Brioche French Toast Casserole for Breakfast Recipe

I have to tell you about this indulgent and cozy breakfast that quickly became a family favorite: Brioche French Toast Casserole for Breakfast Recipe. It’s perfect when you want something that feels special but is actually pretty simple to put together. Imagine thick, buttery brioche bread soaking up a dreamy custard, baked with a crispy cinnamon streusel topping that’s just divine. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll want to make it again and again — especially for festive mornings or weekend brunches.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients here come together to make a rich and comforting dish without fuss. I always use half and half for that creamy custard texture, and the cinnamon streusel topping? Game changer!

• Half and Half: This adds the creamy richness that makes the custard luxurious without being too heavy.
• Milk: Balances the half and half and helps keep the custard from becoming overly thick.
• Large Eggs: Eggs make the custard thick and help the casserole hold together beautifully.
• Brown Sugar: Adds warm sweetness to both the custard and streusel – I like the deeper flavor it brings.
• Vanilla Extract: The vanilla infuses the custard with that classic French toast aroma that smells like heaven.
• Cinnamon: Essential for that cozy spice note in both custard and topping – don’t skimp on it!
• Morton Kosher Salt: I always recommend this salt for balanced seasoning; it’s less harsh than table salt and blends nicely.
• Brioche Bread: The star of the show – slightly sweet and buttery brioche soaks up the custard perfectly. Let it dry overnight for best absorption.
• All Purpose Flour: For the streusel topping, it creates that crumbly texture everyone loves.
• Salted Butter: Cubed and mixed into the streusel, it melts during baking and creates a crispy, golden topping.
• Homemade Whipped Cream: Optional, but I promise it’s worth the extra step for serving.

Variations

I love making this recipe my own depending on the mood or season. You’ll find that tweaking the toppings or bread mix-ins keeps things exciting and lets you tailor it exactly to your family’s tastes.

• Nutty Twist: I often sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top before adding the custard for that extra crunch and nuttiness – my kids enjoy this version a lot.
• Chocolate Lovers: Toss in dark chocolate chips between the bread slices before soaking for a gooey surprise in every bite.
• Fruit Flare: Adding fresh or frozen berries between the layers gives a burst of tart freshness that cuts through the richness.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free bread and adjust the flour in the streusel with a gluten-free blend to make this friendly for gluten-sensitive guests.

How to Make Brioche French Toast Casserole for Breakfast Recipe

Step 1: Whisk the Dreamy Custard

Grab a large bowl and whisk together the half and half, milk, eggs, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and kosher salt until everything is well mixed and smooth. This custard base is where all the magic begins — I love how easy it is to just whisk and go. Just make sure your eggs are fully incorporated to avoid any clumps.

Step 2: Prepare Your Brioche and Baking Dish

Butter up your baking dish (I use a deep 9×13 inch to handle the puff because this casserole rises big time!). Arrange your brioche slices angled and overlapping just slightly, so they nestle into one another nicely. If your brioche is fresh, I recommend drying it out overnight — it soaks up the custard better that way and prevents soggy spots.

Step 3: Soak the Bread in Custard

Ladle the custard evenly over the arranged bread, making sure each slice is fully coated. Let the whole dish rest for at least 15 minutes so the brioche has time to absorb all that custardy goodness. Here’s a tip I discovered: if you want to make this ahead, cover it with foil and pop it into the fridge overnight — waking up to this ready-to-bake casserole feels like winning at breakfast!

Step 4: Bake Covered, Then Add Streusel

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake the casserole covered with foil for 25 minutes (or 30-35 minutes if baked straight from the fridge). While that’s baking, whip up your streusel topping by combining flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon, then cutting in the cold butter until it looks like little pea-sized crumbs. This topping adds such a lovely texture contrast – I like to really pile it on.

Step 5: Finish Baking to Golden Perfection

Take the foil off and sprinkle the streusel evenly over the casserole, then bake uncovered for another 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the whole thing is bubbly. After baking, let it cool for about 10 minutes to set—if you try to serve it too hot, the custard will still be wobbly and your whipped cream will melt away before you even taste it!

How to Serve Brioche French Toast Casserole for Breakfast Recipe

Garnishes

I practically never skip the homemade whipped cream on top; it adds a creamy balance to the crispy cinnamon streusel. Fresh berries or a light dusting of powdered sugar also make for a lovely, fresh contrast that brightens each bite.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides include crisp bacon or sausage links for savory contrast and fresh fruit salad for a juicy, refreshing note. A warm cup of coffee or spicy chai latte always rounds out the meal nicely, too.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday breakfasts, I’ve served this casserole in individual ramekins with streusel on top – it looks charming and makes each serving special. Another time, I layered powdered sugar and berry sauce drizzles for a rustic, café-style presentation that wowed my guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep beautifully stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. I slice portions and wrap them well to keep from drying out. I’ve found it reheats nicely and still tastes fresh.

Freezing

I’ve frozen individual casserole portions wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freezing works well if you want to prep extras, though I recommend thawing overnight in the fridge before reheating to keep texture intact.

Reheating

For best results, reheat leftover slices in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and the topping is crisp again. Microwaving is faster but sometimes softens the crust, so I prefer the oven method when I have the time.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Brioche French Toast Casserole for Breakfast Recipe is truly one of those special dishes that feel like a treat but won’t keep you in the kitchen all morning. I love how the comforting custardy inside pairs with the crispy cinnamon streusel, and it’s become my go-to when I want to impress without stress. Whether it’s Christmas morning, a birthday brunch, or a leisurely weekend, this casserole always brings a smile around my table — and I’m sure it will do the same for you!

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