Overnight Brioche French Toast Casserole with Berry Compote

My go-to french toast casserole recipe! This overnight brioche version is a Sunday morning game-changer. Wake up to custardy, berry-topped goodness. Give it a burl!

Right, let's get stuck in! ever wake up craving something proper lush? i know i do. today, we're talking about a french toast casserole recipe that'll knock your socks off.

We're not just making any old eggy bread, mind you. we're talking the kind of dish that makes folks say, "oh my gosh, where did you get this?!"

Wake Up to Bliss: Overnight Brioche French Toast Casserole

This french toast casserole recipe isn't just breakfast; it’s an event. it's like, the posh cousin of regular french toast.

Think fluffy brioche, soaked overnight in a creamy custard, and topped with a burst of berries. this breakfast crockpot wonder is perfect for those lazy weekends or special occasions when you really want to impress, like boxing day brunch with the rellies.

Originally, french toast casserole recipes were a brilliant way to use up stale bread, you know? now, it's a planned indulgence.

It's proper easy to make. it takes about 20 minutes of active prep, a good night's kip while it soaks, and then less than an hour in the oven.

This recipe makes enough for 8 hungry souls, so perfect for sharing.

One of the best things? it's proper comforting. the berries are packed with antioxidants. this breakfast crockpot recipes dish is also a fantastic source of energy to kickstart your day.

What makes this french toast casserole recipe special is the overnight soak. it lets all those lovely flavours mingle and create something truly unforgettable.

Alright, let's dive into the heart of this Overnight Brioche French Toast Casserole with Berry Compote – the ingredients and equipment! This isn't just any old breakfast; it’s a proper treat! We are venturing into breakfast crockpot recipes , so let's make it count!

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Prepped!

Honestly, nailing this french toast casserole recipe is all about quality ingredients. don't skimp! you know, the better the ingredients, the better the scoff, as my nan used to say.

This recipe is a great way to use your crockpot breakfast . it is like cooking slow cooker breakfast .

Main Ingredients: The Dream Team

• Brioche Bread: You'll need 1 (1-pound) loaf (450g) , cubed. This is key! Go for a good quality brioche. Slightly stale is actually better, as it soaks up the custard without getting all soggy. If you only have fresh, dry it out at 200° F ( 95° C) for about 15- 20 minutes.
• Eggs: 8 large . Free-range if you can! You can taste the difference, trust me.
• Dairy: 2 cups (475ml) whole milk and 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream . Full-fat is the way to go here; it makes it super rich and decadent.
• Sweet Stuff: 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar . Plus, another 1/4 cup (50g) for the compote.
• Extracts & Spices: 2 tablespoons (30ml) pure vanilla extract , 1 teaspoon (5g) ground cinnamon , 1/4 teaspoon (1g) ground nutmeg , and a pinch of salt.
• Butter: 4 tablespoons (55g) unsalted butter , melted. This gets drizzled on top for that golden-brown perfection.
• Berries: 2 cups (300g) mixed berries . Fresh or frozen work a treat. Blueberries, raspberries, strawberries – whatever takes your fancy.
• Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon (15ml) . This brightens up the berry compote.
• Cornstarch Slurry: 1 teaspoon (5ml) cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon (15ml) cold water . This helps to thicken the berry compote.

Seasoning Notes: Spice It Up

For the best flavour, use fresh spices. honestly, it makes all the difference. cinnamon and nutmeg are the classic combo for french toast casserole recipes , giving it that warm, comforting vibe.

Vanilla extract is your flavour enhancer. it elevates the whole thing. if you're feeling adventurous, add a tiny pinch of cardamom.

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

• 9x13 inch Baking Dish (23x33 cm): This is your main stage!
• Large Mixing Bowl: For whisking up that lovely custard.
• Whisk: To make sure everything is nicely combined.
• Small Saucepan: For whipping up that berry compote.

If you don't have a whisk, a fork will do in a pinch! a casserole is a perfect dish to make as slow cooker french toast or in the crockpot french toast .

You could easily adapt the recipe and use a breakfast crockpot . just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed.

Think about the joy of waking up to a ready-made breakfast crockpot , especially after a late night! imagine finding some awesome breakfast crockpot recipes !.

I sometimes wonder if i can include this into my crockpot dishes . this dish, which is one of my favorite breakfast casseroles , also makes a nice christmas dinner as slow cooker breakfast .

Enjoy!

Alright, let's get this show on the road! a french toast casserole ? right up my street – it’s the ultimate lazy brunch indulgence, perfect for those "sunday arvo" moments.

This will be a corker! thinking about breakfast casseroles just makes me smile. especially when the result is as delicious as this.

Overnight Brioche French Toast Casserole Recipe with Berry Compote

This decadent french toast casserole takes the humble french toast to a whole new level. imagine waking up to the aroma of buttery brioche soaked in a custardy egg mixture, baked to golden perfection, and topped with a vibrant berry compote.

This breakfast crockpot dream is ideal for holiday brunches, potlucks, or simply treating yourself on a weekend morning. it’s easier than you think, and the overnight soak allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Think of it as the posh cousin of your average eggy bread! forget slaving over a hot stove; this slow cooker french toast vibe is all about ease.

Prep Steps - Getting Your Ducks in a Row

Before we even think about turning on the oven, let's get prepped. This is our essential mise en place , you know?

• Cube that brioche! A 1-pound loaf , nice and even.
• Whisk together 8 large eggs , 2 cups whole milk , 1 cup heavy cream , 1/2 cup granulated sugar , 2 tablespoons vanilla , 1 teaspoon cinnamon , 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg , and a pinch of salt.
• Mix your berries, 2 cups , with 1/4 cup sugar and 1 tablespoon lemon juice . Have your cornstarch slurry ready, too: 1 teaspoon cornstarch and 1 tablespoon water .

Time-saving tip? Do this the night before. Honestly, the overnight soak makes all the difference.

Step-by-Step Process - Easy Peasy!

Here's how we turn this from a pile of ingredients to a Breakfast Crockpot Recipes masterpiece:

1. Spread that cubed brioche in a greased 9x13 inch dish.
2. Pour the custard over the bread. Press gently to soak.
3. Drizzle with 4 tablespoons melted butter. Butter makes it better , you know?
4. Cover tightly and chill overnight , at least 8 hours.
5. Preheat your oven to 350° F ( 175° C) .
6. Bake for 45- 50 minutes , until golden brown.
7. Simmer the berry mixture until thickened with the cornstarch slurry, about 2- 3 minutes.

Pro Tips - Ace It Every Time

• Don't skip the overnight soak! It is crucial. This allows the bread to absorb the custard properly.
• Slightly stale brioche works best. Day-old bread helps prevent a soggy casserole. If your bread is fresh, you can dry it out in a low oven (200° F/ 95° C ) for about 15- 20 minutes .
• Want to make it even easier? This also works as a Crockpot French Toast or Slow Cooker Breakfast delight! Google some Slow Cooker Breakfast guides – the principles are the same.

And there you have it! One cracking French Toast Casserole Recipes ready to make your morning. Let me know if you try it. Ta-ra!

Right, let's have a chinwag about some extra bits and bobs for this overnight brioche french toast casserole with berry compote .

You know, the kinda things that just make it, well, better .

Recipe Notes

Look, I’m not gonna lie. This french toast casserole recipe is a proper treat. But it's all about the little details, innit? Here are some tips nicked from experience.

Serving Like a Pro

Presentation is key, yeah? think posh! a dusting of icing sugar never hurt anyone. honestly, plating this breakfast crockpot masterpiece nicely can elevate the whole experience.

You could even add a sprig of mint. sounds a bit fancy, but trust me. complementary sides? crispy bacon or sausages balance the sweetness perfectly .

And a glass of something bubbly... well, now we're talking. don't forget, it’s also a good idea for serving it with a dollop of cream on top.

Storage Smarts

Leftovers? if you’re lucky enough to have any. keep it in the fridge. an airtight container is a must. it'll last about 3 days.

You can also freeze slices individually. that's what i usually do. just wrap them well. reheating? stick it in the oven at 350° f ( 175° c) until it's warmed through.

Or, you know, microwave it if you’re in a rush. it also makes a lovely addition to breakfast casseroles for the family

A Little Tweak Here and There

Want to mix things up? easy peasy. for a dairy-free version, swap the milk and cream for almond or soy milk.

Boom! dietary adaptation sorted. seasonally? use whatever berries are in season for the compote. brambles in autumn? oh my gosh, yes! you could change the slow cooker breakfast by adding chocolate chips, which takes the deliciousness to another level.

Nutrition Nuggets

Right, the boring bit. sort of. this french toast casserole recipe is yummy, but it's not exactly health food, is it? each serving clocks in around 450 calories.

Protein? about 12g. fat? 25g-ish. carbs? 45g. sugar? a hefty 25g. it's a treat, yeah? the berries do have some lovely antioxidants though.

The best breakfast crockpot recipes are definitely the ones that bring joy.

Honestly, this french toast casserole recipe is a doddle. play around with it. make it your own. and enjoy every single bite.

You deserve it, eh? i was first introduced to making crockpot french toast while volunteering as a chef at a local homeless shelter.

It was a revelation, providing a quick and easy way to serve a tasty breakfast to dozens of people.

So get in there, and get baking. And don’t forget to let me know how it turns out, alright? And that is exactly how to prepare Crockpot Dishes .

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this French toast casserole recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, the overnight soak is crucial for the best flavour and texture. The bread really gets to absorb that lovely custard mixture, making it super decadent. Just prepare it as instructed, cover it tightly, and pop it in the fridge overnight. It's like giving yourself a present in the morning!

My French toast casserole is soggy! What went wrong?

Sogginess is a right pain, isn't it? It usually happens if the bread wasn't dry enough to start with or if there's too much liquid in the custard. Using slightly stale brioche or even lightly toasting the bread cubes beforehand helps. Also, make sure you're measuring your milk and cream accurately. Give it a little press down to make sure it's all absorbed evenly, and fingers crossed, you'll get a perfect bake next time!

How do I store leftover French toast casserole?

Pop any leftover French toast casserole into an airtight container and store it in the fridge. It'll keep for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. It's almost as good as the first time, which is saying something!

What are some variations I can try with this French toast casserole recipe?

Fancy a bit of a twist? You could easily add chocolate chips, a swirl of Nutella, or even some chopped pecans or walnuts. Sautéed apples with cinnamon and brown sugar are also a winner. For a savoury kick, try adding cooked sausage or bacon crumbles to the custard. The possibilities are endless – get creative and make it your own!

Is this French toast casserole recipe healthy?

Let's be honest, it's more of a treat than a health food! While it provides some protein from the eggs and calcium from the milk, it's also relatively high in sugar and fat. You can lighten it up a bit by using skim milk and a sugar substitute, but remember, everything in moderation. A slice of this decadent French toast casserole is just what the doctor didn't order...but it's good for the soul!

Can I substitute the brioche bread in this french toast casserole recipe?

Absolutely! While brioche gives a lovely richness, you can substitute with other breads. Challah bread is a fantastic alternative, offering a similar soft and slightly sweet profile. Croissants, though a bit more delicate, also work wonderfully for an extra buttery flavor. Just be mindful that other breads might absorb the custard differently, so you might need to adjust the soaking time slightly.

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