Eggnog French Toast Casserole Is the Cozy, Make-Ahead Breakfast You’ll Love on Christmas Morning

The magic of Christmas morning just got a whole lot tastier! Now, it’s not just the presents under the tree you have to look forward to. If your holiday traditions involve cozy breakfasts in pajamas surrounded by loved ones, this eggnog French toast casserole recipe is about to become a star at your table. The spiced decadence of eggnog gives the traditional flavors a festive makeover, great for feeding a full house. As a bonus, it’s make-ahead friendly, meaning more time enjoying gifts and less time in the kitchen. We’re sharing everything that makes this dish a hit—and how to make it even more special with easy tips and customizations.

Why eggnog and French toast is a match made in heaven

Eggnog and French toast are two classic holiday favorites, so combining them feels a bit like destiny. The rich, creamy eggnog base tastes even better than milk or cream, while bringing a subtle hint of nutmeg, cinnamon and vanilla. In case you’re unfamiliar, eggnog is a chilled, sweetened dairy-based drink made with milk, cream, sugar, egg yolks and whipped egg whites (which gives it its name). Now, imagine that richness soaked into pieces of fluffy bread. Sound delicious? That’s because it is. Turning this combo into a casserole elevates the dish from a simple breakfast to a show-stopping centerpiece that serves a crowd effortlessly. Plus, no more standing over the stove flipping slices one by one—just prep it the day before, bake and serve.

Food

Wake up to Magic With This Irresistibly Easy Overnight French Toast Recipe

There’s nothing better than waking up to the smell of cinnamon, vanilla and buttery toast slowly caramelizing in the oven—especially when all you have to do is pop it in the oven. Overnight French toast is my go-to for laid-back mornings, holidays or anytime I want to feel like a brunch hero without breaking a […]

Tips for making eggnog French toast casserole

Want a flawless casserole every time? Here’s how to make sure your dish shines:

1. Choose the right bread: Opt for sturdy, slightly stale bread like brioche or challah. It soaks up the eggnog custard without becoming soggy. While this recipe cubes the bread into pieces for easier serving, you can also leave the slices whole and layer them for larger portions.
2. Prep ahead: Assemble the casserole the night before and let it soak in the fridge overnight. This ensures every piece infuses the flavor and makes morning prep a breeze.
3. Bake to perfection: Cover the casserole with foil for the first 30 minutes to avoid over-browning, then uncover for a golden finish.

Food

10 Holiday Crockpot Recipes That Practically Cook Themselves

The holiday season is magical, but the hustle is no joke. Between gift shopping, decorating and hosting, who has time to cook elaborate meals? If you’re praying for a Christmas miracle, have no fear—your trusty crockpot can become the secret weapon you didn’t know you needed. With minimal effort, you can whip up show-stopping dishes […]

Fun toppings and customizations

The holidays always call for going above and beyond. Elevate your casserole with these festive toppings and creative twists:

• Classic favorites: A dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of maple syrup, or a dollop of whipped cream keeps it traditional yet delicious.
• Crunchy textures: Sprinkle crushed candied pecans, granola or toffee bits on top for a satisfying crunch. Or, make a streusel for a sugary finish!
• Fruity additions: Fresh blueberries, roasted apples or a cranberry compote add a burst of tart sweetness.
• Boozy kick: Add a splash of rum or bourbon to the custard for an adults-only morning treat.

Want to make it even more special? Serve with warm caramel sauce or a side of spiced hot cocoa.

One-hour eggnog French toast casserole recipe

This easy recipe from just so tasty is extra fluffy and features a deliciously crunchy crumble topping. For better flavor, we recommend making a homemade eggnog (it’s easy to do). But if you’re short on time, get it in the dairy aisle at your local grocery store.

Ingredients:

• 1 large loaf bread, brioche or French bread
• 5 large eggs
• 1¾ cups eggnog
• ½ tsp. nutmeg
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract

Crumb topping

• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 2 Tbs. white sugar
• ½ tsp. nutmeg
• ½ tsp. ground cinnamon
• ⅓ cup butter, melted

Deal of the Day

This Deep Conditioning Collagen Hair Mask for Has 4.9 Stars and Is 80% Off — Get It for $20! View Deal

Directions:

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 15 servings

1. Grease a 9×13-inch 3-quart casserole dish. If baking immediately, preheat the oven to 350°F. Then, cut the bread into 1-inch squares and place in the casserole dish.
2. In a large bowl whisk together the eggs, eggnog, nutmeg and vanilla extract. Then, pour the egg mixture over the bread, giving it a little stir if needed so that the bread is lightly covered. After, add the crumble topping on top.
3. If baking immediately, bake for 32 to 37 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. If making ahead of time, cover with aluminum foil, then place in the fridge overnight. When ready to bake, remove from the fridge and bake, uncovered, for the same time and at the same temperature.
4. Let cool for five to 10 minutes, then cut into slices and serve with whipped cream and syrup.

Crumb topping

1. Whisk together the flour, brown sugar, white sugar, nutmeg and cinnamon.
2. Then, stir in the melted butter. It should look like wet sand in consistency and form crumbles when touched.

How to store and reheat leftovers

To save extra eggnog French toast casserole, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer individual portions to an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to three days. You can also freeze baked casserole portions for up to a month. Wrap slices individually for easier reheating or grab-and-go breakfasts. When you want to reheat, warm the casserole in a 350°F oven until heated through to avoid sogginess or fry a slice in a pan. But if you don’t mind a little texture change, the microwave works in a pinch.