SLOW COOKER FRENCH TOAST CASSEROLE might be my favorite breakfast move when mornings feel too rushed for anything fancy. You toss everything in, walk away, and come back to a cozy brunch that smells like a bakery. No flipping slices, no babysitting the stove, and no stress if everyone wakes up at different times. I make this on weekends, holidays, and honestly whenever I want something warm and special without a lot of work. If you’ve got a slow cooker and a loaf of bread, you’re halfway there to a seriously good morning.
Ingredient Notes
This recipe is all about simple ingredients that taste like comfort. You probably have most of them already. Here’s what matters most and how to pick the good stuff:
- Bread: Use sturdy bread that’s a day or two old. Brioche, challah, or French bread make it rich and fluffy. Stale bread soaks up the custard better and keeps the texture from turning mushy.
- Eggs: The backbone of the custard. Large eggs work best and give a silky, set texture.
- Milk and cream: A mix makes it custardy and soft. Whole milk and a splash of heavy cream hit that sweet spot of richness without being heavy.
- Sweetener: Brown sugar adds a slight molasses flavor. A little goes a long way with all the cinnamon and vanilla.
- Flavor: Vanilla, cinnamon, and a pinch of nutmeg. Classic and comforting.
- Butter: Melted butter keeps the edges golden and the inside tender.
- Optional toppings: Streusel, powdered sugar, maple syrup, or fresh berries. All good choices.
If you love a warm breakfast that cooks while you sleep, you’ll probably also love these slow cooker steel cut oats. Same set-it-and-forget-it energy, different vibe.
Pro tip: Cut the bread into 1 to 1.5 inch cubes. Big cubes give you a nice balance of texture with creamy centers and crisp tops.
Substitutions
Whether you’re working with what you have or cooking for different diets, this casserole is flexible.
Dairy free: Use full-fat coconut milk or a rich almond milk, and swap the butter for coconut oil or a vegan butter. It will still set nicely.
Gluten free: Choose a sturdy gluten-free bread. Let it sit out to dry slightly so it holds up to the custard.
Lighter option: Use all milk instead of milk and cream, and cut the sugar by a tablespoon or two. A little vanilla and cinnamon still bring a ton of flavor.
No brown sugar: White sugar works, but add a drizzle of maple syrup for depth.
Nut-free: Skip nuts in the topping or on the table. Try toasted coconut flakes instead for crunch.
Flavor Twists You Can Try
Want to make it your own? Try these easy spins:
Blueberry lemon: Add blueberries and lemon zest to the custard. Sprinkle with powdered sugar at the end.
Apple pie: Fold in sautéed apples and a pinch of cloves. Perfect for chilly mornings.
Banana pecan: Add sliced bananas after cooking so they don’t get mushy, and top with toasted pecans. For a fun sweet crunch, serve with these candied cinnamon pecans.
Chocolate chip: Sprinkle mini chips between layers for a dessert-for-breakfast situation.
How to Make French Toast in a Crock Pot
You do not need special skills for this. It’s mostly layering and letting the slow cooker do its thing. Here’s the simple flow from pantry to plate:
- Grease your slow cooker insert really well with butter or nonstick spray. This helps the edges caramelize and makes cleanup easier.
- Whisk the custard: eggs, milk, cream, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. You want it smooth and pourable.
- Add half the bread cubes to the slow cooker. Pour half the custard evenly on top, pressing down lightly so the bread soaks it up.
- Repeat with the remaining bread and custard. Drizzle melted butter over the top. If you like a crumbly topping, mix a quick streusel of flour, brown sugar, and butter and sprinkle it on now.
- Cook on Low for 3 to 4 hours or until the center is set and the edges are lightly browned. Avoid High unless you’re in a rush, because High can make the outer layer overcook before the center sets.
- Let it rest for 10 minutes with the lid off before serving. This helps it slice cleaner and keeps the texture spot on.
Target texture: Custardy in the center, toasty on top. If the top looks pale, crack the lid for the last 20 minutes or switch to Warm and let steam escape.
If you love planning slow cooker meals for the weekend, I like to pair this with something savory later in the day. You can try this classic 5 star pot roast slow cooker recipe for dinner while the morning still smells like cinnamon.
“I made this for a family brunch and it disappeared fast. Set it up at night, hit start in the morning, and everyone asked for seconds. My kind of cooking.”
Once you’ve made SLOW COOKER FRENCH TOAST CASSEROLE a couple of times, you’ll get a feel for exactly how your slow cooker behaves. Different brands run a little hotter or cooler, so check at the 3 hour mark the first time.
Cooking Tips and Tricks
Think of these tips as the difference between good and great.
Use day-old bread: Fresh bread gets mushy. Dry it out on a sheet pan in a low oven if it’s too soft.
Keep the condensation in check: If your slow cooker gets a lot of moisture, place a clean kitchen towel under the lid while it cooks. It catches the drips and keeps the top from getting soggy.
Don’t overmix the custard: Whisk until just combined. Too much foam can make the texture airy instead of custardy.
Know your timing: Most slow cookers will hit perfect at about 3.5 hours on Low. If the edges are browning quickly, switch to Warm and let the center finish gently.
Serve smart: Powdered sugar melts fast on steam, so dust right before serving. Syrup should be warm. Fresh berries, yogurt, or a quick berry compote keep things bright.
Leftovers: Store in an airtight container up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or a 300 degree oven until warm. It freezes pretty well too, wrapped tightly in portions.
If you’re building a full slow cooker menu for a crowd, add a savory side like these creamy slow cooker mashed potatoes for later in the day. Sweet morning, cozy dinner. It’s a win.
What Goes with French Toast Casserole
Quick sides make brunch feel complete without extra effort. Here are a few easy ideas:
Fresh fruit like strawberries, blueberries, or sliced oranges. They cut through the sweetness and add color.
Protein such as bacon, sausage links, or turkey bacon for balance. Keep them warm in a low oven while the casserole finishes.
Yogurt bar with honey and granola. A little creamy tang with a crunchy finish is perfect next to a rich bite of casserole.
Warm sauce like a quick berry compote. If you want a hands-off option, this slow cooker berry crumble doubles as a dessert and spoonable topping for leftovers. And if you like gifting breakfast flavors, a jar of slow cooker Christmas jam on the table is always a hit.
Finish with maple syrup and a dusting of powdered sugar. The classics never fail.
Common Questions
Can I assemble SLOW COOKER FRENCH TOAST CASSEROLE the night before?
Yes. Assemble it, cover, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let the insert sit at room temp for 20 minutes before placing it in the base to avoid temperature shock, then cook as directed.
What size slow cooker should I use?
A 5 to 6 quart oval works best. Smaller sizes will need a longer cook time and may overcook on the edges, so check early.
How do I keep it from getting soggy?
Use day-old bread, do the towel-under-lid trick to catch condensation, and avoid opening the lid too often during cooking.
Can I make it without eggs?
You can try an egg substitute like a flax egg mixture plus a bit of cornstarch to help it set, but the texture will be different from classic custard.
How do I reheat leftovers?
Warm in a 300 degree oven for 10 to 15 minutes or microwave in 30-second bursts. Add a splash of milk if it seems dry.
Brunch Plans Made Easy
When I want cozy without chaos, SLOW COOKER FRENCH TOAST CASSEROLE always comes through. It’s simple to prep, reliable in the slow cooker, and easy to dress up with fruit or syrup. If you want more inspo or need a second opinion, check out this helpful guide from Easy Slow Cooker French Toast Casserole – Suburban Simplicity and compare notes with Slow Cooker French Toast Casserole – Recipes That Crock!. Now grab that loaf of bread, set your slow cooker, and let breakfast happen while you relax. You’re going to love how it makes your kitchen smell and how fast it disappears at the table. 
Slow Cooker French Toast Casserole
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 loaf sturdy bread (brioche, challah, or French) Day-old bread works best
- 8 large eggs For the custard base
- 2 cups whole milk Or a mix with cream
- 1/2 cup heavy cream Adds richness
- 1/2 cup brown sugar For sweetness
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract For flavor
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon Classic flavoring
- 1 pinch nutmeg Optional for depth
- 1/2 cup melted butter For texture and flavor
Optional Toppings
- 1 cup streusel For added crunch
- 1 cup powdered sugar For dusting before serving
- 1 cup maple syrup Classic serving option
- 1 cup fresh berries Optional fresh topping
Instructions
Preparation
- Grease your slow cooker insert with butter or nonstick spray.
- Whisk together eggs, milk, cream, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
- Cut the bread into 1 to 1.5 inch cubes and add half to the slow cooker.
- Pour half of the custard over the bread and press down lightly to soak.
- Repeat with the remaining bread and custard; drizzle melted butter on top.
- Optionally, sprinkle a crumbly streusel topping before cooking.
Cooking
- Cook on Low for 3 to 4 hours until the center is set and edges are lightly browned.
- Let it rest for 10 minutes with the lid off before serving.
