Indulge in the cozy comfort of a classic French toast casserole without the hassle of morning prep with this Slow Cooker French Toast Casserole recipe. Perfect for lazy weekend mornings or special occasions, this make-ahead dish combines the rich flavors of cinnamon, maple syrup, and butter with the fluffy texture of cubed bread, all cooked to perfection in your trusty slow cooker. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself to a leisurely brunch, this easy and delicious recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Let’s dive in and discover how to make this irresistible breakfast treat!
Introduction
French toast is a beloved breakfast classic, but preparing it can be time-consuming, especially when you’re cooking for a group. That’s where this Slow Cooker French Toast Casserole comes in handy. By using your slow cooker, you can effortlessly whip up a delicious batch of French toast casserole with minimal effort. Simply assemble the ingredients the night before, pop them in the slow cooker in the morning, and let the appliance do the work while you enjoy a leisurely morning. Plus, this recipe is highly customizable, allowing you to adjust the flavors and ingredients to suit your preferences.
Ingredients
- 6 eggs
- 4 cups of cubed bread (such as French bread or brioche)
- 2 cups of milk
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup of maple syrup
- 1/4 cup of cubed unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 cup of chopped pecans
For the topping:
- 1/2 cup of light brown sugar
- 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Bread
- Start by cubing the bread into bite-sized pieces. You can use French bread, brioche, or any other type of bread you prefer.
Step 2: Prepare the Egg Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, ground cinnamon, and maple syrup until well combined.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
- Grease the inside of your slow cooker with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
- Place half of the cubed bread in the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Sprinkle half of the chopped pecans over the bread.
- Pour half of the egg mixture over the bread and pecans.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining bread, pecans, and egg mixture.
Step 4: Cook the Casserole
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 4-6 hours or on high heat for 2-3 hours, until the French toast is set and cooked through.
Step 5: Make the Topping
- In a small bowl, combine the light brown sugar and ground cinnamon to make the topping.
Step 6: Serve
- Once the French toast casserole is cooked, sprinkle the topping evenly over the top.
- Serve the casserole warm, drizzled with additional maple syrup if desired.
Cook Notes and Variations
- Add Fruit: Enhance the flavor of your French toast casserole by adding sliced fruit such as bananas, berries, or apples between the layers.
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to customize the flavor of your French toast casserole by adding ingredients such as vanilla extract, nutmeg, or orange zest to the egg mixture.
- Make It Ahead: This casserole can be assembled the night before and refrigerated overnight. Simply cover the slow cooker insert with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate until ready to cook.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: Can I use a different type of bread? A: Yes, you can use any type of bread you prefer for this recipe. French bread, brioche, challah, or even whole wheat bread will work well.
Q: Can I omit the pecans? A: Absolutely! Feel free to omit the pecans or substitute them with another type of nut, or leave them out entirely for a nut-free version.
Q: Can I double the recipe? A: Yes, you can double the ingredients to make a larger batch of French toast casserole. Simply adjust the cooking time accordingly and make sure your slow cooker can accommodate the extra volume.
Keto Version
For a keto-friendly version of this Slow Cooker French Toast Casserole, you can substitute the bread with low-carb alternatives such as almond flour bread or coconut flour bread. Additionally, use a low-carb sweetener such as erythritol or stevia instead of maple syrup, and omit the topping or use a keto-friendly sweetener for the topping.
In conclusion, Slow Cooker French Toast Casserole is a delicious and convenient breakfast option that’s perfect for busy mornings or leisurely brunches. With its rich flavors and fluffy texture, this make-ahead dish is sure to satisfy your cravings and impress your family and friends. Whether you’re hosting a brunch gathering or simply looking for a cozy breakfast treat, this recipe is a must-try. So dust off your slow cooker, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a delightful breakfast that’s both easy and delicious!
