Description

This Less Egg Brioche French Toast Casserole is a delightful, easy-to-make breakfast dish featuring soft brioche bread soaked in a rich, lightly spiced custard. Baked to golden perfection, it offers a wonderful balance of sweetness and aromatic spices, perfect for a weekend brunch or holiday gathering. Topped with a crispy sugar crust and optionally served with powdered sugar, maple syrup, and fresh berries, it’s an indulgent but simple recipe that yields 8 generous servings.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

1 (14–16 oz) loaf soft brioche
3 large eggs
2 cups whole milk (swap ½ cup milk for cream if you want it richer)
⅓ cup brown sugar (white sugar works in a pinch)
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional: add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for more spice)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon salt

Topping

1 tablespoon granulated sugar

Optional Garnishes

Powdered sugar
Maple syrup
Fresh berries

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Instructions

Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Gather and prepare all your ingredients to have them ready for quick assembly.
Make custard: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, brown sugar, all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt until the mixture is fully smooth and well combined.
Assemble: Arrange the brioche bread pieces evenly in the prepared baking dish. Pour the custard mixture over the bread, pressing down gently on the bread to help it absorb the custard. Allow the dish to sit for 10–15 minutes to ensure the bread soaks up the custard thoroughly while the oven finishes preheating.
Sprinkle with sugar: Evenly sprinkle granulated sugar over the top of the casserole to create a light, sweet crust as it bakes.
Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 35–40 minutes. Bake until the casserole is puffed, golden brown on top, and just set in the center—avoid overbaking to maintain a moist texture.
Finish and serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5–10 minutes. Serve warm, dusted with powdered sugar, drizzled with maple syrup, and topped with fresh berries as desired for a beautiful presentation and added flavor.

Notes

For a richer custard, substitute ½ cup of milk with heavy cream.
If you prefer stronger spices, add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom along with cinnamon for a warm, aromatic twist.
The bread should be fresh and soft, as stale bread may alter the texture and soaking capacity.
Letting the casserole sit before baking helps the bread fully absorb the custard for a custardy inside.
Use a light sprinkle of granulated sugar on top to create a delicate crust; omit if you want a less sweet topping.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently in the oven.