Hey y'all! If you're searching for a breakfast that's a total crowd-pleaser, look no further than this Eggnog French Toast Casserole. With creamy eggnog, warm spices, and fluffy bread baked to golden perfection, it's the ultimate cozy dish for holidays, brunches, or any morning when you want to treat yourself. It’s easy, make-ahead-friendly, and brings all the festive flavors to your table. Let’s get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Eggnog French Toast Casserole
- Perfect make-ahead breakfast for stress-free mornings or busy holidays.
- Rich, custardy texture with delightful hints of nutmeg and cinnamon.
- Feeds a crowd, making it ideal for family gatherings or brunch parties.
- Super simple to prepare—just assemble, refrigerate, and bake!
- Easily customizable with your favorite toppings and add-ins.
Eggnog French Toast Casserole Ingredients
- 1 loaf (about 16 oz) French bread or brioche, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 cups store-bought or homemade eggnog
- 6 large eggs
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 ½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Powdered sugar, maple syrup, and fresh berries for serving (optional)
How to Make Eggnog French Toast Casserole: Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish
Coat a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or butter. Spread the bread cubes evenly across the dish.
Step 2: Whisk the Eggnog Custard
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggnog, eggs, sugar, melted butter, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth and combined.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Pour the eggnog mixture over the bread cubes, pressing down gently so all bread is soaked. Cover dish tightly with foil and refrigerate at least 2 hours (or overnight for best flavor).
Step 4: Bake the Eggnog French Toast Casserole
When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the fridge and bring to room temperature for 15–20 minutes. Bake covered for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake another 20–25 minutes, until the top is golden and the custard is set in the center. Total bake time: 50–55 minutes.
Step 5: Serve
Let cool for 5–10 minutes. Dust with powdered sugar and serve warm with maple syrup, whipped cream, and/or fresh berries if desired.
Notes for the Best Eggnog French Toast Casserole
- Stale bread works best as it soaks up the custard without becoming mushy.
- Letting the casserole sit overnight intensifies the eggnog flavor.
- Covering with foil for the first half of baking keeps the casserole moist; uncover for a crisp, golden top.
Eggnog French Toast Casserole Variations
- Cranberry-Orange: Add 1 cup fresh or dried cranberries and 1 tablespoon orange zest to the bread before adding custard.
- Pecan Praline: Sprinkle 1 cup chopped pecans and ½ cup brown sugar on top before baking for crunchy sweetness.
- Chocolate Chip: Stir in ¾ cup mini chocolate chips to the bread cubes for chocolatey bites in every slice.
Equipment Needed for Eggnog French Toast Casserole
- 9x13-inch baking dish
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife (for cutting bread)
- Foil
Storage & Shelf Life for Eggnog French Toast Casserole
Store leftover casserole tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm individual servings in the microwave for 1–2 minutes, or reheat the whole casserole in a 325°F (165°C) oven until hot, about 20 minutes.
Serving Recommendations & Pairings for Eggnog French Toast Casserole
Serve this cozy casserole alongside crispy bacon, fresh fruit salad, and hot coffee for a festive breakfast feast. It’s also fantastic with a dollop of whipped cream, warm maple syrup, or a dusting of cinnamon sugar.
Pro Tips for Eggnog French Toast Casserole
- Use thick-cut bread like brioche or challah for the best custardy bite.
- Let the casserole rest before slicing for clean, tidy servings.
- Sprinkle a little extra cinnamon or nutmeg over the top before baking for heightened holiday flavor.
Eggnog French Toast Casserole FAQ
- Can I use homemade eggnog for this casserole?
- Absolutely! Homemade or store-bought eggnog both work deliciously—just make sure it’s well-chilled.
- Can I freeze Eggnog French Toast Casserole?
- Yes. Bake the casserole, cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in fridge and reheat before serving.
- What if I don't have a 9x13-inch pan?
- You can use two smaller pans; just watch the bake time, as it may be slightly shorter.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes (includes chilling and baking)
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of brioche or challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 cups eggnog
- 4 large eggs
- ½ cup whole milk
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
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1Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with melted butter and arrange bread cubes evenly in the dish.
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2In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggnog, eggs, milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined.
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3Pour the eggnog mixture evenly over the bread, pressing gently to soak all pieces. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.
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4Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove casserole from the refrigerator and let stand at room temperature for 15 minutes.
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5Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is set. Let cool slightly before serving.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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