Name: Brioche French Toast Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 loaf (14-16 ounces) butter brioche or challah bread; 6 large eggs; 2 cups (50 cl) milk; 3/4 cup (20 cl) heavy cream; 1/2 cup (100 g) sugar (optional); 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup (90 g) packed brown sugar; 1/4 cup (30 g) all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 4 tablespoons (60 g) unsalted butter, diced

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 90 reviews

If you have a soft spot for breakfast dishes that feel like a warm hug, then the Brioche French Toast Casserole Recipe is here to brighten your mornings. This dish takes the buttery richness of brioche bread and transforms it into a luscious, custardy bake with a crunchy, cinnamon-sugar topping that’s simply irresistible. It’s the perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and cozy—a recipe that’s so comforting, you’ll want to make it a weekend tradition with friends and family.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a dark bowl with two main layers inside: the bottom layer is a golden, crumbly baked dessert with a rough texture, and on top there is a white creamy layer mixed slightly with dark purple cooked blueberries, garnished with a small green mint leaf. A spoon is placed inside the bowl. Behind it, there is a glass jar filled with dark purple blueberry sauce and a white marbled surface underneath with a gray linen cloth partially under the bowl and jar. In the top left corner, part of a larger blue baking dish with more of the baked dessert and blueberries is visible. A small white bowl with fresh blueberries is on the lower left side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is half the magic behind this Brioche French Toast Casserole Recipe. Each component plays its own role, from the soft, airy brioche lending richness to the custard soaking it, to the crunchy brown sugar topping that adds texture and warmth. Here’s what you’ll need to make this feast come to life:

Brioche or challah bread (1 loaf, 14-16 ounces): This tender, buttery bread soaks up the custard beautifully without falling apart.
Large eggs (6): These bind everything together and create that luscious French toast custard.
Milk (2 cups or 50 cl): Adds creaminess and helps soften the bread perfectly.
Heavy cream (3/4 cup or 20 cl): Boosts the richness and silky texture of the custard.
Sugar (1/2 cup, 100g, optional): Balances flavors and adds subtle sweetness, optional based on taste.
Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Infuses the custard with a warm, comforting spice note.
Brown sugar (1/2 cup, 90g): Creates the perfect crumbly, caramelized topping.
All-purpose flour (1/4 cup, 30g): Helps bind the topping crumbs for that crisp texture.
Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons or 60g, diced): Adds richness to the topping, creating melt-in-your-mouth crumbs.

How to Make Brioche French Toast Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C), the perfect temperature to slowly bake the custard without drying it out. Grease a 9 x 13-inch baking pan to ensure the casserole doesn’t stick and has a nice edge to brown up beautifully during baking.

Step 2: Cube the Brioche

Cut your brioche loaf into cubes or tear it into bite-sized pieces. This shape lets the custard soak evenly without the bread turning mushy, giving you a delightful texture contrast in every bite.

Step 3: Prepare the Custard Mixture

In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar if you’re using it, vanilla extract for added aroma, and cinnamon. Pour this creamy custard over your brioche cubes, stirring gently until each piece is well coated. Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes to soak up all that rich custard, then stir again for even soaking.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Transfer the soaked brioche and custard mixture into your greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. This will form the creamy base of the casserole that turns golden and custardy in the oven.

Step 5: Make the Crisp Topping

In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Add the diced butter and use your fingertips to work it into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This crumbly topping adds an amazing texture contrast and caramelized flavor once baked.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the brioche custard, then bake for about 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is golden brown and the casserole feels set — it shouldn’t jiggle excessively when you shake the pan gently. If it’s still wiggly, pop it back in for a little longer for a perfect finish.

How to Serve Brioche French Toast Casserole Recipe

This image shows a close-up of a blueberry dessert in a white baking dish. The dessert has three layers: a crumbly golden brown crust on the outside edge, a soft yellow cake layer inside, and a glossy deep purple blueberry topping spread unevenly over part of the cake. On top, there is a dollop of white cream with a fresh green mint leaf for decoration. A spoon is scooping a piece from the dish, lifting a portion with blueberry topping and cake. The dish sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

There’s nothing quite like a drizzle of pure maple syrup cascading over the warm, golden topping to elevate the Brioche French Toast Casserole Recipe. For an extra pop of freshness and color, scatter some fresh berries or a dusting of powdered sugar over the top. Toasted nuts like pecans or walnuts make a wonderful crunchy complement, too.

Side Dishes

This casserole shines on its own, but pairing it with crisp bacon or sausage links creates a brilliant contrast between sweet and savory. A simple green salad or fresh fruit salad can balance the richness, making your meal just right for any time of day.

Creative Ways to Present

For an eye-catching brunch centerpiece, bake the casserole in individual ramekins for personal servings. You can also add layers of sliced fruit like apples or pears between brioche pieces before soaking to add natural sweetness and dimension. The possibilities to personalize this recipe are endless and so much fun to experiment with.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Brioche French Toast Casserole Recipe leftovers will keep well covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container or tightly wrapped pan to preserve its moist custard and crisp topping.

Freezing

You can freeze leftover portions by wrapping individual servings tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Frozen casserole keeps well for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.

Reheating

To revive the casserole’s crispy topping, reheat leftovers in a 350°F (180°C) oven for 10 to 15 minutes until warmed through and slightly crisp on top. Avoid microwave reheating, as it can make the topping soggy and the custard less enjoyable.

FAQs

Can I use bread other than brioche for this recipe?

Absolutely! While brioche is ideal for its buttery texture, challah or even thick-cut white bread can work. Just avoid dense or crusty bread types that won’t absorb the custard well.

Do I have to let the bread soak before baking?

Definitely. Letting the bread soak for about 10 minutes helps it absorb the custard fully, resulting in a creamy texture inside while still holding its shape.

Is it necessary to let the casserole sit before baking?

Yes, letting it rest ensures every piece has absorbed enough custard, making the dish rich and custardy instead of dry or crumbly.

Can I prepare the casserole the night before?

You sure can! Assemble and refrigerate overnight, then add the topping and bake in the morning for a hassle-free breakfast.

What are some good toppings to add after baking?

Fresh fruit, a dusting of powdered sugar, maple syrup, or a dollop of whipped cream all complement the casserole perfectly and add visual appeal.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a breakfast recipe that feels decadent yet incredibly homey, the Brioche French Toast Casserole Recipe is a must-try. Its balance of creamy custard-soaked bread with the crunchy cinnamon topping makes every bite pure joy. I encourage you to make this for your next brunch or cozy weekend morning—you’ll see how quickly it becomes a beloved staple in your recipe collection.