Easy Slow Cooker French Toast Casserole

This 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 don't love the hassle of standing over a hot griddle, flipping slice after slice? Especially when feeding a crowd?

Then this Slow Cooker French Toast Casserole is for you! 

We like to say it's kind of 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.

Our ooey-gooey Slow Cooker Cinnamon Roll Casserole is another fabulous hands-off option.

Jump to:

• Ingredient Notes 
• Substitutions
• Step-By-Step Instructions
• Cooking tips and tricks
• What goes with French toast casserole
• How to store
• More slow cooker breakfast recipes
• Recipe

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.

Erin

STEP 3 - make egg custard

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 in a large bowl.

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 top of 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: To keep your crock pot french toast casserole warm while everyone is eating, use the ‘warm setting’ on your slow cooker. 

Erin

Cooking tips and tricks

• 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.
• 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.
• YouDon'tprepare the bread and custard mixture the night before and let it sit in the fridge overnight for even more flavorful French. Don't forget 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 - You can store leftover Crock Pot French Toast 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. Don't forget 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

How did it go?

If you try this Slow Cooker French Toast Casserole or any other breakfast recipe on Suburban Simplicity, don’t forget to rate it and let us know how it went in the comments below, we love hearing from you!

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Recipe

Food safety

• Begin with a clean cooker, clean utensils, and a clean work area. Wash hands before and during food preparation, especially when touching raw meat.
• Keep perishable foods refrigerated until preparation time.
• Make sure to cook eggs to an internal temperature of 145 degrees F.

See more slow cooker and food safety guidelines at USDA.gov.