Brioche French Toast Casserole Recipe

If there’s one dish that completely transforms slow weekend mornings into a cozy celebration, it’s Brioche French Toast Casserole. Imagine plush, pillowy slices of brioche bread soaked in a luscious cinnamon-spiced custard, then baked until golden and puffed. Every bite is a perfect combination of creamy, crispy, and just a little bit decadent. Whether you’re hosting brunch, feeding a hungry family, or just treating yourself, this casserole is guaranteed to steal the spotlight—and your heart.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Brioche French Toast Casserole comes together with a handful of classic ingredients, each playing a key part in creating decadent flavor and an irresistible, custard-soaked texture. These simple items transform into something downright magical when baked together!

• Brioche bread: The star of the show—its buttery, fluffy crumb soaks up the custard perfectly without becoming mushy.
• Eggs: Essential for holding everything together and giving the casserole a rich, velvety base.
• Evaporated milk: Adds depth and creaminess with a hint of caramel flavor.
• Heavy cream: Luxuriously rich, it takes the custard to the next level.
• Brown sugar: Brings a gentle molasses sweetness that’s classic for French toast.
• Granulated sugar: Lightens and balances the flavors for that crave-worthy finish.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall aroma and brings warmth to the dish.
• Almond extract (optional): A splash adds a subtle hint of nutty complexity that’s absolutely lovely.
• Ground cinnamon: For that cozy, comforting flavor everyone associates with French toast.
• Salt: Just a pinch highlights the sweetness and brightens the whole casserole.
• Chopped pecans, walnuts, or sliced almonds (optional): A nutty crunch on top provides contrast and a toasty finish.
• Powdered sugar (for dusting): A snowy layer of sweetness that makes each slice look irresistible.
• Toppers: Cinnamon, cinnamon sugar, maple syrup, honey, fresh fruit, and whipped cream let everyone customize their own magic moment.

How to Make Brioche French Toast Casserole

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish

Start by generously greasing a 13×9 baking dish—or any similarly sized casserole dish you have on hand. This simple step ensures golden, crispy edges and makes cleanup a total breeze. No one wants any precious morsels sticking to the pan!

Step 2: Cut and Arrange the Brioche

Slice your brioche loaf into thick, 1-inch slabs, then cut each slice in half diagonally for pretty triangles or cube them for a more rustic vibe. Arrange the pieces in a single layer in your greased dish, letting them overlap a bit if needed to fit them all in. Some uneven layering adds lovely texture in the finished casserole!

Step 3: Whisk Together the Custard

In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, evaporated milk, and heavy cream until fully combined. Add in both sugars, vanilla, almond extract (if using), cinnamon, and salt. Giving this a good whisk ensures every bite of your Brioche French Toast Casserole is perfectly flavored and fluffy.

Step 4: Soak the Bread

Pour that gorgeous custard mixture gently and evenly over the brioche. Press down lightly with your hands or the back of a spatula so every piece can really absorb all that creamy goodness. This is the secret to a melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Step 5: Add the Crunch (Optional) and Chill

Scatter chopped pecans, walnuts, or sliced almonds over the top if you love crunch in your French toast. Cover the dish with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least one hour, or overnight if planning ahead. This soaking time is key to achieving custard perfection!

Step 6: Bring to Room Temperature

About 15 minutes before baking, take the casserole out of the fridge and let it rest on the counter. This step helps it bake evenly and ensures a gorgeously puffed-up top.

Step 7: Bake!

Bake the uncovered casserole in a preheated 350°F oven for 45 to 50 minutes. You’re looking for golden edges, a set (but still moist) center, and a heavenly aroma filling your kitchen!

Step 8: Serve Warm and Enjoy

Let your Brioche French Toast Casserole cool for a few minutes, then dust generously with powdered sugar. Slice and serve warm, paired with your favorite toppings for a truly special treat.

How to Serve Brioche French Toast Casserole

Garnishes

Nobody can resist a cascade of toppings on French toast! A snowfall of powdered sugar is non-negotiable, and a sprinkle of extra cinnamon or cinnamon-sugar adds a little pop. Drizzle on rich maple syrup or golden honey just before serving for that perfect sticky-sweet finish. If you’re feeling fancy, a dollop of whipped cream or a handful of fresh berries instantly takes things over the top.

Side Dishes

Brioche French Toast Casserole is a superstar all on its own, but it truly shines when paired with savory sides like crispy bacon or sausages. For a lighter spread, add a bowl of mixed fruit, Greek yogurt, or even a citrusy salad for contrast. No matter what you serve beside it, each bite will feel like the ultimate brunch moment.

Creative Ways to Present

For something really delightful, serve individual squares on small plates with colorful fruit or edible flowers for a touch of elegance. Or, cut the casserole into strips and skewer with berries for breakfast kabobs at your next brunch party. Little ramekins of personal-sized Brioche French Toast Casserole are always a hit with guests, too!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Brioche French Toast Casserole keeps beautifully! Just wrap the dish tightly or transfer slices to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. It’s perfect for quick breakfasts all week—just slice, zap, and go!

Freezing

If you’ve got more casserole than you can eat (lucky you!), freeze individual portions wrapped in plastic wrap and foil. Pop them into a zip-top bag, and they’ll keep well for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready for a cozy treat.

Reheating

For the best texture, reheat slices in a 325°F oven covered with foil for about 15 minutes until warmed through. A quick microwave blast works too, but the oven brings back that crisp-tender contrast everyone loves in Brioche French Toast Casserole.

FAQs

Can I use a different kind of bread?

Absolutely! While brioche is classic for its buttery richness, challah or Texas toast make great substitutes. Just make sure to use thick-sliced bread so the casserole stays pillowy and moist.

Do I have to let it soak overnight?

Nope! While overnight soaking gives the deepest flavor, even a quick hour in the fridge will let the custard soak in nicely. If you’re really in a rush, just let it sit for 30 minutes at room temp before baking.

How do I prevent the casserole from being too soggy?

The key is to use day-old or slightly stale brioche, which absorbs custard without breaking down. Also, bake until the center is set but still tender—this way you get that craveable contrast between creamy and crisp.

Can I make Brioche French Toast Casserole dairy-free?

Yes! Swap the evaporated milk and cream for your favorite non-dairy alternatives (like almond or coconut milk), and use a sturdy dairy-free brioche if available. The result is just as delicious, with a slightly different flavor profile.

What toppings go best with Brioche French Toast Casserole?

It’s wonderful on its own, but maple syrup, fresh berries, banana slices, whipped cream, or even chocolate chips are all incredible toppers. Customize to your heart’s delight—there’s no wrong answer!

Final Thoughts

This Brioche French Toast Casserole truly brings joy to the breakfast table. If you’ve never tried it, now’s the time—it’s simple, crowd-pleasing, and feels downright special. Go on, invite some friends, pour the coffee, and let every golden, custardy bite remind you why homemade brunch is something to celebrate!

Print