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.
Deb says
Can this recipe be doubled?
Ritika Gann says
Hey Deb - technically, yes. However, I think your slow cooker won't be able to hold a doubled batch all at once. You could potentially do it in two rounds (just don't let the bread sit in the custard while you wait for one batch to finish cooking).
Erin Henry says
Loved it!
Teddy says
Could I double this recipe if I have a large crockpot? Thank you again!
Erin Henry says
We haven't tried doubling the recipe but it seems like it should work. Just make sure it cooks through. Thanks for giving the recipe a try!
Noelle says
If you prep it the night before do you put the custard mixture with the bread and let it sit in the fridge or do it separately?
Erin Henry says
You put the bread and custard mixture in together and let it sit. So it doesn't crack, just make sure to take your crock insert out of the fridge and let it come to room temperature before putting it in the slow cooker.
Rita Richard says
When you talk about putting this into the crockpot insert, are you referring to the black ceramic bowl in every crockpot?
Erin Henry says
Good questions. Yes, you are correct. The ceramic bowl in the crockpot.
Amy Belcher says
I don’t know what I did wrong but mine was a soupy, soggy mess. I used stale bread and all the other tips and tricks.
Denise says
This sounds delicious, but we have dairy allergies. Can alternate milks be used, like oat/almond milk, for this recipe and have the same outcome?
Erin Henry says
Although we haven't tried the recipe with alternative milk options, we think it should work. Oat or almond sounds delish!
DONA SPEIGHTS says
Perfect for when the family stays overnight. Wonderful easy recipe! I'm making it for my brunch group meeting too! Thank you
Mary Ellen R Lunde says
I made this for a community potluck brunch and got a lot of favorable comments and requests for the recipe.
Erin Henry says
We love hearing that, Mary! So glad the recipe was such a hit!
Mary says
I’m bringing this to a family gathering already cooked. It’s a 30 minute drive I was planning on putting it on the “warm” setting when we arrive. Do you think it will still be good if it sits on the warm cycle for 1-2 hours
Erin Henry says
Good question, Mary. It will be good for a while, but depending on how hot your slow cooker gets, 2 hours might dry it out.
Juli says
Could I make this the night before and put on warm the next morning to get it hot enough?
Erin Henry says
We haven't tried that, Juli, so can't speak to the results. The edges get crispy after cooking, so you may lose that if you cooked and then reheated the next day. However, the flavor should be okay. Give it a try and let us know!
Rose says
Easy slow cooker French toast. How many slices of bread do you use?
Erin Henry says
We use a loaf from the bakery section of the grocery store and cut it ourselves. In total, you'll use about 24 ounces of bread.
Katie says
I love how easy this breakfast is! Great flavors too.
Kristyn says
This is one of our favorite recipes to make on the weekends! We have more time to sit & enjoy breakfast & this is always on the menu!! I have made it for extended family & it's always a hit!
Melissa says
I made your recipe last week - my family loved it!