Name: Brioche French Toast Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 70 min
Ingredients: 1 loaf brioche bread; 8 large eggs; 2 cups milk; 0.5 cup heavy cream; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 0.5 cup light brown sugar; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 0.25 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1 pinch salt; 0.25 cup light brown sugar; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 0.25 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 3 tablespoons cold butter (cubed); as desired powdered sugar; as desired maple syrup; as desired fresh berries; as desired whipped cream; as desired chopped pecans

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Looking for a breakfast that feels special but is super easy to make? This brioche french toast casserole is the perfect answer. It’s buttery, sweet, and baked to golden perfection. You can prep it the night before, let it soak overnight, and just pop it in the oven the next morning. Whether it’s for a lazy Sunday, holiday brunch, or feeding a crowd, this recipe brings comfort and flavor in every bite.

Why You’ll Love Brioche French Toast Casserole

Perfect make-ahead breakfast or brunch dish
Rich, buttery flavor from brioche bread
No frying—just mix, soak, and bake
Feeds a crowd with very little effort
Cozy cinnamon-sugar topping adds a sweet crunch
Simple ingredients you likely already have
Great for holidays, weekends, or breakfast-for-dinner

Ingredients for Brioche French Toast Casserole

All ingredients needed to make brioche french toast casserole

Main Ingredients

Brioche bread
Eggs
Milk
Heavy cream
Vanilla extract
Light brown sugar
Ground cinnamon
Ground nutmeg
Salt

Optional Garnishes

Powdered sugar
Maple syrup
Fresh berries
Whipped cream
Chopped pecans

Equipment

9×13-inch baking dish
Mixing bowls
Whisk
Measuring cups
Measuring spoons

Utensils

Knife
Cutting board
Spatula or large spoon
Serving spatula or spoon

Variations

Not only is this brioche french toast casserole easy, but it’s also super flexible. Here are a few ways you can change it up:

Add fruit: Toss in sliced bananas, blueberries, or diced apples between the bread layers.
Use flavored brioche: Try cinnamon-swirl or raisin brioche for extra taste.
Make it nutty: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping for a bit of crunch.
Go dairy-free: Use almond milk and coconut cream instead of regular milk and cream.
Add chocolate: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips in with the bread cubes before baking.

How to Make Brioche French Toast Casserole

This recipe comes together easily with just a few simple steps. To make things even better, you can prepare it the night before and bake it fresh in the morning.

Step 1: Cube the Brioche Bread

First, cut your brioche loaf into 1-inch cubes. If the bread is slightly stale, even better—it soaks up the custard more easily. Place all the cubes into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread them out evenly.

Step 2: Whisk the Custard

Next, crack the eggs into a large mixing bowl. Add milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Whisk everything together until the mixture is smooth and well blended.

Whisking custard mixture for the brioche casserole

Step 3: Combine and Soak

Pour the custard mixture evenly over the brioche cubes in the baking dish. Press down lightly to help the bread absorb the liquid. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.

Soaking brioche cubes in the egg mixture

Step 4: Add the Topping and Bake

Before baking, preheat the oven to 350°F. In a small bowl, mix light brown sugar, all-purpose flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cut in the cold butter using your fingers or a pastry cutter until crumbly. Sprinkle this topping over the soaked casserole. Bake uncovered for 45 to 50 minutes, until the top is golden and the center is set.

Unbaked brioche french toast casserole with topping

Tips and Tricks

Let the casserole sit overnight in the fridge to develop the best flavor and texture.
If your brioche is fresh, toast it in the oven for 10 minutes before using.
To check doneness, insert a knife in the center—it should come out clean.
Don’t overbake or it could dry out. Keep an eye on the top during the last 10 minutes.

How to Serve Brioche French Toast Casserole

This casserole pairs beautifully with:

Warm maple syrup
A dusting of powdered sugar
Fresh strawberries or blueberries
Crispy bacon or sausage on the side
Hot coffee or orange juice for the perfect morning combo

Make Ahead and Storage

Make Ahead: This dish is ideal for prepping the night before. Cover and refrigerate overnight for best results.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 300°F for 10–15 minutes or microwave individual servings for 30–60 seconds.

FAQs

Can I freeze it?
Yes, assemble it without the topping and freeze before baking. When ready to use, thaw overnight, add the topping, and bake.

Do I have to use brioche?
No, but it’s the best option for richness and texture. Challah or Texas toast are good backups.

Can I make it dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the milk and cream with your favorite plant-based options.

Conclusion

In summary, this brioche french toast casserole is a breakfast dream come true—sweet, buttery, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting brunch or just want something special for your family, this easy recipe delivers every time. Don’t forget to bookmark it for holidays, weekends, or when you just want a cozy start to the day.

If you’re a fan of easy, delicious breakfasts like this brioche french toast casserole, you’ll also love trying our fluffy and flavorful sourdough french toast, which brings a tangy twist to a morning classic. Looking for something fruity and light? These soft and moist blueberry yogurt muffins are perfect for grab-and-go mornings. And if you’re in the mood for a sweet treat later in the day, don’t miss our indulgent strawberry cheesecake cookies—they’re just the right mix of creamy and chewy!

French toast has a long and fascinating history, dating back to ancient times when people found clever ways to use up stale bread. The concept of soaking bread in a mixture of milk and eggs before cooking can be traced back to early Roman recipes like Pan Dulcis, as noted in the history of French toast. Brioche, a rich and buttery French bread that makes this casserole extra special, is a classic in French baking—learn more about its unique texture and origins in the brioche article. If you’re curious about the sweet, spiced flavor of cinnamon that brings warmth to this dish, check out its many uses and background in the cinnamon article.