in the slow cooker’s ability to infuse every bite with rich, custardy goodness, creating a fluffy yet incredibly moist texture that will leave you utterly satisfied. Preparation time is a mere 15 minutes of active time, making it the perfect fuss-free option.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Bread: Begin by cutting your bread into 1-inch cubes. If your bread is very fresh, you can lightly toast the cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet at 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes. This helps prevent them from becoming too mushy in the casserole, though it’s not strictly necessary for a delicious result.
- Grease the Slow Cooker: Thoroughly grease the inside of your slow cooker insert with butter or cooking spray. This is crucial to prevent the casserole from sticking and ensure easy removal after cooking.
- Arrange the Bread: Place the bread cubes evenly in the greased slow cooker insert, filling it about two-thirds of the way full.
- Whisk the Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, ground nutmeg, and salt until thoroughly combined and smooth. Ensure the sugar is fully dissolved.
- Pour the Custard: Gently pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread cubes in the slow cooker. Lightly press down on the bread with a spatula to help it absorb the liquid.
- Let it Soak (Optional but Recommended): For the best flavor and texture, cover the slow cooker and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or ideally, overnight. This allows the bread to soak up the custard, resulting in a more consistent and delicious casserole.
- Cook the Casserole: Remove the slow cooker from the refrigerator. Cover with the lid and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours. The French toast casserole is done when the center is set and no longer jiggly, and the top is golden brown.
- Serve: Once cooked, carefully remove the slow cooker insert. Let the casserole sit for a few minutes before scooping out generous portions. Serve warm with your favorite toppings.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Slow Cooker French Toast Casserole
You’ll absolutely adore this Easy Slow Cooker French Toast Casserole for its unparalleled simplicity and incredibly comforting flavors. Unlike traditional French toast that requires constant attention at the stovetop, this slow cooker version lets you set it and forget it, delivering a perfectly fluffy and custard-infused breakfast with minimal effort. It’s a fantastic way to save money on expensive café breakfasts, transforming everyday ingredients into a gourmet treat right in your own kitchen. The warm spices of cinnamon and nutmeg mingle beautifully with the rich, eggy custard, creating a delightful aroma that fills your home.
Imagine a breakfast that tastes like it took hours, but genuinely took minutes of prep! This casserole is the perfect example, offering a delightful alternative to weekend pancakes or waffles. The delightful aroma wafting from your slow cooker is just the beginning, promising a breakfast that’s both satisfying and incredibly delicious. So, gather your ingredients, pop everything into the slow cooker, and get ready to wow your family (or yourself!) with this effortless yet utterly delightful breakfast.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Storing Leftovers:
Once cooled, transfer any leftover Easy Slow Cooker French Toast Casserole to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is well-sealed to maintain freshness and prevent moisture loss.
Reheating:
- Microwave: For a quick reheat, place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate and microwave on medium power for 30-60 seconds, or until heated through. Be mindful not to overheat, as this can make it rubbery.
- Oven: For a more evenly heated and slightly crisped texture, place individual or larger portions in an oven-safe dish. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until warm throughout. You may want to add a splash of milk or cream before reheating if it seems dry.
Freezing for Future Meals:
To freeze, allow the casserole to cool completely. Cut into individual portions and wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. Alternatively, you can place individual portions in freezer-safe containers. Frozen casserole will stay fresh for up to 2-3 months. To reheat from frozen, remove the wrapping and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until heated through, adding a little moisture if needed.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Slow Cooker French Toast Casserole is a delightful testament to how simple ingredients and a slow cooker can create a breakfast masterpiece. Give it a try for a stress-free, delicious start to any day!
Easy Slow Cooker French Toast Casserole
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Begin by cutting your bread into 1-inch cubes. If your bread is very fresh, you can lightly toast the cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet at 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes. This helps prevent them from becoming too mushy in the casserole, though it’s not strictly necessary for a delicious result.1 loaf (16 ounces) brioche, challah, or French bread
- Thoroughly grease the inside of your slow cooker insert with butter or cooking spray. This is crucial to prevent the casserole from sticking and ensure easy removal after cooking.Butter or cooking spray
- Place the bread cubes evenly in the greased slow cooker insert, filling it about two-thirds of the way full.1 loaf (16 ounces) brioche, challah, or French bread
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, ground nutmeg, and salt until thoroughly combined and smooth. Ensure the sugar is fully dissolved.6 large eggs, 2 cups whole milk, 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Gently pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread cubes in the slow cooker. Lightly press down on the bread with a spatula to help it absorb the liquid.1 loaf (16 ounces) brioche, challah, or French bread, 6 large eggs, 2 cups whole milk, 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon salt
- For the best flavor and texture, cover the slow cooker and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or ideally, overnight. This allows the bread to soak up the custard, resulting in a more consistent and delicious casserole.
- Remove the slow cooker from the refrigerator. Cover with the lid and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours. The French toast casserole is done when the center is set and no longer jiggly, and the top is golden brown.
- Once cooked, carefully remove the slow cooker insert. Let the casserole sit for a few minutes before scooping out generous portions. Serve warm with your favorite toppings.