Do you love French Toast, but wish there was a faster way to make it? This Brioche French Toast Casserole is a favorite on our farmhouse table because it is so easy to make!
Some of us love sprinkling bacon and pecans in the syrup layer and some of us love the classic flavor of plain French Toast. We all love the richness that a slightly thicker Brioche bread adds to this easy breakfast casserole!
The Best Brioche French Toast Casserole
I remember my mom spending hours over the stove watching a pan at a time of French Toast on Sunday after farm chores were done. If only she would’ve known how easy it is to make this casserole our family may have enjoyed brunch more often. Mix it up and do something else while it bakes, rather than standing over the stove and turning individual pieces of French Toast!
After testing several versions of this casserole for a nice weekend breakfast, we’ve perfected the recipe and look forward to serving this French Toast during the holidays. Another overnight French Toast we enjoy is our Raspberry Cream Cheese Croissant Bake.
My favorite part of the French Toast is the crunchy, caramelized crust! I’m one of those people that prefer the center piece of cake and a soft cookie, but the exposed portion of the toast that carmelizes is the BEST part to enjoy here!
This recipe can be made in the Farmhouse style by sprinkling bacon bits in the brown sugar and butter layer in the bottom of the pan that makes the perfect built-in homemade syrup. Less adventurous eaters that are expecting a classic piece of French Toast may be surprised by the bacon bits, so they can be served in a small bowl near the casserole. Same with the pecan pieces.
Be sure to serve this casserole upside down because all of the sweet goodness is on the bottom of the pan. No additional syrup required.
Overnight French Toast Casserole
We’ve mixed up this French Toast Casserole and put it in the refrigerator overnight and we have mixed it up and put it in the oven immediately. It can be made either way, but it does not have to be an overnight casserole. Flexibility like this is important to us when looking for a good recipe!
If you want the French toast to soak overnight the bread needs to be dried out so that it doesn’t get too soggy while absorbing all of the liquids. I like to expose the bread to the air during the day and then let it soak in an overnight casserole. The bread can also be slightly toasted or put under the broiler briefly. If using the broiler do not leave the bread unattended, it is very easy to burn it to a crisp in a hurry.
When making this French Toast and overnight casserole you’ll also want to bake it a little longer AND let it sit for at least 15 minutes after baking to allow the bread to firm up a bit more as it begins to cool.
We really enjoy the taste of Overnight French Toast once it’s been baked and has sat out for close to an hour. Knowing this makes it perfect for Christmas or Easter morning when there’s so much going on, but it’s nice to have some food to grab in between the excitement of guests, gifts and other celebrations.
How to Make Baked Brioche French Toast Casserole
- Cut slices of bread in half to form two equal triangles
- Melt butter and mix in brown sugar and cinnamon, this is the syrup layer to spread on the bottom of a 9 x 13 pan
- Mix whipping cream, milk and eggs, dip each piece of bread in this mixture and arrange in pan
- Bake for about 30 mintues at 350ºF until center of bread is no longer soggy and the egdes are a beautiful, caramelized, golden brown
Tips for Making the Best Brioche French Toast Casserole
- Slightly dried bread works best and is a requirement to make this an overnight casserole
- Brioche bread is our favorite because it is rich in flavor, Texas Toast or other thick-sliced crusty breads work great in a French Toast casserole too
- Slightly thicker bread works best to hold it’s structure and soak up
- Bacon bits and pecans taste great sprinkled on the brown sugar syrup layer in the bottom of the pan as long as people expect them
- Bacon bits and pecans can also be served on the side in small dishes without affecting the overall taste
- The casserole has optimum flavor and texture when allowed to rest for at least 30 minutes after baking
- Keep casserole warm in a warming drawer
- Make even layers of bread in the casserole dish, when the crust is exposed the flavors are the best
- We’ve laid bread flat in two layers, which can be done, but baking time increases and the bottom layer may be soggy
How Do You Keep French Toast Warm
We like to cover the baked French Toast casserole with foil and use our warming drawer to keep the casserole warm if no one is ready to eat. If people are actively eating we will cover with foil and leave on top of a warm oven.
If French Toast casserole is completely cooled off we’ll pop a plate in the microwave for 30 seconds to reheat.
Other Easy Breakfast Casseroles:
- Egg & Sausage Casserole
- Farmhouse Egg & Sausage Bake
- Bacon Breakfast Casserole
- Everything Bagel and Sausage Casserole
- Egg, Sausage & Brioche Breakfast Casserole
Printable Brioche French Toast Casserole Recipe
Farmhouse Brioche French Toast Casserole
Ingredients
- 8 – 9 slices brioche bread
- 1/2 cup butter melted
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 5 eggs lightly beaten
- 1/3 cup milk
- 3/4 cup whipping cream
- 1/2 cup bacon bits optional
- 1/2 cup pecan pieces optional
Instructions
- Cut slices of bread in half to make two triangles.
- Melt butter and stir in brown sugar and cinnamon. Spread into bottom of a 9 x 13 inch pan.
- Mix together eggs, milk and whipping cream. Dip each piece of bread in this mixture and then arrange in baking pan.
- Bake at 350°F for 25 – 35 minutes. The crust should be as carmelized as possible without burning.
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This is my go-to recipe for company, it’s SO good! I add a little almond extract to the egg mixture and some sliced almonds to the brown sugar part. Love it!