There’s something magical about Christmas morning breakfasts – the way the house smells like cinnamon and nutmeg, the excitement of presents waiting under the tree, and that first bite of something warm and indulgent. My Eggnog French Toast Casserole captures all that holiday joy in one glorious dish. I first stumbled upon this recipe during my restaurant days when we’d swap out regular cream for eggnog in our brunch specials. The moment that rich, custardy casserole came out of the oven, I knew I’d found my new Christmas tradition. It’s got all the cozy flavors of the season – creamy eggnog, warm spices, and that irresistible streusel topping that makes everyone gather around the table. Best part? You assemble it the night before, so Christmas morning is as easy as popping it in the oven while the kids open gifts. I’ve been making this French toast casserole for years now, and it never fails to make the holiday feel extra special.
Why You’ll Love This Eggnog French Toast Casserole
Oh my goodness, where do I even start with why this casserole is absolute holiday magic? First off, that rich custard texture – it’s like biting into a cloud of eggnog-infused bliss. The bread soaks up all that creamy goodness and bakes up tender with just the right amount of chew. And let’s talk about convenience – you can prep this the night before while wrapping presents, then just pop it in the oven Christmas morning. No fuss, no stress, just deliciousness.
The flavors? Pure holiday nostalgia. That warm nutmeg and cinnamon paired with the sweet eggnog will have your whole house smelling like Christmas. And here’s the best part – it feeds a crowd effortlessly. Whether you’ve got hungry kids waiting to open presents or relatives dropping by, this casserole makes everyone feel special with minimal effort. Trust me, it’ll become your new holiday tradition after just one bite!
Ingredients for Eggnog French Toast Casserole
Okay, let’s gather our holiday magic makers! Here’s everything you’ll need to create this showstopping breakfast. I like to separate everything into three groups – it makes the assembly so much easier when you’re half-asleep on Christmas morning.
For the Bread Base:
- 1 loaf French bread (about 16 oz), torn into rough chunks – day-old works best!
For the Eggnog Custard:
- 6 large eggs (room temperature blends better)
- 2 1/2 cups rich, creamy eggnog (the good stuff!)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons pure vanilla extract (yes, tablespoons – trust me!)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
For the Spiced Streusel Topping:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cold butter, cut into small pieces (keep it cold!)
Optional but heavenly: warm maple syrup for serving
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Listen, I get it – sometimes you need to improvise! For a lighter version, almond milk eggnog works surprisingly well. Want extra spice? Try cinnamon bread instead of French. And here’s my secret weapon: always use fresh-grated nutmeg if you can. That pre-ground stuff just doesn’t have the same warm, aromatic punch. The difference is night and day – like Christmas lights versus a single candle!
How to Make Eggnog French Toast Casserole
Alright, let’s get to the fun part – making this holiday showstopper! I promise it’s easier than wrapping presents, and way more delicious. Here’s exactly how I put it all together, step by step:
- Prep your bread base: Grab that 9×13 baking dish and give it a quick spray with cooking spray. Now tear your French bread into rough, uneven chunks – about 1-2 inches big. Don’t be too precise here! Scatter them evenly in the pan. I like leaving some bigger pieces for texture contrast.
- Whisk up that dreamy custard: In a big bowl, crack those eggs and whisk them until they’re nice and smooth. Slowly pour in the eggnog while whisking – this prevents lumps. Add the sugar, vanilla (yes, all 2 tablespoons!), and nutmeg. Keep whisking until everything’s perfectly blended. Now pour this heavenly mixture over your bread chunks, making sure every piece gets some love.
- Create the streusel magic: In another bowl, mix the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Now for the fun part – cut in that cold butter with a pastry cutter or your fingers until you’ve got a crumbly mixture with some pea-sized chunks. Pop this in the fridge while your custard does its thing.
- The overnight soak secret: Here’s where the magic happens! Cover your dish with plastic wrap and let it chill in the fridge overnight (or at least 4 hours). This lets the bread drink up all that custardy goodness. I usually do this right after the kids go to bed on Christmas Eve – it makes morning prep a breeze!
- Bake to golden perfection: When you’re ready, preheat your oven to 350°F. Take the streusel from the fridge and sprinkle it evenly over the top. Bake for 45-55 minutes until the top is golden brown and the center is set (no jiggling!). The smell? Absolute Christmas morning heaven!
Pro tip: If you’re making this for a crowd, try doubling the recipe in a larger pan – it disappears fast! And if you love bread puddings, you’ll adore this vanilla bread pudding too.
Tips for Perfect Eggnog French Toast Casserole
After making this dozens of times (okay, maybe hundreds), here are my can’t-miss tips:
- Day-old bread is your friend: Slightly stale bread soaks up the custard better without turning mushy. No stale bread? Just toast fresh slices lightly first.
- Preheat that oven fully: Don’t rush it! A properly heated oven gives you that perfect golden crust.
- The knife test never lies: Insert a knife near the center – it should come out mostly clean with just a few moist crumbs.
- Watch for the golden signal: When that streusel turns a deep golden brown and the edges are bubbling slightly, it’s done!
Remember, the longer you let it soak, the more custardy it gets. I’ve left it for a full 24 hours before with amazing results. Just be sure to cover it well so it doesn’t dry out in the fridge!
Serving Suggestions for Eggnog French Toast Casserole
Oh, the joy of serving this warm, golden-brown beauty straight from the oven! I always let it rest for about 5 minutes – just enough time to whip up some toppings and pour the coffee. Fresh berries are my go-to – their bright tartness cuts through the rich custard perfectly. A dollop of whipped cream never hurts either (okay, maybe two dollops). And of course, warm maple syrup drizzled over that crispy streusel topping? Absolute heaven!
For drinks, I keep it cozy – strong coffee for the adults (maybe with a splash of Bailey’s if it’s that kind of morning), and rich hot chocolate for the kids. The whole spread makes your Christmas table look like it came straight from a holiday magazine. Pro tip: set up a little topping bar with bowls of berries, syrup, and whipped cream – it lets everyone customize their perfect bite!
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
Oh, the beauty of a make-ahead breakfast on Christmas morning! Here’s the scoop – you can assemble this casserole up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap (press it right against the surface to prevent drying) and pop it in the fridge. The longer it soaks, the more custardy it gets – I’ve even done a full 24 hours with amazing results!
Leftovers? Ha! Just kidding – though if you do have any, they’ll keep beautifully in the fridge for 3-4 days. To reheat, I like to warm individual portions in the toaster oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes – it brings back that crispy streusel topping perfectly. For a whole pan, cover with foil and bake at 325°F for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Want to freeze? Wrap cooled portions tightly in foil, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. The custard texture holds up surprisingly well!
Nutritional Information
Now, I’ll be honest – this isn’t exactly health food, but hey, it’s Christmas! The nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. Here’s the scoop per generous serving: about 420 calories, 18g fat (10g saturated), 55g carbs, and 10g protein. That eggnog gives it a good dose of calcium too!
Remember, portion size matters with rich dishes like this. I usually cut it into 8 hearty squares, but you could easily stretch it to 10 smaller servings if you’re balancing with other breakfast items. The sugar content comes mainly from the eggnog and streusel – about 32g per serving – so if you’re watching that, you might skip the extra maple syrup drizzle (though I never do!).
FAQs About Eggnog French Toast Casserole
Can I use non-dairy eggnog in this recipe?
Absolutely! I’ve had great success with almond milk and coconut milk eggnog alternatives. The texture might be slightly less rich, but the festive flavors still shine through. Just make sure whatever you use is the “creamy” variety – the thickness matters for that perfect custard consistency. This swap makes it a great option for holiday breakfast ideas that accommodate different dietary needs!
How long does Eggnog French Toast Casserole keep?
This beauty stays delicious for 3-4 days in the fridge – if it lasts that long! I often make an extra pan just for leftovers (perfect for lazy post-Christmas mornings). Store it covered tightly with foil or in an airtight container. To reheat, pop individual slices in the toaster oven to bring back that crispy topping. It’s one of those Christmas breakfast ideas that actually gets better the next day as the flavors meld!
Can I skip the streusel topping?
Of course you can, but oh my goodness – you’ll be missing out on that magical crunch! If you must skip it, try dusting with powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar instead. But honestly? That buttery, spiced streusel is what takes this from good to “can I have thirds?” territory. If you’re looking for more holiday breakfast inspiration, don’t be afraid to play with the topping – crushed pecans or a drizzle of caramel sauce make fabulous additions too!
Print
Eggnog French Toast Casserole
- Total Time: 70 min
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A rich and festive holiday breakfast casserole with French bread, eggnog custard, and a spiced streusel topping.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf French Bread
- 6 large eggs
- 2 1/2 cups eggnog
- 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cold butter, cut into pieces
- Maple syrup (optional)
Instructions
- Spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray. Tear French bread into chunks and place evenly in the pan.
- In a large bowl, mix eggs, eggnog, sugar, vanilla, and nutmeg. Pour over bread. Cover and refrigerate for several hours or overnight.
- In another bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Add butter and cut into the mixture until it resembles sand with pea-sized chunks. Refrigerate.
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Sprinkle the streusel over the bread. Bake for 45-55 minutes until golden and set.
- Serve warm with maple syrup if desired.
Notes
- For best results, let the bread soak overnight.
- Use fresh nutmeg for a stronger flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 55 min
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
Keywords: eggnog french toast, holiday breakfast, Christmas brunch, make-ahead casserole