Eggnog French Toast Casserole is a cozy, festive dish that’s perfect for holiday gatherings. It’s rich, warm, and has a lovely touch of sweetness from the eggnog. You can serve it for breakfast or brunch, making it a delightful way to start a busy day. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to prepare ahead of time!

Why You Will Love This Eggnog French Toast Casserole

This casserole is a simple yet impressive dish that the whole family will enjoy. With minimal prep and everyday ingredients, it fits perfectly into a busy holiday schedule. It’s also a fantastic way to serve breakfast to a crowd without spending all morning in the kitchen. The combination of flavors is just right, making every bite taste like the holidays.

How to Make Eggnog French Toast Casserole

Making this delightful casserole is straightforward and beginner-friendly. You’ll whisk together the egg mixture, soak the bread cubes, and then let it rest while you’re busy with other holiday tasks. It’s mainly about assembling the ingredients and letting them meld together overnight for the best flavor.

What You Need

1 loaf Texas Toast (about 14 slices), cubed
5 large eggs
1 cup eggnog
¾ cup milk
1 teaspoon rum flavoring
1 teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon nutmeg
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
¾ cup light brown sugar, packed
¼ cup pecans, chopped (optional)

Step-by-Step

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, eggnog, milk, and rum flavoring until well combined and smooth.
Dip the cubed Texas Toast into the eggnog mixture, ensuring each piece is coated well. Place the coated bread cubes evenly into a 9-inch baking dish. Pour any remaining custard mixture over the top, making sure all pieces are soaked. Sprinkle the mixture evenly with cinnamon and nutmeg to add warm spice notes.
Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and refrigerate it overnight, or for at least 4 hours, to allow the bread to fully absorb the custard flavors.
When ready to bake, mix the melted unsalted butter with the packed light brown sugar in a small bowl until combined.
Remove the casserole from the fridge and pour the butter and brown sugar mixture evenly over the bread. If desired, sprinkle chopped pecans on top for a delightful crunch. Bake uncovered in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 40 minutes, or until the custard is set and the top is golden and bubbling.
Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy this rich, festive casserole warm for a comforting breakfast or brunch treat.

How to Serve Eggnog French Toast Casserole

This casserole pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit or a side of crispy bacon for a balanced breakfast. You can serve it with maple syrup or a dusting of powdered sugar for added sweetness. It’s great for holiday brunches, special family gatherings, or whenever you want to treat your loved ones to something special.

How to Store Eggnog French Toast Casserole

To keep leftovers fresh, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the casserole before baking it. Just cover tightly with foil and keep it in the freezer for up to a month. When you’re ready to enjoy, bake from frozen, adding a bit of extra time to the cooking process.

Recipe Tips

Try to use day-old Texas Toast for better absorption.
Soaking overnight helps the flavors meld beautifully.
Adjust the spices based on your taste preferences.
If nut allergies are a concern, you can leave out the pecans.
For a sweeter dish, add a bit more brown sugar to the egg mixture.

Variations & Swaps

Substitute dairy eggnog with almond or oat milk eggnog for a dairy-free option.
Use gluten-free bread for a gluten-free version.
Add chocolate chips for a sweet twist.
Top with whipped cream for an extra treat if you’re serving at a gathering.
Add banana slices or blueberries to the mix for fruity goodness.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! This dish is perfect for making ahead. Prepare it the night before and bake it when you’re ready to serve. This makes your morning stress-free and enjoyable.

Can I freeze the casserole?
Absolutely! You can freeze the assembled casserole before baking. Just cover it tightly and store it in the freezer. When you’re ready to bake, allow it to thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking.

How do I reheat leftovers?
To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for a quick warm-up, or pop the whole casserole back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

What can I use instead of eggnog?
If you don’t have eggnog, you can use a mix of milk and a splash of vanilla and nutmeg for a similar flavor. Coconut milk is also a possible alternative for a different twist.

What are common mistakes to avoid?
Be sure to soak the bread cubes adequately so they can absorb the custard mixture fully. Also, keep an eye on the baking time, as overcooking can dry out the casserole.