Eggnog French Toast Casserole – Easy Homemade Holiday Breakfast

Posted on November 21, 2025

eggnog French toast casserole - featured image

Introduction

The smell of cinnamon, nutmeg, and buttery bread baking in the oven—now that’s the kind of scent that fills your whole house with pure holiday magic. The first time I made this eggnog French toast casserole, it was a snowy December morning, and I remember thinking, “This is exactly what Christmas should taste like.” The custard had soaked deep into the brioche overnight, and when I pulled it from the oven, it was golden on top, soft in the center, and smelled like heaven itself. My kids came running before I could even grab a spatula.

Honestly, this casserole feels like wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket while the world outside is covered in snow. I first stumbled upon the idea years ago when I had a half-empty carton of eggnog sitting in the fridge after a holiday party. I couldn’t bear to waste it, so I swapped it in for milk in my regular baked French toast. The result? A creamy, custardy, slightly spiced breakfast that made everyone at the table wide-eyed and quiet—that’s how you know it’s good.

Now, every December, this dish has become a tradition. We make it on Christmas Eve, let it rest overnight, and bake it fresh on Christmas morning while the coffee brews and the tree lights twinkle. It’s a family staple, tested more times than I can count (all in the name of research, of course). If you love the warmth of eggnog and the comfort of French toast, you’re going to want to bookmark this one—it’s that special blend of nostalgia and ease that just feels like a warm hug.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This eggnog French toast casserole isn’t just another holiday breakfast—it’s the one you’ll keep coming back to year after year. Tested and perfected through plenty of cozy mornings, it’s equal parts indulgent and practical. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or simply want something special for your family, here’s why it stands out.

Quick & Easy: Prep it the night before, pop it in the fridge, and just bake in the morning. Minimal effort, maximum flavor.
Simple Ingredients: Everything you need is probably already in your kitchen—eggs, bread, eggnog, sugar, butter, and a few warm spices.
Perfect for Holidays: Ideal for Christmas morning, New Year’s brunch, or any chilly weekend when you crave comfort.
Crowd-Pleaser: The rich custard and spiced aroma make it irresistible to both kids and adults.
Deliciously Cozy: The creaminess of eggnog mixed with caramelized edges from the baked bread is unbeatable.

Unlike other French toast casseroles that can turn soggy or lack flavor, this version balances texture beautifully. The trick is using slightly stale bread and letting the eggnog mixture soak in overnight—so every bite is infused with that signature holiday taste. It’s that simple, nostalgic kind of recipe that makes you close your eyes on the first bite and smile.

What I love most is how it transforms a humble breakfast into something festive without extra work. You can bake it while you unwrap gifts or sip cocoa, and it still feels like you pulled off something impressive. It’s comfort food with a dash of Christmas cheer—warm, spiced, and totally satisfying.

What Ingredients You Will Need

This eggnog French toast casserole comes together with simple, wholesome ingredients that deliver big flavor without fuss. You’ll find most of these in your pantry or fridge already, which makes it perfect for last-minute holiday gatherings.

Bread: 1 loaf (about 1 lb / 450 g) of brioche or challah, slightly stale, cut into 1-inch (2.5 cm) cubes. (Day-old bread works best—it absorbs the custard without getting mushy.)
Eggnog: 2 cups (480 ml) of your favorite eggnog. (Homemade or store-bought both work. Choose one with a nice balance of spice and creaminess.)
Eggs: 6 large eggs, room temperature. (They give the casserole its rich, custardy texture.)
Brown Sugar: ½ cup (100 g) packed, for sweetness and caramel notes.
Granulated Sugar: ¼ cup (50 g), to round out the flavor.
Butter: 4 tablespoons (60 g) unsalted, melted. (Adds richness and helps form that golden crust.)
Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon for warmth and depth.
Ground Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon for that essential holiday spice.
Ground Nutmeg: ½ teaspoon for a cozy, eggnog-inspired kick.
Salt: A pinch to balance the sweetness.
Optional Topping: ½ cup (50 g) chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch, or a dusting of powdered sugar before serving.

Ingredient Tips: If you want to keep things dairy-free, use a plant-based eggnog and non-dairy butter—it still tastes fantastic. For a gluten-free version, choose a sturdy gluten-free loaf. I personally love using brioche because of its buttery flavor, but thick-cut French bread works just as well. You can even add a splash of rum extract if you want that old-fashioned eggnog taste without the alcohol.

Equipment Needed

You don’t need fancy tools for this cozy recipe, which is part of what makes it so great for the holidays.

9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish: Glass or ceramic works best for even baking.
Large mixing bowl: To whisk together the custard ingredients.
Whisk: A sturdy one helps blend the eggnog mixture smoothly.
Measuring cups and spoons: Accuracy matters when balancing sweetness and spice.
Plastic wrap or foil: For covering the casserole while it chills overnight.
Oven mitts: Don’t forget these—holiday mornings can get hectic!

If you don’t have a casserole dish, you can use two smaller pans or even a deep pie dish—just keep an eye on the bake time. I’ve also found that greasing the dish generously with butter helps prevent sticking and adds a subtle caramel flavor to the edges.

Preparation Method

Prepare the bread: Cut the brioche into cubes and let them sit out for a few hours or overnight to dry slightly. (Dry bread soaks up more custard without falling apart.)
Make the custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, eggnog, brown sugar, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix until smooth and slightly frothy—this helps aerate the custard.
Combine bread and custard: Place the bread cubes in your greased baking dish. Pour the eggnog mixture evenly over the top, making sure every piece gets coated. Gently press down with a spatula to help the bread soak it all up.
Chill overnight: Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight. This step is key for flavor and texture—the bread absorbs every bit of the eggnog goodness.
Preheat the oven: When you’re ready to bake, preheat to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the fridge and let it sit on the counter for about 20 minutes while the oven heats up.
Add toppings: If using nuts, sprinkle them evenly on top for a bit of crunch.
Bake: Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set (a knife inserted in the middle should come out clean). For a softer texture, cover loosely with foil halfway through baking.
Cool and serve: Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with maple syrup if you like. The aroma alone will bring everyone to the table!

Pro Tip: If your casserole looks too wet in the center, bake it for an extra 5–10 minutes. Every oven is a bit different, and it’s better to have a slightly toasty top than an underbaked middle.

Cooking Tips & Techniques

Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that make this eggnog French toast casserole foolproof every time.

Use day-old bread: Fresh bread gets soggy fast. Slightly stale bread holds its shape and soaks up the custard perfectly.
Don’t skip the overnight rest: This step gives the custard time to penetrate every piece of bread, creating that creamy, pudding-like texture you want.
Mind the oven timing: Ovens vary, so check your casserole at the 35-minute mark. The edges should be golden and the center just firm to the touch.
For extra crunch: Add a crumb topping made of brown sugar, butter, and flour before baking—it creates a caramelized crust that’s heavenly.
Serve warm: This dish tastes best fresh out of the oven. If you’re making it ahead, reheat covered with foil to keep it moist.

I once tried baking it without letting it rest overnight—big mistake. The texture was uneven, and the flavor wasn’t as deep. So trust me on that rest time! And if you want to make it look extra festive, sprinkle on some fresh cranberries or a dusting of cinnamon sugar right before serving.

Variations & Adaptations

One of the joys of this eggnog French toast casserole is how easily you can make it your own. Here are a few fun twists:

Dairy-Free: Use almond or oat-based eggnog and dairy-free butter. The flavor stays creamy and rich.
Gluten-Free: Swap in gluten-free brioche or sandwich bread—just be sure it’s sturdy enough to hold the custard.
Chocolate Chip Version: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips between layers of bread for a dessert-like twist.
Fruit-Filled: Add a layer of sliced bananas or cranberries for a sweet-tart surprise.
Spiked for Adults: Mix a tablespoon of rum or bourbon into the custard for a grown-up version that tastes just like classic eggnog.

My personal favorite? A cranberry-orange version with a drizzle of maple glaze. It’s tart, sweet, and absolutely gorgeous for holiday brunches. You can also bake it in individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation if you’re hosting guests.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve your eggnog French toast casserole fresh from the oven while it’s still warm and slightly crisp on top. The contrast between the golden crust and soft, custardy inside is what makes it irresistible. I love topping mine with a dusting of powdered sugar, a few fresh berries, or a drizzle of pure maple syrup.

Pair it with strong coffee, hot cocoa, or a mug of mulled cider—it’s a breakfast that feels like a celebration. For something extra special, serve it alongside crispy bacon or sausage for a savory-sweet balance.

Leftovers store beautifully! Just let it cool completely, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 30–45 seconds or warm the whole dish in the oven at 325°F (160°C) until heated through. You can even freeze it (before or after baking) for up to a month. Just thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

Nutritional Information & Benefits

This eggnog French toast casserole serves about 8 people, with each portion around 350–400 calories depending on toppings. It’s rich in protein from the eggs and offers a good source of calcium from the eggnog. While definitely a treat, it’s a more wholesome option than many store-bought pastries or breakfast sweets.

To make it lighter, you can use low-fat eggnog, less sugar, or whole-grain bread. The beauty of this recipe is that you can tweak it to fit your preferences without losing that holiday flair. Just note that it contains eggs, dairy, and gluten unless you choose substitutions.

Conclusion

There’s something truly comforting about this eggnog French toast casserole. It’s easy enough for a lazy weekend but special enough for Christmas morning. The flavors are nostalgic—the eggnog, the cinnamon, that hint of nutmeg—and the texture is everything you want in a baked breakfast: crisp on the edges and creamy in the center.

I’ve made this recipe countless times, and every single bake reminds me why it’s become a family favorite. You can customize it to suit your tastes, make it ahead, and know it will turn out beautifully every time. If you’re searching for a holiday breakfast that feels festive without being fussy, this is it.

Give it a try this season, and let me know how your family enjoys it. Leave a comment, share a photo, or pass the recipe along—it’s too good not to share. Here’s to cozy mornings, full bellies, and sweet memories around the table!

FAQs

Can I make eggnog French toast casserole ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, it’s best when made the night before. The overnight soak gives the bread time to absorb all the eggnog custard.

What’s the best bread to use?

Brioche or challah are perfect. They’re rich and soft but hold up beautifully when soaked.

Can I use store-bought eggnog?

Absolutely. Choose a high-quality brand with real spices for the best flavor. Homemade works too!

How do I know when it’s done baking?

The top should be golden, and a knife inserted in the center should come out clean. If it’s still jiggly, bake for another 5–10 minutes.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, wrap tightly and freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently in the oven before serving.