Easy Brioche French Toast Casserole Recipe

There’s nothing quite like waking up to the irresistible aroma of fresh, cozy breakfast classics wafting through your house. Among these, a brioche French toast casserole stands out with its rich flavors and inviting texture. Whether serving up a weekend treat or elevating your brunch game, this easy and delicious casserole will undoubtedly be a hit.

When I was a child, Sunday mornings were always special in our family. My mother would prepare her magic bread pudding with brioche and cinnamon, a recipe that was passed down for generations. Now, I’ve made it my own by adding a few twists and calling it a French toast casserole. The rich, buttery scent of brioche reminds me of those warmth-filled mornings, gathered with my family around the kitchen table, savoring each bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This brioche French toast casserole is perfect for several reasons. It combines the decadence of French toast with the convenience of a casserole. It’s make-ahead friendly, making it ideal for busy mornings or special occasions. The use of brioche provides a buttery, tender base that absorbs the flavors beautifully. Plus, its simplicity means you don’t need to slave over the stove flipping individual toasts.

Ingredients Notes

For this recipe, gather your favorite brioche loaf—preferably a day old for the best texture. If brioche is unavailable, try a rich egg bread like challah. The cinnamon and vanilla add warmth and depth, while the maple syrup ties everything together with a hint of sweetness. Substitute options: Almond milk for a dairy-free version or add a pinch of nutmeg for a spiced-up twist.

Recipe Steps

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2

Cut your brioche loaf into 1-inch cubes and spread evenly in the prepared dish. Make sure the cubes are well distributed for even baking.

Step 3

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla until smooth. Pour the mixture over the brioche cubes, ensuring each piece is soaked.

Step 4

Allow the mixture to sit for at least 20 minutes to let the bread absorb the liquid. For best results, cover and refrigerate overnight.

Step 5

Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes or until the top is golden and the center is set. Let cool for a few minutes before serving warm with maple syrup or your favorite toppings.

Storage Options

To store leftovers, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze individual portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 300°F until warmed through or microwave on low power to ensure moisture is retained.

Variations & Substitutions

Customize this dish with your favorite flavors! Add fresh berries, sliced bananas, or chopped nuts for added texture and taste. For a savory twist, sprinkle with cooked bacon or ham before baking. To cater to dietary restrictions, use a gluten-free bread alternative or swap sugar for a natural sweetener like mashed bananas.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole is ideal for a brunch gathering or a holiday breakfast. Serve alongside fresh fruit, yogurt, or breakfast meats like bacon or sausage. For an indulgent touch, offer a variety of toppings, such as whipped cream, fruit compote, or a dusting of powdered sugar.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this casserole the night before? Yes, this dish is perfect for prepping the night before. Assemble the casserole until ready to bake, cover, and refrigerate overnight. This allows the brioche to soak up all the custard flavor, enhancing the dish.

What can I do if my casserole looks too dry? If the casserole appears dry, consider drizzling a bit more cream or a pat of butter over the top before reheating. This addition can help to bring moisture back to the dish, keeping it as delicious as when it was first baked.

Is it possible to cut the recipe in half? Absolutely, you can halve the ingredients and use an 8×8-inch baking dish instead. Adjust the baking time to slightly less, around 30-35 minutes, ensuring the center is well set and the top is golden.

Easy Brioche French Toast Casserole Recipe

This easy Brioche French Toast Casserole is a perfect dish for a cozy brunch. Indulge in the sweet, rich flavor of brioche complemented by a hint of cinnamon and a drizzle of maple syrup.

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Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes minutes

Total Time: 1 hour hour

Servings: 8

Calories: 120kcal

Ingredients

 

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Main Ingredients

• ▢ 1 loaf brioche bread preferably day-old, cut into cubes
• ▢ 6 large eggs
• ▢ 2 cups whole milk
• ▢ 0.5 cup heavy cream
• ▢ 0.5 cup granulated sugar
• ▢ 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ▢ 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ▢ 0.25 teaspoon salt
• ▢ 2 tablespoons butter melted, for greasing
• ▢ 0.5 cup maple syrup optional, for serving

Instructions

Preparation Steps

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with melted butter.
• In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt.
• Add the brioche cubes to the bowl and gently stir to combine, ensuring each piece is coated with the egg mixture.
• Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, arranging the brioche cubes evenly.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes until the top is golden brown and the casserole is cooked through.
• Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Drizzle with maple syrup if desired.

Notes

You can prepare the casserole the night before and refrigerate, covered. Just bake it in the morning for a fresh and warm breakfast.