Crockpot French Toast - Tasteful Zone

There’s something magical about waking up to the aroma of French toast wafting through the house. It’s a breakfast classic that feels indulgent yet comforting, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser. But let’s be honest—standing over a stove flipping slices of bread while everyone else is still in bed isn’t exactly my idea of a relaxing morning. That’s why I fell in love with the idea of making French toast in a crockpot. It’s hands-off, easy, and delivers that same deliciousness without the hassle.

This Crockpot French Toast recipe has become a staple in my home, especially on weekends or when we have guests. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd, and the slow-cooking process ensures every bite is soft, custardy, and infused with warm cinnamon and vanilla flavors. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile—you can customize it with your favorite toppings or even prep it the night before. Trust me, once you try this method, you’ll never want to go back to the traditional way!

What You Need To Make This Recipe

Bread: The foundation of any French toast, bread is key to this recipe. I recommend using a sturdy, slightly stale bread like brioche, challah, or French bread. These types hold up well to the custard mixture without turning mushy, and their rich texture makes the final dish extra indulgent.

Eggs: Eggs are the binding agent that creates the custard base for your French toast. They add richness and help the mixture cling to the bread, ensuring every slice is perfectly coated.

Milk: Milk adds creaminess to the custard mixture. You can use whole milk for a richer flavor or opt for a dairy-free alternative like almond or oat milk if you prefer.

Heavy cream: For an extra luxurious touch, heavy cream is added to the custard. It makes the French toast incredibly tender and adds a velvety texture that’s hard to resist.

Sugar: A bit of sugar sweetens the custard and balances the flavors. You can adjust the amount to your taste, but I find it adds just the right amount of sweetness without being overwhelming.

Vanilla extract: Vanilla extract is a must for French toast. It adds warmth and depth to the dish, enhancing the overall flavor profile.

Cinnamon: Cinnamon brings a cozy, spiced aroma that’s quintessential to French toast. It pairs beautifully with the vanilla and sugar, creating that classic breakfast flavor we all love.

Salt: A pinch of salt might seem out of place, but it’s essential for balancing the sweetness and enhancing all the other flavors in the dish.

Butter: Butter is used to grease the crockpot, preventing the French toast from sticking. It also adds a subtle richness to the edges of the bread as it cooks.

Ingredients List

1 loaf of brioche, challah, or French bread (stale or day-old works best)
6 large eggs
2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for greasing the crockpot)
Optional toppings: maple syrup, powdered sugar, fresh berries, or whipped cream

How to Make Crockpot French Toast

Step 1: Prepare the Bread

Start by slicing your bread into thick pieces, about 1 to 1.5 inches thick. If your bread is fresh, you can leave it out overnight to stale slightly, which helps it absorb the custard without falling apart.

Step 2: Make the Custard Mixture

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined. The mixture should be smooth and evenly blended.

Step 3: Soak the Bread

Dip each slice of bread into the custard mixture, ensuring both sides are well-coated. Let the bread soak for about 10-15 seconds per side, but don’t overdo it—otherwise, the bread may become too soggy.

Step 4: Grease the Crockpot

Use the butter to generously grease the inside of your crockpot. This will prevent the French toast from sticking and add a nice buttery flavor to the edges.

Step 5: Layer the Bread in the Crockpot

Arrange the soaked bread slices in the crockpot, overlapping them slightly if needed. You can create multiple layers if your crockpot is large enough.

Step 6: Cook on Low

Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 2.5 to 3 hours. The French toast is done when the custard is set, and the edges are slightly golden. Avoid cooking on high, as it can dry out the bread.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Once cooked, carefully remove the French toast from the crockpot using a spatula. Serve warm with your favorite toppings, such as maple syrup, powdered sugar, or fresh berries.

Tips for Making This Recipe

Use stale bread: Stale bread absorbs the custard better without becoming too mushy. If you don’t have stale bread, lightly toast fresh slices before using.
Don’t over-soak the bread: A quick dip is all you need to coat the bread. Over-soaking can lead to a soggy texture.
Grease the crockpot well: This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Customize the flavors: Add a pinch of nutmeg or a splash of bourbon to the custard for a unique twist.
Prep ahead: Assemble the bread and custard mixture the night before, then simply pop it in the crockpot in the morning.
Check for doneness: Cooking times may vary depending on your crockpot, so start checking at the 2-hour mark.

FAQs

Can I use gluten-free bread?
Absolutely! Just make sure to use a sturdy gluten-free bread that can hold up to the custard mixture.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the milk and heavy cream with your favorite non-dairy alternatives, such as almond or oat milk.

How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but make sure your crockpot is large enough to accommodate the extra bread without overcrowding.

What other toppings can I use?
Get creative! Try caramelized bananas, chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or even a drizzle of Nutella for a decadent twist.

This Crockpot French Toast recipe is a game-changer for busy mornings or lazy weekends. It’s simple, delicious, and guaranteed to impress everyone at the table. Give it a try, and let me know how it turns out!