Hey there! I’m so excited to share this Instant Pot French Toast Casserole with you! It’s got all the cozy vibes of a classic French toast breakfast, but with the convenience (and speed!) of your Instant Pot. Whether you’re treating yourself to a lazy weekend morning or impressing brunch guests with minimal effort, this recipe is a game-changer. Think soft, custardy bites of cinnamon-spiced bread topped with that perfect golden syrup drizzle—yum!
If you’re into warm, comforting breakfasts that feel like a hug on a plate, this Instant Pot French Toast Casserole is about to become your new go-to.
### **Why You’ll Love This Recipe**
– **Quick & Easy**: No need to hover over a skillet flipping slices of bread. This casserole does all the work for you while you sip your coffee.
– **Perfect for a Crowd**: Ideal for holidays, brunch parties, or meal prep—just scoop and serve.
– **Customizable**: Add your favorite mix-ins like fresh fruit, nuts, or chocolate chips for a unique twist every time.
– **Minimal Cleanup**: Thanks to the Instant Pot, you’ve got fewer dishes to worry about afterward.
—
### **Ingredients Breakdown**
#### **Essentials**
– **Bread**: Use day-old bread like brioche, challah, or French bread for the best fluffy texture. If you’re in a pinch, even regular sandwich bread works!
– **Eggs**: These are the star ingredient for the custard base, so use fresh ones for the best flavor.
– **Milk**: Whole milk adds richness, but you can sub with almond milk, oat milk, or even half-and-half for extra indulgence.
– **Cinnamon & Nutmeg**: These spices give it that classic French toast flavor—feel free to adjust to your liking.
– **Maple Syrup**: Drizzle some on top for serving, or mix a bit into the custard for added sweetness.
#### **Pro Tips**
– If you don’t have day-old bread, you can lightly toast fresh bread in the oven for a similar effect—it helps soak up the custard without becoming soggy.
– Want to cut back on sugar? Use unsweetened almond milk and reduce the maple syrup in your mix.
—
### **Step-by-Step Instructions**
#### **Step 1: Prep the Instant Pot**
– Spray the bottom and sides of an Instant Pot-safe baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
– Add 1–1.5 cups of water to the Instant Pot and place the trivet inside.
#### **Step 2: Assemble the Casserole**
1. Cut your bread into 1-inch cubes and place them in the prepared baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together 4 large eggs, 1.5 cups of milk, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 tsp nutmeg, and 2 tbsp maple syrup. Make sure everything is well combined.
3. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes, pressing lightly so the bread fully absorbs the liquid.
#### **Step 3: Cook**
– Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and set it on the trivet inside the Instant Pot.
– Seal the Instant Pot lid and set to “High Pressure” for 25 minutes.
– Once done, allow a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then carefully quick-release any remaining pressure.
#### **Step 4: Finish & Serve**
– Carefully remove the dish from the Instant Pot (it’s hot—use mitts or tongs!).
– For a golden, toasty top, you can broil the casserole in your oven for 2–3 minutes—this step is optional but totally worth it.
– Sprinkle with powdered sugar and add your favorite toppings like fresh berries or whipped cream. Don’t forget the maple syrup drizzle!
—
### **Chef’s Tips and Tricks**
– **Make It Overnight**: Assemble everything the night before and let it sit in the fridge. Pop it in the Instant Pot the next morning for a super easy breakfast.
– **Don’t Overcrowd the Bread**: Too much bread packed into the dish can lead to uneven cooking. Give those cubes some space to shine.
– **Storage**: Leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave.
—
### **Recipe Variations and Serving Suggestions**
– **Mix-Ins**: Try adding a handful of chopped pecans, walnuts, or mini chocolate chips to the bread mixture.
– **Fruit**: Toss in diced apples, banana slices, or raisins for a fruity upgrade.
– **Savory Spin**: Want to switch it up? Cut back on the syrup, add a pinch of salt, and sprinkle in cooked bacon or sausage crumbles for a sweet-savory twist.
– **Serving Ideas**: Pair this dish with fresh fruit, crispy bacon, or mimosas for a full brunch spread!
—
### **FAQs**
#### **Can I Make This Dairy-Free?**
Absolutely! Swap the milk with your favorite plant-based alternative, like almond or oat milk. Just avoid flavored options—they can change the taste.
#### **What If I Don’t Have an Instant Pot?**
You can bake the casserole in the oven at 350°F for about 35–40 minutes instead. Be sure to cover with foil for the first half of baking time.
#### **Can I Freeze It?**
Yes! Slice it into portions, wrap them individually, and store in the freezer. To reheat, microwave or bake until warmed through.
—
### Recipe Card
Instant Pot French Toast Casserole
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Serves: 6
Ingredients:
- 6–8 cups of day-old bread, cubed
- 4 large eggs
- 1.5 cups milk (whole, almond, or oat)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 2 tbsp maple syrup (plus extra for serving)
- Powdered sugar, optional, for topping
Instructions:
- Spray an Instant Pot-safe baking dish with non-stick spray. Add 1.5 cups water to the Instant Pot and place the trivet inside.
- Layer bread cubes in the dish. In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and maple syrup. Pour over the bread and press down gently.
- Cover the dish with foil and place on the trivet. Seal the Instant Pot lid. Cook on “High Pressure” for 25 minutes. Let it release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick-release.
- Remove the dish, broil for a toasty top (optional), and serve with powdered sugar, berries, or whipped cream.
Cozy, easy, and oh-so-delicious, this Instant Pot French Toast Casserole is bound to become a breakfast favorite. I can’t wait for you to try it! If you make it, let me know how it turned out in the comments, or tag me in your breakfast pics with #TheKitchensAid. I’d love to see your twists and toppings!
