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Brioche French Toast Casserole Recipe
If you're looking for a dish that will bring your family together around the table, look no further than this Brioche French Toast Casserole. Perfect for a cozy weekend breakfast, this casserole is packed with flavor, featuring a combination of rich brioche, cinnamon, maple syrup, and a buttery crumble topping. It's an indulgent breakfast that everyone will love!
Our recipe tester, Renu Dhar, puts it perfectly: "It's what delicious mornings should be made of." Whether you're serving a crowd or just your family, this casserole is an easy-to-make treat that will make your weekend mornings extra special.
This recipe combines classic French toast ingredients like eggs, heavy cream, milk, and cinnamon with brioche bread and a few extra flavor boosters. The result is a warm, golden, and slightly sweet casserole that's perfect with a drizzle of extra maple syrup. Let's get started!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, divided
- Cooking spray
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 6 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup, plus more for serving
- 1 tablespoons vanilla extract
- 1 (16-oz.) day-old brioche loaf, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350F (175C). Lightly coat a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- In a medium bowl, stir together the brown sugar, flour, melted butter, salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon. Continue stirring until the mixture is crumbly. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, eggs, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and the remaining 1 teaspoons of cinnamon until fully combined.
- Add the cubed brioche bread to the milk mixture, tossing gently until all the pieces are moistened. Dont worry if the mixture isn't completely absorbed by the bread.
- Transfer the brioche mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the granulated sugar over the top of the bread mixture, followed by the brown sugar crumble you prepared earlier. Make sure to spread it evenly over the top.
- Let the casserole sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes, allowing the bread to absorb the liquids and the flavors to meld.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the casserole is set, golden brown, and puffy.
- Remove the casserole from the oven. Serve immediately, topped with extra maple syrup if desired.
Test Kitchen Tips
- To save time, you can prepare the egg and milk mixture in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to bake. You can also prepare the cinnamon crumble ahead of time and store it at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- For the best results, use slightly stale brioche bread, as it soaks up the sweet, cinnamon-infused milk mixture. If your bread is too fresh, you can dry it out by placing it on a baking sheet in a 175F (80C) oven for about 20 minutes.
- If you have leftovers, cover the casserole with aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator. To reheat, cover it with foil and bake at 350F (175C) until warmed through.
Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: 356
- Total Fat: 21g (27% DV)
- Saturated Fat: 12g (61% DV)
- Cholesterol: 178mg (59% DV)
- Sodium: 230mg (10% DV)
- Total Carbohydrate: 33g (12% DV)
- Dietary Fiber: 1g (3% DV)
- Total Sugars: 16g
- Protein: 9g (17% DV)
- Calcium: 102mg (8% DV)
- Iron: 2mg (10% DV)
- Potassium: 174mg (4% DV)
History and Origins
The origins of French toast date back to ancient times, with variations of the dish appearing in cultures around the world. The concept of soaking bread in a mixture of eggs and milk and then frying it is believed to have been a method of repurposing stale bread, a common practice in many culinary traditions. However, the French toast casserole, as we know it today, is a more modern innovation. It combines the essence of French toast with the convenience of a casserole, allowing for a crowd-friendly version of this beloved breakfast dish. Brioche, a sweet and buttery bread, has become the preferred bread for this casserole, offering a rich flavor and soft texture that elevates the dish to new heights.
Regional Variations
French toast casseroles have become a popular breakfast item in many American households, especially during holidays or family gatherings. While traditional French toast is often served as individual slices, the casserole form is a more recent twist that allows for serving larger groups with ease. This style is especially popular in the Southern United States, where rich, indulgent breakfasts are a part of the culinary culture. Additionally, variations of the casserole can be found in other regions, with some using different types of bread, such as challah or cinnamon swirl bread, to add unique flavors.
How It Differs from Similar Dishes
What sets Brioche French toast casserole apart from other similar dishes, such as classic French toast or bread pudding, is the texture and method of preparation. While traditional French toast is made by dipping individual slices of bread into an egg mixture and frying them, this casserole involves layering cubes of brioche in a dish, pouring the egg mixture over the top, and baking it. The result is a golden, puffy, and slightly caramelized casserole that retains the flavors of French toast but offers a more cohesive, shareable dish. Unlike bread pudding, which is usually made with a custard base, French toast casserole focuses on the crispy edges and soft interior of the brioche.
Where It's Usually Served
This dish is a favorite for special occasions, particularly for brunches, holidays like Christmas and Easter, and weekend family gatherings. Because of its large portion size and ease of preparation, Brioche French toast casserole is perfect for serving a crowd. Its typically enjoyed as a breakfast or brunch item, often accompanied by syrup, fresh berries, whipped cream, or powdered sugar. Its especially popular in households where a hearty, comforting breakfast is a tradition, and it has become a staple at bed-and-breakfasts and catering services that offer a warm, indulgent start to the day.
Fun Facts
- Brioche, the bread used in this casserole, originates from France and is known for its light texture and buttery flavor.
- The French toast casserole can be made the night before, making it a great option for busy mornings or holiday breakfasts.
- In some variations, ingredients such as chocolate chips, nuts, or even fruit can be added to the casserole to customize the flavors.
- While French toast is a popular breakfast item in the United States, variations of it can be found in many cultures, each with its own unique twist. For example, in Spain, a similar dish called "torrijas" is made with wine-soaked bread, and in France, "pain perdu" is a traditional version of French toast.
FAQ about Brioche French Toast Casserole Recipe
Comments
Lisa Carrozza
10/06/2025 01:52:54 PM
Easy to make, delicious!
Lise
02/25/2025 11:17:43 PM
I made it exactly as what the recipe said wonderful dessert Ona cold day
Christopher Lee
12/19/2024 10:55:15 AM
Seriously, why didn’t I make this sooner?
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