Name: Brioche French Toast Casserole with Orange Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 1 brioche bread loaf (500 g), thickly sliced into 12 to 14 slices and cut diagonally into triangles; 4 large eggs; 50 g light brown sugar; 1 large orange zest; 80 ml orange juice; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ½ teaspoon fine salt; 1½ cups milk; 30 g butter (for greasing the casserole dish); 12 g coarse sugar (demerara sugar, for sprinkling on top)

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 15 reviews

If you’re craving a breakfast that feels like a warm hug on a chilly morning, you’re going to love this Brioche French Toast Casserole with Orange Recipe. It’s a perfect blend of rich, buttery brioche soaked in a fragrant orange-infused custard, baked to golden perfection. I’ve made this dish countless times, and believe me, it’s a total crowd-pleaser whether it’s for a lazy weekend brunch or a special holiday morning. Stick around, and I’ll share all my tips so you can nail it on your first try!

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Why This Recipe Works

Tender Brioche Base: Using thick, day-old brioche ensures it soaks up the custard without turning mushy.
Bright Orange Flavor: Fresh orange zest and juice add just the right amount of citrus sparkle to balance the sweetness.
Hands-Off Baking: Once assembled, it bakes quietly in the oven, giving you time to relax or prep other breakfast goodies.
Golden Caramelized Top: A sprinkle of coarse sugar before baking creates a delightful crunch and irresistible look.

Brioche French Toast Casserole with Orange, orange breakfast casserole, French toast bake with orange, breakfast casserole with citrus, holiday brunch 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

Each ingredient in this Brioche French Toast Casserole with Orange Recipe plays a key role in balancing flavors and textures — which is why it turns out so dreamy every time. Plus, shopping tips can help you get the freshest and best-quality items for the most flavorful result.

Brioche bread loaf: I love using brioche because its buttery richness soaks up the custard beautifully; just make sure it’s a day or two old to avoid sogginess.
Eggs: They’re the star of the custard, binding everything together and giving a lovely creamy texture.
Light brown sugar: Adds a subtle molasses note that pairs perfectly with orange flavors.
Orange zest: The secret ingredient that gives this casserole its fresh, bright personality—don’t skip it!
Orange juice: Provides acidity and juiciness, balancing the sweet and rich flavors.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavor profile with warmth and depth.
Fine salt: Enhances and intensifies all the flavors, so be sure not to omit.
Milk: Keeps the custard tender; you can use whole or 2% milk depending on your preference.
Butter: Needed to grease the pan and adds that extra buttery note to the edges.
Coarse sugar (demerara): Sprinkled on top for a crunchy, caramelized crust—highly recommended!

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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 joys of this Brioche French Toast Casserole with Orange Recipe is how adaptable it is. I’ve played around with it enough to know that you’ll enjoy making it your own—whether you want it lighter, richer, or a little more indulgent.

Add nuts or dried fruit: I sometimes toss in chopped pecans or dried cranberries between the layers for texture and bursts of flavor.
Use dairy alternatives: For a dairy-free version, swap milk for almond or oat milk and use a plant-based butter substitute.
Spice it up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the custard for a cozy warmth that complements the orange beautifully.
Make it boozy: A splash of Grand Marnier or orange liqueur in the custard can elevate the dish for a special occasion brunch.

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

Step 1: Slice Your Brioche and Cut into Triangles

Start by slicing your brioche into thick, 1.5 cm slices—about 12 to 14 slices will do. Then cut each slice in half diagonally to create those charming triangles. I find this shape helps the custard soak evenly and makes for a pretty presentation in the casserole dish. If your brioche is fresh, consider toasting the slices lightly first to prevent it from falling apart when soaked.

Step 2: Whisk Together Your Custard Mixture

In a medium bowl, crack the eggs and whisk them well until smooth. Then add the light brown sugar, freshly grated orange zest, orange juice, vanilla extract, fine salt, and milk. Whisk again until everything is perfectly combined—a well-mixed custard helps ensure even flavor in every bite.

Step 3: Butter Up Your Casserole Dish Generously

Grab a 9×13 inch casserole dish and smear butter all over the base and sides. A generous coating helps the French toast release easily after baking and adds that buttery crust we all secretly love. If you have extra butter left, feel free to dollop it around the base for pockets of melty goodness.

Step 4: Dip Brioche Triangles and Arrange Neatly

One by one, submerge each brioche triangle into the custard mixture. You want it fully coated but not falling apart, so a quick dip and gentle press is my go-to technique. Place them upright in the casserole dish, arranging them snugly with the pointy ends facing up—this makes for a lovely visual when baked. Once all are set, pour any leftover custard over the top to soak in.

Step 5: Let It Rest and Sprinkle with Coarse Sugar

Now, this is a key step I always recommend: let the casserole sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. This soak time helps the custard fully absorb into the brioche for that melt-in-your-mouth texture. Right before popping it into the oven, generously sprinkle the top with coarse demerara sugar—this makes for the magical caramelized crust you’ll adore.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Set

Bake your brioche French toast casserole at 165°C (340°F) for 25 to 30 minutes. Keep an eye on it—you’re looking for a lightly golden top that’s firm to the touch but still tender inside. After it comes out of the oven, let it rest for 10 minutes; this little cooldown helps it set and makes serving easier.

Don’t forget the maple syrup drizzle before serving warm—this finishing touch is pure indulgence!

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Pro Tips for Making Brioche French Toast Casserole with Orange Recipe

Use Day-Old Brioche: Fresh brioche is too soft and can get mushy; day-old bread soaks custard better without falling apart.
Don’t Skip the Soak Time: That 30-minute rest gives the custard time to infuse every slice with flavor—trust me, it’s worth it.
Coarse Sugar Makes a Difference: Sprinkling demerara sugar on top before baking forms that irresistible crispy crust.
Let It Rest After Baking: Waiting 10 minutes before serving prevents it from being too runny and helps it slice neatly.

How to Serve Brioche French Toast Casserole with Orange Recipe

Garnishes

I usually top this casserole with a few extra orange zest curls and a dusting of powdered sugar for a pretty, fresh look. Fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries add a lovely tart contrast and pop of color. And honestly, a drizzle of warm maple syrup or a splash of whipped cream elevates it to brunch perfection.

Side Dishes

To make a full breakfast spread, I like pairing this casserole with crispy bacon or sausages and a side of sautéed apples or roasted potatoes. If you’re hosting, a simple green salad with a citrus vinaigrette can balance the richness and bring some freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday mornings or brunch gatherings, I’ve arranged individual portions in ramekins lined with brioche triangles for cute single servings. Or, layering the casserole with thin slices of orange between the bread adds a stunning touch. Serving with small jars of different syrups or spreads on the side invites guests to personalize each bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (and you might!), cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the fridge for up to 5 days. I usually reheat single slices in the microwave or oven, depending on my timing.

Freezing

This casserole freezes really well! I make it completely, then wrap the whole baking dish first with plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and pop it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When I’m ready to eat, I thaw it overnight in the fridge and then bake it fresh for a cozy breakfast any day.

Reheating

For best results, reheat slices in a 160°C (320°F) oven for about 10-15 minutes so the casserole warms through and the top crisps back up. Microwaving is ok for convenience but can make it a little softer on top.

FAQs

Can I use bread other than brioche for this French toast casserole?

Absolutely! While brioche is ideal for its buttery richness and texture, you can substitute with challah, Texas toast, or even thick-cut white bread. Just make sure the bread is a day old so it doesn’t get too mushy when soaked.
Do I have to let the casserole soak before baking?

Letting the casserole soak for at least 30 minutes at room temperature lets the custard fully saturate the bread, creating a custardy, tender interior. Skipping this step means it will still be tasty but might not have that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Can I prepare the casserole the night before?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate it covered. In the morning, just bring it to room temperature before baking, and increase baking time by a few minutes if needed.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Definitely! Substitute regular milk with almond, oat, or soy milk, and use a dairy-free butter alternative for greasing. The flavor might be a bit different but still delicious.
How do I get the crunchy sugar topping?

Sprinkle coarse demerara sugar evenly over the top right before baking. This sugar caramelizes in the oven creating a delightful crunchy crust that contrasts beautifully with the soft custard beneath.

Final Thoughts

This Brioche French Toast Casserole with Orange Recipe is one of my absolute favorites to make when I want to treat my family or impress brunch guests. Its combination of buttery bread, citrus brightness, and that caramelized top just feels so cozy and special. Give it a try—I promise you’ll love the ease of preparing it ahead and how it fills your kitchen with the most amazing aroma. Don’t forget to share it with friends and enjoy it warm with a good cup of coffee or tea. Happy baking!