Brioche French Toast Casserole Recipe

If you are searching for a breakfast that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then this Brioche French Toast Casserole is exactly what you need. It combines the rich, buttery texture of brioche bread with a smooth, cinnamon-spiced custard, baked to golden perfection in a cozy casserole form. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday brunch or a weekend treat, this dish is incredibly satisfying, easy to prepare ahead of time, and bursting with comforting flavors that everyone will love. Trust me, once you try this Brioche French Toast Casserole, it will quickly turn into one of your favorite breakfast recipes to share.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Brioche French Toast Casserole lies in how simple yet thoughtfully selected the ingredients are. Each one plays a crucial role in creating the balance of flavors, moisture, and texture that make this dish so irresistible.

• Brioche bread: The buttery and tender nature of brioche ensures a soft, rich base that soaks up the custard perfectly.
• Large eggs: Provide structure to the custard, making it silky and custardy once baked.
• Evaporated milk: Adds creamy richness without watering down the custard.
• Heavy cream: Boosts the custard’s luscious texture and helps create a golden crust.
• Brown sugar: Brings a deep, caramel-like sweetness that complements the bread beautifully.
• Granulated sugar: Brightens the overall sweetness and aids in browning.
• Vanilla extract: Infuses warmth and aromatic flavor that makes every bite extra cozy.
• Almond extract (optional): Adds a subtle nutty undertone that pairs wonderfully with the cinnamon.
• Ground cinnamon: Essential for that classic French toast fragrance and spice.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances depth of flavor.
• Chopped pecans, walnuts, or sliced almonds (optional): Introduce a delightful crunch and nutty contrast.
• Powdered sugar: For dusting, adding a pretty finishing touch.

How to Make Brioche French Toast Casserole

Step 1: Prepare Your Bread and Baking Dish

Start by greasing a 13 by 9-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving. Slice your brioche bread into 1-inch pieces, cutting them into triangles or cubes depending on your preference. Arrange these slices or cubes in a single layer in your dish. Overlapping slightly is fine because the custard will soak in and meld everything together beautifully.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Custard

In a large bowl, vigorously whisk the eggs, evaporated milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, almond extract if using, ground cinnamon, and salt. This mixture is the heartbeat of your casserole, and getting it perfectly blended ensures every bite has a marvelous flavor and custardy texture.

Step 3: Combine Bread and Custard

Pour the custard mixture evenly over the arranged brioche slices, taking care to coat each piece thoroughly. Gently press down on the bread so it soaks up as much custard as possible, which will help you achieve that dreamy soft interior after baking. If you want some texture crunch, sprinkle chopped nuts on top before covering.

Step 4: Chill and Soak

Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or even better, overnight. This soaking time lets the brioche fully absorb the flavors, creating a casserole that’s bursting with custardy goodness.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

When you’re ready to bake, take the casserole out of the fridge and let it come to room temperature for about 15 minutes. Then bake uncovered at 350°F for 45 to 50 minutes, until the top is a gorgeous golden brown and the middle is just set. The smell wafting from the oven will be absolutely irresistible!

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before dusting with powdered sugar. Slice it up and serve warm with your favorite toppings. This is the moment to indulge in the perfect marriage of creamy egg custard and tender, buttery brioche. Yum!

How to Serve Brioche French Toast Casserole

Garnishes

Top your warm slices with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar, fresh fruit like berries or sliced bananas, a drizzle of pure maple syrup or honey, or a dollop of whipped cream. These garnishes add vibrant flavor and texture contrast to the already rich casserole.

Side Dishes

Pair the casserole with crispy bacon or sausage links for savory balance. Fresh fruit salad or a light green salad with citrus vinaigrette also complements the sweetness and richness perfectly, making your meal feel well-rounded and festive.

Creative Ways to Present

For a brunch crowd, serve the Brioche French Toast Casserole in individual ramekins to make it feel extra special. Or layer it with fresh fruit and whipped cream in a trifle dish for a stunning visual and taste experience. You can also sprinkle toasted nuts or coconut flakes on top to elevate the crunch factor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, cover any leftover Brioche French Toast Casserole tightly with plastic wrap or transfer portions to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It tastes just as delightful warmed up the next morning or as a quick snack.

Freezing

You can freeze the casserole either before baking or after it has been baked and cooled. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and foil or place in a freezer-safe container. It’s best consumed within 1 to 2 months for optimum flavor and texture.

Reheating

To reheat, place individual slices or the whole casserole in a preheated 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the texture less pleasant. A few minutes under the broiler can also revive that golden crust beautifully.

FAQs

Can I use bread other than brioche for this casserole?

Absolutely! While brioche is ideal due to its richness and texture, challah or even thick white sandwich bread can work as substitutes, though the flavor and softness may vary slightly.

Do I have to soak the casserole overnight?

Overnight soaking is best for maximum custard absorption and flavor depth but a minimum of one hour will still yield delicious results. If short on time, try to soak for at least one hour.

Can I make this casserole dairy-free?

Yes, you can replace evaporated milk and heavy cream with your favorite plant-based milks like coconut or almond milk, and perhaps use a dairy-free creamer for richness. The texture will be slightly different but still tasty.

How do I prevent the casserole from getting soggy?

Using sturdy brioche bread and ensuring you don’t overload the custard helps. Also, baking uncovered lets moisture evaporate and results in a nicely set custard with a golden crust.

Is this recipe suitable for feeding a crowd?

Definitely! This casserole is perfect for brunch gatherings because it can be prepped the night before and baked fresh in the morning, making it convenient and crowd-pleasing.

Final Thoughts

I hope you feel inspired to try this wonderful Brioche French Toast Casserole soon. It’s one of those dishes that feels special but really isn’t complicated at all, making it perfect for any occasion where warm, comforting food is welcome. Once you taste that perfect bite of custard-soaked brioche with just the right hint of cinnamon and vanilla, you’ll see why it’s a beloved recipe to enjoy again and again.

Print