Eggnog French Toast Casserole – A Festive Holiday Breakfast
A Classic French Toast Recipe with a Holiday Twist
Elevate your holiday mornings with this Eggnog French Toast Casserole, blending classic French toast with eggnog, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla. Perfect for Christmas or any winter gathering, it’s easy to prep ahead as an overnight casserole, baking into a crispy, golden top with a soft center.
Festive Eggnog French Toast Casserole | Easy Overnight French Toast Recipe for the Holidays
DifficultyEasy
Servings8-10
Prep time10 minutes
Cook time45 minutes
Total time55 minutes
Ingredients
For the French Toast Casserole:
- 1 loaf brioche bread or challah, cubed (about 10-12 cups)
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups eggnog
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/3 cup maple syrup or brown sugar
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
For Serving:
- Powdered sugar
- Warm maple syrup
- Whipped cream, (optional)
Let's Get Cooking!
Instructions:
- 1
Prep the Bread
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
- Cube the brioche or challah bread into 1-inch pieces and place them in the baking dish.
- 2
Make the Custard
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, eggnog, milk, maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth.
- Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes, making sure all the pieces are coated.
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate overnight (or at least 6 hours) to allow the bread to absorb the custard.
- 3
Bake the Casserole
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes.
- Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the casserole.
- Bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and slightly crispy.
- 4
Serve & Enjoy!
- Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Dust with powdered sugar, drizzle with maple syrup, and top with whipped cream.
Recipe Notes & Variations
Recipe Notes
✔ Best Bread Choices
- Brioche: Buttery and rich, perfect for absorbing custard while staying soft.
- Challah: Slightly sweet with a light texture, making it ideal for French toast.
- French Bread: Firmer than brioche, providing a chewier texture.
- Croissants: For an ultra-rich and flaky variation.
✔ Why Let It Sit Overnight?
- Allowing the bread to soak in the eggnog custard ensures a rich, creamy texture and prevents dry spots.
- If you’re short on time, let it sit for at least 30 minutes before baking, but overnight is best!
✔ How to Prevent a Soggy Casserole
- Avoid super fresh bread—day-old or slightly dry bread works best.
- Don’t overload with too much liquid—stick to the recipe measurements.
- Bake uncovered to allow moisture to evaporate and form a golden crust.
✔ How to Store & Reheat
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in the oven at 325°F (163°C) for 10-15 minutes to keep it crisp.
- For individual portions, microwave for 30-60 seconds, but the oven is best for maintaining texture.
Recipe Variations
1. Dairy-Free & Vegan Version
✔ Swap dairy-free eggnog (almond or oat-based) for regular eggnog.
✔ Replace milk with coconut milk or almond milk.
✔ Use vegan butter or coconut oil in place of butter.
✔ Replace eggs with a flax egg mixture (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg).
2. Boozy Holiday Twist (Adults Only!)
✔ Add 2 tbsp bourbon, spiced rum, or brandy to the custard mix for a spiked version.
✔ For extra warmth, increase the cinnamon and nutmeg slightly.
3. Add-Ins for Extra Flavor & Texture
✔ Dried Cranberries: A tart contrast to the sweet eggnog.
✔ Chopped Pecans or Walnuts: Adds crunch to the casserole.
✔ White Chocolate Chips: Melts into the custard for extra indulgence.
✔ Toasted Coconut Flakes: A tropical touch to balance the spices.
4. Gluten-Free Version
✔ Use gluten-free bread (like a sturdy sourdough or gluten-free brioche).
✔ Double-check that your eggnog and baking ingredients are gluten-free.
Best Ways to Serve This Eggnog French Toast Casserole
✔ Drizzle with warm maple syrup for classic sweetness.
✔ Dust with powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation.
✔ Top with whipped cream and cinnamon for extra indulgence.
✔ Pair with fresh berries or pomegranate seeds to add a fresh, tart contrast.
Why This Recipe Is a Holiday Favorite
✔ Make-ahead friendly – perfect for Christmas morning!
✔ Rich, creamy, and packed with warm spices.
✔ Customizable with different flavors, toppings, and mix-ins.
✔ Crowd-pleasing and easy to prepare.
Enjoy this Eggnog French Toast Casserole for your next holiday gathering and bring the warmth of the season to your breakfast table!
Nutrition
| Calories | 320 |
| Carbohydrates | 44g |
| Cholesterol | 125mg |
| Fat | 2g |
| Fiber | 8g |
| Protein | 6g |
| Saturated Fat | 260g |
| Sodium | 20mg |
| Unsaturated Fat | 5g |
History & Evolution of French Toast Casserole
Where French Toast Began
French toast, or “pain perdu” (lost bread), dates back centuries and was originally created as a way to use up stale bread. Instead of letting bread go to waste, it was soaked in a mixture of milk, eggs, and sugar, then fried to create a crispy, caramelized breakfast dish.
Over time, the concept evolved into the French toast casserole, a baked version that’s even more convenient, allowing home cooks to prepare it ahead of time and bake it in the morning. By incorporating eggnog, a classic holiday drink made from milk, cream, sugar, and warming spices, this recipe transforms into the ultimate seasonal breakfast indulgence.
Why You’ll Love This Eggnog French Toast Casserole
✔ Easy to Prepare: Assemble the night before and bake in the morning!
✔ Rich & Creamy Flavor: Eggnog adds a luscious texture and holiday warmth.
✔ Perfect for a Crowd: Serves 8-10 people, ideal for Christmas brunch or family gatherings.
✔ Warm Spices & Caramelized Edges: The cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla create the perfect balance of flavors.
✔ Customizable: Add pecans, raisins, or a streusel topping for extra crunch.
