Brioche French Toast Bake Recipe

ByTaylor
Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 10 reviews

If you’re in the mood for a cozy weekend breakfast or a brunch that wows, let me share with you my all-time favorite Brioche French Toast Bake Recipe. Imagine the sweetness of orange zest mingled with vanilla, all wrapped in soft, pillowy brioche bread, baked to golden perfection—sounds dreamy, right? Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll want to make it again and again!

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Rich Brioche Bread: The soft, buttery texture soaks up the custard beautifully without falling apart.
  • Citrus Infusion: Orange zest and juice add a fresh brightness that cuts through the sweetness.
  • Easy Make-Ahead Option: Prepare it the night before and bake it fresh in the morning for effortless entertaining.
  • Simple Yet Flavorful Custard: A perfect blend of eggs, milk, vanilla, and sugar makes for a creamy custard the bread loves to soak up.
Brioche French Toast Bake, easy brioche breakfast recipes, indulgent brunch ideas, citrus-flavored French toast bake, make-ahead French toast 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 this …

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Brioche French Toast Bake Recipe shines because each ingredient plays its part perfectly. From the buttery brioche bread to the fragrant orange zest, you’ll notice how the flavors balance energy and comfort in every bite. Here are my favorite tips for selecting ingredients that make this breakfast stand out.

Brioche French Toast Bake, easy brioche breakfast recipes, indulgent brunch ideas, citrus-flavored French toast bake, make-ahead French toast 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: Look for day-old or slightly stale loaf to prevent sogginess; fresh bread might fall apart when soaked.
  • Eggs: Fresh, large eggs create the custard base that binds everything together.
  • Light brown sugar: Adds warmth and depth to the custard without overpowering the flavors.
  • Orange zest & juice: Freshly grated zest and freshly squeezed juice bring a bright, tangy contrast that wakes up the dish.
  • Vanilla extract: Enhances the sweetness naturally and gives the custard its comforting aroma.
  • Milk: I prefer whole milk for creaminess, but you can use any milk or milk alternative you like.
  • Butter: Used to grease the baking dish and add richness to the edges during baking.
  • Coarse sugar (demerara): Sprinkled on top before baking for a subtle crunch and caramelized finish.
  • Salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and amplify all the flavors.
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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 best things about this Brioche French Toast Bake Recipe is how much room there is for personalization. Over the years, I’ve played with different add-ins and tweaks to fit my mood or the season, and honestly, it’s been fun to make it your own.

  • Variation: Sometimes I toss in a handful of fresh berries between the bread layers for a pop of freshness—you’ll love how the juices mingle with the custard as it bakes.
  • Dietary tweaks: You can swap the milk for almond or oat milk to keep it dairy-free without sacrificing creaminess.
  • Extra cozy: Try sprinkling a little cinnamon or nutmeg in the custard for a warm, spiced flavor that feels like fall any time of year.
  • Crunch factor: Adding chopped nuts on top before baking gives great texture contrast—pecans or walnuts work beautifully.

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

Step 1: Slice and Prep the Brioche

Start by slicing your brioche loaf into thick 1.5 cm slices. I like to cut each slice diagonally into triangles—it just feels more inviting when serving! Pro tip: if your bread is fresh and soft, let it dry out a bit or toast lightly so it won’t fall apart when soaking up that luscious custard.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Custard

In a medium bowl, whisk eggs until there’s no streak of white. Add the brown sugar, fresh orange zest and juice, vanilla extract, salt, and milk. Give it a good whisk until everything’s nicely combined and a bit frothy—this custard is where the magic happens!

Step 3: Butter Up and Dip

Grease your casserole dish thoroughly with butter—not just the base but the sides too. This helps with flavor and keeps the toast from sticking. Then dunk each wedge of brioche into the custard, making sure it’s saturated but not dripping, and arrange the pieces in your baking dish, points facing up. Pour any extra custard over for good measure.

Step 4: Let It Soak and Sprinkle Sugar

This is the step I never skip: let the soaked bread sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. It gives all those flavors time to mingle and makes the inside wonderfully custardy. Just before baking, sprinkle the coarse Demerara sugar over the top for that irresistible crunchy finish.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake your casserole at 165°C (340°F) for about 25-30 minutes until you see a golden-brown crust and the custard has set. Once out of the oven, let it rest for 10 minutes—that’s key to avoid a soggy bottom and allow the flavors to settle. Serve warm with plenty of maple syrup!

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Pro Tips for Making Brioche French Toast Bake Recipe

  • Use Day-Old Brioche: It’s easier to soak and holds together better, preventing a mushy casserole.
  • Don’t Rush the Soak: The 30-minute rest makes the custard fully penetrate the bread, giving you that custardy bite we all want.
  • Even Sizing Matters: Cutting your bread into uniform triangles helps everything cook evenly and look pretty.
  • Watch Your Oven: Ovens vary, so check your bake a few minutes before the time’s up to avoid burning or drying out.

How to Serve Brioche French Toast Bake Recipe

Brioche French Toast Bake, easy brioche breakfast recipes, indulgent brunch ideas, citrus-flavored French toast bake, make-ahead French toast 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 topping this bake with warm maple syrup—it’s classic and unbeatable. Fresh berries or a dusting of powdered sugar bring a touch of elegance and freshness. Sometimes, I dust a little cinnamon sugar on top to add a cozy warmth that’s perfect in cooler months.

Side Dishes

While this bake is often a full meal on its own, pairing it with crispy bacon or sausages adds a savory balance. A fresh fruit salad or simple green salad can lighten the plate and add color. For a brunch spread, avocado toast or scrambled eggs make great companions.

Creative Ways to Present

Around the holidays, I like to bake this in mini ramekins for individual servings—it’s both charming and practical for a crowd. Drizzling with a berry compote or dolloping whipped cream transforms it into a brunch-worthy dessert too. A sprinkle of edible flowers adds a whimsical touch if you’re feeling fancy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually cover leftover casserole tightly with plastic wrap and keep it in the fridge for up to five days. It reheats wonderfully either in the oven or the microwave—just be sure to cover it loosely while warming to keep moistness intact.

Freezing

If you want to prep ahead and freeze, this Brioche French Toast Bake Recipe freezes like a dream. Assemble it in a freezer-safe dish, wrap it well in plastic and foil, then store for up to three months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before baking as usual.

Reheating

For reheating, I find placing leftovers in a preheated oven (about 160°C/320°F) for 10-15 minutes revives that fresh-baked texture. Microwaving works too if you’re in a hurry, but the oven does a better job at preserving crisp edges.

FAQs

  1. Can I use other types of bread for this Brioche French Toast Bake Recipe?

    Absolutely! While brioche is ideal due to its buttery texture, you can substitute with challah, Texas toast, or even thick-cut white bread. Just make sure the bread isn’t too fresh or soft; day-old bread works best for soaking up custard without falling apart.

  2. Do I have to let the bread soak before baking?

    It’s highly recommended to let the bread soak for 30 minutes at room temperature. This step allows the custard to fully saturate the bread, resulting in a creamy interior. If you’re short on time, you can bake immediately, but the texture won’t be quite as rich.

  3. Can I prepare this recipe the night before?

    Yes! Preparing it the night before and refrigerating up to overnight is perfect for busy mornings or entertaining. Just bring it to room temperature before baking, or add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

  4. How do I store leftovers?

    Store leftovers covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to five days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave, and your baked French toast will feel freshly made.

  5. Can I freeze this Brioche French Toast Bake?

    Definitely. Freeze before baking in a tightly wrapped dish for up to three months. Thaw completely in the fridge overnight before baking as directed for best results.

Final Thoughts

This Brioche French Toast Bake Recipe truly feels like a warm hug on a plate, especially on chilly mornings or special occasions. The combination of buttery bread, vibrant orange, and sweet vanilla custard is comfort food at its best—and it’s so easy to pull together! I can’t wait for you to try it and see just how effortless and delicious breakfast can be when you’ve got the right recipe and a little love in the kitchen.

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Brioche French Toast Bake Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 10 reviews
  • Author: Taylor
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 10 servings
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: French
  • Diet: Vegetarian
Print Recipe

Description

This Baked Brioche French Toast Casserole is a rich and comforting breakfast dish made with thick slices of brioche bread soaked in a citrusy orange-infused custard and baked until golden and fluffy. Perfect for a weekend brunch or special occasion, it combines the sweet zest of orange with the creamy richness of eggs and milk, topped with crunchy demerara sugar for extra texture and sweetness.

Ingredients

Bread

  • 1 brioche bread loaf (500 g), thickly sliced

Custard

  • 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

Topping and Preparation

  • 30 g butter (for greasing)
  • 12 g coarse sugar (demerara sugar)

Instructions

  1. Slice the Brioche: Slice the brioche bread into 1.5 cm thick slices, about 12 to 14 slices total. Then cut each slice diagonally in half to create triangles.
  2. Make the Custard: In a medium bowl, whisk together the 4 large eggs, 50 g light brown sugar, zest and juice of one large orange, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, ½ teaspoon fine salt, and 1½ cups milk until fully combined.
  3. Prepare the Casserole Dish: Grease a 22 x 33 cm (9×13 inch) casserole dish thoroughly with 30 g butter on the base and sides. Reserve any remaining butter to dollop around the base later.
  4. Dip the Bread: Fully submerge each brioche triangle into the custard mixture and place them standing upright in the casserole dish with the triangle points facing up. Pour any leftover custard mixture evenly over the bread.
  5. Soak the Bread: Let the soaked bread stand at room temperature for 30 minutes to allow the custard to fully absorb and the flavors to infuse.
  6. Add Sugar Topping: Sprinkle 12 g coarse demerara sugar evenly over the top of the soaked bread triangles.
  7. Bake the Casserole: Bake in a preheated oven at 165°C (340°F) for 30 minutes until the top is lightly golden and the casserole is set.
  8. Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving warm. Drizzle with maple syrup if desired for extra sweetness.

Notes

  • Step-by-step photos are available in the original blog post to guide preparation.
  • To store, cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 5 days; reheat in a warm oven or microwave before serving.
  • To freeze, assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe dish, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, freeze for up to 3 months, and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
  • Use day-old or slightly stale brioche bread for better texture; fresh bread may become too soggy when soaked.
  • Allowing the bread to soak for 30 minutes is recommended for optimal flavor infusion and custard absorption, but the recipe still works if you skip this step.
  • Serve warm straight from the oven for the best taste and texture experience.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Sugar: 18 g
  • Sodium: 220 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 8 g
  • Cholesterol: 150 mg

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