Brioche French Toast Casserole

In the pantheon of breakfast casseroles, few rise above the elegance and simplicity of brioche French toast casserole. Sure, a sausage-egg casserole is a definite crowd-pleaser, and a stuffed ham-and-cheese croissant casserole is visually very impressive, but when you want to roll out the red carpet, impress your guests, and not break a sweat doing it, turn to this classic brioche French toast casserole.

Many recipes for French toast casserole call for soaking the bread overnight in the egg custard—and you can certainly do that—but we sped up the process in this recipe because not everyone needs the overnight window. In this case, just an hour will do.

Keep reading to learn how to turn tender, buttery brioche into an unforgettable French toast casserole.

Ingredients for Brioche French Toast Casserole

Whether or not this is your first brioche French toast casserole, none of the ingredients should be too surprising. In fact, most are likely in your cabinet right now. (The full ingredient list is further below.)

• Brioche bread: This eggy bread is extra fluffy and rich. It's better to use bread that is a little dry or stale.
• Eggs: For the custard.
• Half-and-half: You can use whole milk or cream if you have either of those, or a combination of the two.
• Dark brown sugar: We like the more molasses-forward flavor of dark brown sugar, but light brown sugar will work, too.
• Vanilla extract: To help balance all the flavors.
• Cinnamon: This warming spice is used twice in this dish for a cinnamon-forward casserole.
• Salt: Even sweet things need a pinch of salt.

For the cinnamon-butter topping, you'll need:

• Dark brown sugar: Again, we like the deeper flavor, but you can use light if that's what you have.
• All-purpose flour: To help make this topping nearer to a streusel.
• Cinnamon and nutmeg: Warming spices contrast beautifully with maple syrup or whipped cream.
• Butter: For the ultra-rich topping.
• Powdered sugar: To finish off the casserole.
  

How To Make Brioche French Toast Casserole

This recipe for brioche French toast casserole is easy enough you can make it nearly in your sleep. (You should definitely be awake though.) In fact, it's so easy, kids can help. Ask them to arrange the bread slices and mix the topping. They'll enjoy being a part of making this special breakfast for Mother's Day, Christmas, or any special occasion.

The full recipe for this French toast casserole is below, but here's a brief recap.

• Step 1. Arrange the bread: Cut each slice of brioche bread into quarters, and arrange in a baking dish that's coated with cooking spray. You should be able to get 4 rows out of the bread slices.
• Step 2. Make egg custard: Combine eggs, half-and-half, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon salt. Then carefully pour over the bread. Cover and let stand 1 hour.
• Step 3. Make topping: Combine the softened butter, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg. It'll form a thick paste.
• Step 4. Add topping to casserole: Remove the plastic wrap, then sprinkle or spoon the topping across the casserole.
• Bake 5. Bake: Bake at 350°F for 45 to 50 minutes or until the casserole is golden brown and set.
• Bake 6. Add sugar: Let the casserole sit for about 20 minutes, then sprinkle powdered sugar on top and serve.

How To Store Leftover Brioche French Toast Casserole

If you have more than half a pan of brioche French toast casserole left, cover it with plastic wrap, and store it in the fridge up to 5 days. Otherwise, store in plastic, air-tight containers for up to 5 days.

How To Reheat Brioche French Toast Casserole

If you've got enough leftovers to feed a few people a second breakfast, go ahead and put the whole baking dish back in the oven at 350°F and warm it through, about 20 minutes.

If you're just reheating a single serving, you can warm it in the microwave for 30 to 60 seconds.

More Classic Breakfast Casseroles

If you're feeding a crowd brunch or breakfast, you'll need one of these 9x13 recipes:

• Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole
• Sausage-Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole
• Croissant Breakfast Casserole
• Breakfast Chilaquiles Casserole