Hasn’t everyone, at one point or another, dreamt of waking up to the heavenly aroma of warm, buttery toast mingling with the sweet scent of cinnamon and vanilla? Isn’t the idea of a warm, decadent breakfast waiting for you, like a faithful friend, a tempting thought?
Well, it doesn’t have to be just a dream or a fleeting thought anymore. With my Slow Cooker French Toast Casserole, it is as if you have a personal chef preparing breakfast while you sleep. This dish is a symphony of flavors that harmonize to create the perfect breakfast melody.
Why a Slow Cooker?
Now, you may be wondering why a slow cooker? Well, aside from the obvious convenience, it allows for the flavors in the casserole to meld beautifully. The long, slow cooking process ensures that every bite is infused with the essence of cinnamon, vanilla, and the subtle sweetness of the bread itself.
Moreover, using a slow cooker is incredibly low maintenance. Once everything is set, you can forget about it, knowing that hours later, you’ll be greeted with an irresistible breakfast casserole.
The Perfect Bread
When it comes to French toast casserole, the choice of bread can make or break your dish. The ideal bread should be sturdy enough to hold the custard without becoming a soggy mess. Day-old, slightly dried out bread works wonders in this recipe.
My personal favorites for this recipe are brioche, challah, or a hearty French loaf. They have a delightful spongy texture that soaks up the custard very well and results in a luscious, creamy interior with a crispy golden top.
Creating the Custard
What’s French toast without a rich, creamy custard soaking into the bread? This is where your chosen spices, along with eggs and milk, come together to create something magical. The key to a smooth custard is to whisk your eggs until they’re perfectly blended before adding the other ingredients.
Feel free to experiment with the spices. While the classic combination of cinnamon and vanilla never fails, adding a touch of nutmeg, or perhaps some cardamom, can take your casserole to new heights.
Ingredients and Instructions
Now that we’ve explored the why and the how, let’s get down to the what. Here are the ingredients you’ll need and the steps to follow:
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of bread (brioche, challah, or French loaf)
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups of milk
- 1/2 cup of granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg (optional)
- Butter for greasing
- Maple syrup and powdered sugar for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Cut the bread into cubes and place them in a buttered slow cooker.
- In a bowl, whisk together the eggs until blended. Add the milk, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using) and whisk until well combined.
- Pour the egg mixture over the bread in the slow cooker, making sure all the bread is soaked.
- Cover and cook on low for 7 to 8 hours or on high for 4 hours.
- Before serving, let the casserole sit for a few minutes. Serve warm with a drizzle of maple syrup and a dusting of powdered sugar, if desired.
Cooking and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7-8 hours on low or 4 hours on high
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 350 per serving