Festive Eggnog French Toast Casserole: A Delicious Holiday Breakfast Treat!
Make your holiday mornings extra special with this cozy French toast bake infused with the warm flavors of eggnog and spices – it’s like Christmas in every bite!
- Classic French toast soaked in rich eggnog.
- Infused with cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla.
- Easy to prepare the night before as an overnight casserole.
- Bakes to a golden, crispy top with a soft, custardy center.
- Perfect for Christmas brunch or any winter celebration.
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.
Looking for other holiday meal ideas – check these out!
- About the Author
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Hey, I’m Michael from SpatulaDaddy! My kitchen’s my happy place, sharing easy, tasty recipes with California freshness, Ozark comfort, and flavors from my travels. Expect healthy & delicious food for everyone. Let’s get cooking!
