Name: Brioche French Toast Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 1 brioche bread loaf (500 g), thickly sliced; 4 large eggs; 50 g light brown sugar; 1 zest of a large orange; 80 ml orange juice; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ½ teaspoon fine salt; 1½ cups milk; 30 g butter; 12 g coarse sugar (demerara sugar)

Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 10 reviews

If you’re looking for a cozy breakfast that’ll wow your family or guests, you’ve got to try this Brioche French Toast Casserole Recipe. It’s buttery, soft, and has this lovely hint of fresh orange zest and juice that makes the flavor pop. Trust me, once you make this, it’ll become your go-to weekend brunch or holiday treat because it’s just so simple, comforting, and downright delicious.

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Why This Recipe Works

Brioche Bread: Its rich, buttery texture soaks up the custard beautifully without falling apart.
Custard Soak Time: Giving the bread 30 minutes to soak lets flavors fully meld and ensure a tender, creamy inside.
Orange Zest and Juice: Brightens the richness and adds a fresh, subtle citrus note that balances sweetness.
Demarara Sugar Topping: Adds a crunchy caramelized crust that contrasts the soft inside perfectly.

Brioche French Toast Casserole, easy brunch recipes, holiday breakfast ideas, baked French toast, indulgent breakfast casserole - A white rectangular baking dish holds three layers of golden-brown toast slices, each slice standing upright and slightly overlapping the next, forming a neat, angled pattern. The toast has a crunchy texture with some coarse sugar sprinkled on top. A woman's hand pours a light amber syrup over the toast, creating shiny pools of syrup that run into the layers. The dish rests on a light cloth with red stripes on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The backbone of this Brioche French Toast Casserole Recipe is all about that buttery brioche and the custard that gets infused with fresh citrus and vanilla. Each ingredient plays its part to deliver layers of flavor and that melting texture that you’re aiming for.

Brioche French Toast Casserole, easy brunch recipes, holiday breakfast ideas, baked French toast, indulgent breakfast casserole - Flat lay of a thick loaf of brioche bread sliced into triangles arranged neatly, four large clean eggs with uncracked shells, a small white ceramic bowl filled with light brown sugar crystals, a few fresh orange zests curled beside a small white bowl of bright orange juice, a small white bowl holding golden vanilla extract, a tiny pile of fine salt grains, a small white bowl of creamy milk, a smooth pat of pale butter on a simple white dish, and a small white bowl containing coarse demerara sugar crystals, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Brioche Bread: I recommend using a day-old loaf or lightly toasting fresh brioche to prevent it from becoming mushy during soaking.
Eggs: These bind everything and add richness, helping to create that luscious custard texture.
Light Brown Sugar: Adds just the right amount of natural sweetness without overpowering the orange flavor.
Orange Zest & Juice: They bring a fresh citrus brightness that cuts through the richness and makes the dish feel light and vibrant.
Vanilla Extract: An essential warm note that compliments the orange perfectly.
Fine Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
Milk: You want whole or 2% milk for creaminess; it helps the custard soak in nicely.
Butter: Used to grease the baking dish and provide extra richness in every bite.
Coarse Sugar (Demarara Sugar): For sprinkling on top to create a crunchy, caramelized finish—don’t skip this!

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of the reasons I love this Brioche French Toast Casserole Recipe is how easy it is to make your own. Feel free to add your favorite flavors or swap ingredients to suit your mood or diet — the base recipe is flexible and forgiving.

Adding Spices: I sometimes sprinkle in cinnamon or nutmeg for a cozy twist. It adds that warm spice note that pairs so well with the orange zest.
Fruit Mix-ins or Topping: Fresh berries or sliced bananas on top add freshness and texture.
Non-Dairy Milk: I’ve successfully used almond milk or oat milk for a dairy-free option, but stick with whole milk if you want maximum creaminess.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free brioche bread for a similar texture and flavor — just make sure it’s sturdy enough to hold the custard soak.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Brioche French Toast Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Slice and Prep the Brioche

Start by slicing your brioche loaf into thick, 1.5cm slices — you’re aiming for about 12 to 14 slices. Then cut each slice diagonally into triangles. This shape is not only cute but helps the custard soak evenly throughout. I like using slightly stale brioche to keep the pieces from turning soggy when soaked.

Step 2: Whisk Up the Custard Mixture

In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, light brown sugar, orange zest and juice, vanilla, salt, and milk until everything is combined and slightly frothy. This custard is where all the magic happens — that hint of citrus really brightens the richness.

Step 3: Grease the Casserole Dish

Butter your casserole dish (about 22 x 13cm or 9×13 inch) generously on all sides. I sometimes dollop excess butter around the base so it browns extra nicely and adds richness to the edges. No one wants dry bread here, trust me.

Step 4: Dip and Arrange the Bread

Submerge each brioche triangle fully into the custard mixture, allowing it to soak up as much as possible without falling apart. Then place each piece neatly in the casserole dish with the triangle tips pointing upwards — it just looks prettier! Pour any leftover custard over the top. This ensures every bite is moist and luscious.

Step 5: Let It Soak and Sprinkle Sugar

Patience is your friend here—let the casserole stand at room temperature for about 30 minutes to allow the custard to sink in fully. This is the secret to getting that creamy, custardy center. Then sprinkle the coarse Demerara sugar on top for a caramelized, crunchy crust once baked.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden

Bake your Brioche French Toast Casserole Recipe at 165°C (340°F) for 25-30 minutes until the top turns lightly golden and the custard is set. The smell alone will have your kitchen smelling heavenly! Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving to let everything settle perfectly.

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Pro Tips for Making Brioche French Toast Casserole Recipe

Use Day-Old Brioche: Fresher brioche is too soft and can fall apart after soaking, so slightly stale bread holds up better when submerged.
Don’t Skip the Soak: Letting the bread sit for 30 minutes to absorb the custard makes all the difference in texture and flavor intensification.
Sprinkle Demerara Sugar on Top: Creates a delightful crunchy contrast that elevates the dish beyond classic French toast.
Serve Warm and Fresh: This casserole tastes best fresh from the oven—warm syrup or a dusting of powdered sugar seals the deal.

How to Serve Brioche French Toast Casserole Recipe

Brioche French Toast Casserole, easy brunch recipes, holiday breakfast ideas, baked French toast, indulgent breakfast casserole - The image shows a white baking dish filled with layered toasted bread slices that are golden brown and slightly crispy on the edges, arranged upright and overlapping. The bread layers are sprinkled with coarse sugar and scattered with whole blueberries, red raspberries, and small chopped almonds, adding pops of dark blue, bright red, and light beige colors. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface, next to a white plate holding a piece of the bread pudding topped with whipped cream, extra berries, and nuts. The overall scene includes soft natural light highlighting the warm tones and textures of the baked bread and fresh fruit. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I love garnishing this casserole with fresh berries and a dusting of powdered sugar for a pop of color and freshness. Sometimes, a few mint leaves add a subtle herbal hint that pairs wonderfully with the citrus notes. Of course, a generous drizzle of maple syrup is a must — it brings that sweet, sticky finish we all crave.

Side Dishes

This is already a hearty dish, but I like pairing it with crispy breakfast sausages or a side of bacon for a touch of savory contrast. A simple bowl of yogurt or a fruit salad also complements the richness beautifully, making the meal balanced and refreshing.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday brunches or special occasions, I serve the casserole in individual ramekins for a personalized touch. You can even layer the bread and custard into a clear glass baking dish so everyone can admire the beautiful custardy layers. A sprinkle of edible flowers or candied orange peel adds a fancy, festive flair!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your casserole, cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and store leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days. I find reheating in a low oven (about 160°C/320°F) helps keep that crisp sugar crust intact while warming the custard through evenly.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully! Assemble and bake as usual in a freezer-safe dish, then once cooled, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil before popping it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. Freezer-friendly brunch? Yes, please.

Reheating

To reheat, I gently warm the casserole in the oven at 160°C (320°F) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. This avoids sogginess and helps maintain a crisp top. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too, but you’ll lose that golden crunch.

FAQs

Can I use bread other than brioche for this casserole?

While brioche is ideal for its buttery crumb and ability to soak up custard without falling apart, you can substitute with challah or a sturdy white bread. Just make sure the bread is day-old or lightly toasted to prevent sogginess.
Do I have to let the bread soak before baking?

Letting the bread soak for about 30 minutes at room temperature is highly recommended because it allows the custard to fully penetrate the bread, resulting in a rich, custardy texture. However, if you’re short on time, you can bake immediately—the texture will still be tasty but less infused.
Can I prepare the casserole the night before?

Yes! You can assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and store it in the fridge overnight. Then bake fresh in the morning, adding about 5-10 minutes to the bake time. This makes busy mornings much easier.
How do I get a crunchy topping on the casserole?

Sprinkling coarse sugar—like Demerara or turbinado sugar—on top before baking creates a beautifully caramelized, crunchy crust that contrasts deliciously with the soft custard inside.

Final Thoughts

Making this Brioche French Toast Casserole Recipe has quickly become one of my favorite rituals for weekend mornings. There’s something so incredibly comforting about the soft, citrus-kissed custard-soaked brioche paired with that caramelized sugar crust. It’s the perfect recipe to impress guests or indulge yourself without spending hours in the kitchen. Give it a try — once you do, I bet it’ll become a staple in your breakfast lineup, just like it has in mine!