Let’s talk about a dish that’s ALL the comfort with NONE of the hassle: Brioche French Toast Casserole. It’s like your favorite French toast but leveled up into a big, warm, custardy hug. No flipping, no rushing just one casserole dish of PURE BREAKFAST MAGIC.
The first time my husband whipped this up, it was a total game-changer. He made it for brunch with my family, and now they ask for it EVERY SINGLE TIME. Since then, we’ve kept it as a go-to recipe for holidays, weekends, and anytime we want an easy crowd-pleaser.
I love serving it with Sourdough Bagels or a side of Sausage Patties in Air Fryer .
If you’re ready to try it, let’s break it down step by step.
— ❖ —
The Ingredients You’ll Need for Brioche French Toast Casserole
To make this foolproof casserole, here’s what you’ll need to grab:
For the Base:
- 1 loaf brioche bread: Cut it into thick slices or cubes.
- 6 eggs: Room temperature works best!
- 2 cups whole milk: You can sub with almond or oat milk if needed.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Makes it extra rich.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: For sweetness.
- ½ cup brown sugar: Adds that caramel-y goodness.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Because vanilla makes everything better.
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon: A warm, cozy flavor.
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg: Optional, but highly recommended for depth.
For the Topping:
- ½ cup brown sugar: Sweet and crumbly.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted: Mixes perfectly with the sugar.
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon: For a hint of spice.
- ½ cup chopped pecans: Optional but adds crunch.
— ❖ —
Making The Brioche French Toast Casserole
1. Prep Your Bread
First, cut the brioche into 1-inch cubes. Since this bread is SOFT and BUTTERY, it makes the perfect base for soaking up custard without falling apart.
2. Make the Custard
Next, whisk the eggs, milk, cream, sugars, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a large bowl until smooth. Because the mixture needs to coat all the bread evenly, make sure it’s thoroughly combined.
3. Layer the Dish
Then, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the bread cubes evenly across the dish. Afterward, pour the custard over the top, making sure every piece of bread is soaked. Gently press down to help the bread absorb the liquid evenly.
4. Add the Topping
Meanwhile, mix the melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and pecans in a small bowl. Once mixed, crumble the topping over the casserole for an irresistible sweet crunch.
5. Chill It Overnight
At this point, cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 6 hours or, ideally, overnight. This chilling process is crucial because it allows the bread to fully absorb the custard and develop maximum flavor.
6. Bake It
Finally, preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake the casserole for 30 minutes covered with foil, then uncover it and bake for another 15-20 minutes. As soon as the top is golden and crisp, it’s ready to serve.
— ❖ —
Storage Tips for Brioche French Toast Casserole
If you’ve got leftovers (RARE in my house!), make sure to store them the RIGHT WAY. Scoop the casserole into an airtight container and pop it in the fridge good for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to dig in again, warm it up in the oven at 325°F for about 10–15 minutes. That way, the topping stays CRISPY, and the custard stays DREAMY.
— ❖ —
Why Use Brioche for French Toast Casserole?
You may wonder why brioche bread outshines other options in this recipe. While many breads can work, brioche takes it to the next level because of its rich, buttery texture and slightly sweet flavor. Let’s compare it to some alternatives:
| Bread Type | Why It Works (or Doesn’t) |
|---|---|
| Brioche | Soft, buttery, soaks custard perfectly. |
| Challah | Similar to brioche but less rich. Great alternative. |
| White Sandwich | Absorbs well but lacks flavor. Use in a pinch. |
| Sourdough | Too dense and tangy for a sweet casserole. |
As you can see, brioche’s unique qualities make it the ideal bread for this recipe.
— ❖ —
Tips for Perfect Brioche French Toast Casserole
To ensure your casserole comes out flawless, keep these tips in mind:
- Use Day-Old Bread: Fresh bread can get mushy. Therefore, if your brioche is fresh, let it sit out overnight to dry slightly.
- Make It Ahead: This recipe is perfect for prepping the night before. As a result, it allows you to sleep in while breakfast practically makes itself.
- Customize the Toppings: Add sliced almonds, shredded coconut, or even chocolate chips if you want to mix it up.
- Serve Warm: Although leftovers reheat beautifully, serving this casserole fresh and warm is the best way to enjoy its full flavor and texture.
— ❖ —
FAQs About Brioche French Toast Casserole
Can I use non-dairy milk?
YES! Almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk work great. Just make sure it’s unsweetened.
Can I skip the overnight step?
You can bake it after 30 minutes of soaking. However, overnight chilling makes the flavors shine.
How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheat individual servings in the microwave for about 1 minute. For a whole casserole, bake at 325°F for 10-15 minutes.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes! Assemble it, freeze before baking, and thaw in the fridge overnight before cooking.
What other toppings work well?
Fresh fruits, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce are DELICIOUS!
— ❖ —
Key Takeaways for Brioche French Toast Casserole
| Step | Why It’s Important |
|---|---|
| Use brioche bread | Best texture and flavor for French toast. |
| Chill overnight | Allows bread to absorb all the custard. |
| Add a crunchy topping | Balances the creamy texture perfectly. |
| Serve fresh and warm | The flavors and texture are best right out of the oven. |
Now that you’re equipped with all the tips and tricks, you’re ready to wow your family and friends. Serve it with maple syrup, powdered sugar, or fresh berries, and watch everyone go back for seconds—or thirds!
So, grab your favorite brioche loaf, and let’s get cooking!
