This cinnamon-infused, buttery Slow Cooker French Toast Casserole recipe is an easy way to make a delicious breakfast with minimal prep. It’s perfect for Christmas morning or lazy weekends.
Slow-cooker breakfast casseroles are the best!
Do you love French toast but, like me, don't love the hassle of standing over a hot griddle, flipping slice after slice, especially when feeding a crowd? I created this Slow-Cooker French Toast Casserole for you!
I like to say it's like bread pudding with a buttery, crunchy topping and hints of cinnamon and nutmeg.
It's the perfect French toast recipe for Christmas morning or lazy weekends when you want something delicious and satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen. Another option is my Overnight Blueberry French Toast Casserole.
My ooey-gooey Slow Cooker Cinnamon Roll Casserole is another fabulous hands-off option that makes my family so happy.
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Ingredient Notes
Here are the simple ingredients to make your French toast:
- bread - we like brioche bread for its soft, fluffy texture, but Texas toast, French bread, and challah bread cubes also work. The best way to make the recipe is with stale bread.
- large eggs
- whole milk - to create the creamy custard mixture. Swap with half and half or cream for a more decadent casserole.
- real maple syrup - not imitation pancake syrup.
- pure vanilla extract - pure vanilla tastes so much better than imitation vanilla extract.
- pecans - an optional ingredient if you like a little nutty flavor and crunch.
- salt - just a hint to bring the sweet flavors together.
- ground cinnamon - the spice that's the star of the dish.
- ground nutmeg - another warm spice that combines well with cinnamon.
You can find the full ingredient list and instructions in the printable recipe card below.
Topping Ingredients
- butter - salted butter is what we like to use.
- brown sugar - light or dark brown sugar is okay.
- ground cinnamon
And, of course, don't forget the toppings after it’s cooked!
Maple syrup, powdered sugar, fresh fruit, and even a dollop of whipped cream (or vanilla ice cream) make delicious additions to this Crock Pot French Toast.
Substitutions
- If you don't have regular milk or have sensitivities, almond or soy milk can also work.
- You can substitute heavy cream for whole milk if you want a more decadent French Toast Casserole recipe.
- For a gluten-free option, try using gluten-free bread instead of regular bread.
- Feel free to add any extra flavors or mix-ins you like, such as chocolate chips, diced apples, or chopped nuts. We love pecans and walnuts.
Step-By-Step Instructions
STEP 1 - prep crock pot
Grease your slow cooker insert with nonstick cooking spray or butter.
STEP 2 - prepare bread
Cut the loaf of bread or slices into 1-inch cubes. Then, layer it with the pecans (if using) in the crockpot.
PRO TIP: This recipe is best with stale bread. If you don't have any on hand, simply place the cut cubes on a baking sheet and place them in a 250-degree F. oven for 10-minutes.
Ritika
STEP 3 - make egg custard
In a large bowl, whisk the 8 eggs, 3 cups milk, ¼ cup real maple syrup, 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon salt, 2 teaspoons cinnamon, and ½ teaspoon nutmeg.
STEP 4 - combine custard with bread
Pour the egg mixture over the cubed bread and nuts in the slow cooker. Stir gently to coat the bread.
If possible, let it sit for a couple of hours so the bread is saturated with the custard.
STEP 5 - make the topping
To make the topping, cut the butter into small pieces, set it aside, and then mix brown sugar and cinnamon in a small mixing bowl.
Next, sprinkle the brown sugar mixture over the soaked bread and top that with the butter pieces.
NOTE: If you need to make this casserole ahead, you can place the recipe in the refrigerator after step 5 until ready to cook. Please bring the crock insert to room temperature before placing it in your slow cooker, or it can crack!
STEP 6 - cook
Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on HIGH for 2 to 2 ½ hours or the LOW setting for 3 to 4 hours.
When done, serve your slow cooker french toast with warm maple syrup, powdered sugar, or fresh fruit.
PRO TIP: Use the 'warm setting' on your slow cooker to keep your crock pot french toast casserole warm while everyone is eating.
Cooking tips and tricks
- Bread: Although not totally necessary, stale bread makes the best French toast. You can either leave it at room temperature overnight or bake it in a 250-degree F. oven for 10 minutes.
- Toppings: Try topping your breakfast casserole with a sprinkle of cinnamon or powdered sugar, and drizzle the top with pure maple syrup or honey for added flavor.
- Make Ahead: For even more flavorful French bread, you can prepare the bread and custard mixture the night before and let it sit in the fridge overnight. Remember to take the insert out of the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature before placing it in the slow cooker so it doesn't crack.
- All models of crock pots cook differently. Get to know your slow cooker and adjust the time accordingly.
What goes with French toast casserole
Here are some fabulous sides if you’re serving your casserole for breakfast or brunch.
- Bacon Bit's
- Scrambled eggs or omelets
- Fresh fruit
- Sausage patties or links
- Yogurt
- Grilled peaches
- Smoked salmon
- Granola
How to store
FRIDGE—Leftover Crock Pot French Toast can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to three days. (PS—it's great the next morning!)
Reheat pieces in the microwave or a skillet on the stove until warm.
FREEZER—You can also freeze this French toast for future breakfasts. Let it cool, and place it in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Remember to label and date it.
Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Enjoy your cozy breakfast creation with your family, sipping a hot cup of coffee or tea and savoring the ease and tastiness of a delicious breakfast of Crock Pot French Toast.
More slow cooker breakfast recipes
Love this French Toast Casserole recipe? Please leave a 5 star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating in the recipe card below ⬇️ and/or a review in the comment section further down.
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Printable Recipe
Slow Cooker French Toast Casserole Recipe
Equipment
- cutting board
Ingredients
- 24 ounces stale Brioche bread (about a loaf and a half. You can use French or Challah bread or Texas toast)
- ½ cup pecans (chopped, optional)
- 8 large eggs
- 3 cups whole milk
- ¼ cup real maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Topping
- ½ cup butter (sliced)
- ½ cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Grease your slow cooker insert with nonstick cooking spray or butter.
- Cut the loaf of bread or slices into 1-inch cubes. Then, layer it with the pecans (if using) in the crockpot. PRO TIP: This recipe is best with stale bread. If you don't have any on hand, simply place the cut cubes on a baking sheet and place them in a 250-degree F. oven for 10-minutes.
- Whisk the eggs, milk, real maple syrup, pure vanilla extract, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a large bowl.
- Pour the egg mixture over the cubed bread and nuts in the slow cooker. Stir gently to coat the bread. If possible, but not nessary, let it sit for a couple of hours, so the bread is saturated with the custard.
- To make the topping, cut the butter into small pieces, set it aside, and then mix brown sugar and cinnamon in a small mixing bowl. Next, sprinkle the brown sugar mixture over the top of the soaked bread and top that with the butter pieces.
- Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on HIGH for 2 to 2 ½ hours or the LOW setting for 3 to 4 hours. When done, serve your slow cooker french toast with warm maple syrup, powdered sugar, or fresh fruit.
Video
Notes
- Although not totally necessary, stale bread makes the best French toast. You can either leave it out at room temperature overnight or bake it in a 250-degree F. oven for 10 minutes.
- Try topping your breakfast casserole with a sprinkle of cinnamon or powdered sugar, and drizzle the top with pure maple syrup or honey for added flavor.
- You can prepare the bread and custard mixture the night before and let it sit in the fridge overnight for even more flavorful French toast.
Marcie says
Made this today for a gathering after church. It was amazing cooked while I was at church came home and perfect. Going to keep this one for the holidays!!!
Ritika Gann says
Yum! I hope everyone else enjoyed it too!!
Rebecca Fischer says
The best French Toast in a crock pot!
Ritika Gann says
So glad to hear that you liked it!
Amanda says
Hello, could this be prepped and left in the fridge overnight? Want to make this Christmas morning and fridge to slow cooker would be convenient
Thank you.
Ritika Gann says
Hey Amanda! To avoid the bread getting too soggy, I’d make the “custard” part in a large bowl separately and refrigerate. You can cube up the bread beforehand too. In the morning, just add the bread to the slow cooker and pour the custard over it and cook as planned!
Carol says
Regarding your response to Amanda, wouldn’t waiting until morning to combine wet and dry hinder the ability of the bread to soak up all that goodness? Isn’t it supposed to be soft? If cooked properly the bread shouldn’t be soggy either.
Ritika Gann says
Hi Carol, I haven’t tried combining everything the night before. If they’re combined in the morning and cooked according to instructions, it’ll be soft and great consistency!
Donna Torres says
Approximately how many does this recipe serve.
Ritika Gann says
Hi Donna, this recipe serves 12 people!