Pin This eggnog french toast casserole transforms ordinary breakfast into a holiday celebration with minimal effort. The rich custard infuses brioche with festive flavors while you focus on enjoying your morning with loved ones instead of standing over the stove flipping individual slices.
I created this recipe three Christmases ago when my in laws surprised us with an overnight visit. The delicious aroma of nutmeg and cinnamon wafting through the house became our new holiday tradition, and now my children help prepare it every Christmas Eve to bake Christmas morning.
Ingredients
- Brioche or challah bread: provides the perfect texture for soaking up custard. Look for a fresh loaf from the bakery section and let it sit out overnight to become slightly stale for optimal absorption
- Eggnog: brings instant holiday flavor and richness. Choose a high quality full fat version for the most luxurious result
- Large eggs: create structure and help the casserole puff beautifully. Farm fresh eggs with bright orange yolks enhance the golden color
- Granulated sugar: adds just enough sweetness to balance the custard without overwhelming
- Ground cinnamon and nutmeg: provide warm spice notes essential to the holiday flavor profile. Freshly grated nutmeg makes a noticeable difference
- Vanilla extract: enhances all the other flavors. Use pure rather than imitation for best results
- Brown sugar: creates a caramelized sweet topping that contrasts beautifully with the soft interior
- Chopped pecans: add delightful crunch and nutty flavor. Toast them lightly before adding for enhanced flavor
- Unsalted butter: binds the topping ingredients and helps create golden brown edges
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Dish:
- Thoroughly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish ensuring you cover the corners and sides completely. This prevents sticking and makes serving much easier. Arrange the cubed brioche in an even layer allowing some pieces to point upward for textural contrast after baking.
- Create the Custard Mixture:
- In a large bowl whisk together eggnog eggs granulated sugar cinnamon nutmeg vanilla and salt until completely smooth with no visible egg streaks. The mixture should be pale yellow and slightly thickened. Take your time with this step as thorough mixing ensures even flavor distribution throughout the casserole.
- Combine Bread and Custard:
- Pour the custard mixture slowly and evenly over the bread cubes ensuring all pieces get soaked. Use the back of a spoon or clean hands to gently press the bread down helping it absorb the liquid. Pay special attention to any dry spots or pieces sticking up too high.
- Allow Soaking Time:
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes though overnight soaking produces the best texture. This resting period allows the bread to fully absorb the custard creating a unified texture rather than distinct pieces of bread in liquid.
- Prepare the Topping:
- When ready to bake preheat your oven to 350°F. In a small bowl thoroughly combine brown sugar cinnamon pecans if using and melted butter until it resembles wet sand. The mixture should clump slightly when pressed between your fingers.
- Add Topping and Bake:
- Remove the soaked casserole from the refrigerator and evenly sprinkle the topping over the surface. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes until the casserole is puffed with a golden brown top and the center feels set when gently pressed. The edges will be slightly darker and crispy.
- Rest and Serve:
- Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes after removing from the oven. This resting period helps the custard set completely for easier serving. Portion into squares and serve warm with maple syrup and a light dusting of powdered sugar if desired.
Pin Nutmeg is the secret star of this recipe. I discovered its transformative power when I accidentally doubled the amount one year and everyone raved about the enhanced flavor. The warm aromatic quality pairs perfectly with the rich eggnog creating that quintessential holiday taste that transports you straight to childhood memories of Christmas morning excitement.
Make Ahead Options
This casserole shines as a make ahead breakfast solution. You can prepare it up to 24 hours in advance keeping the topping separate until just before baking. The longer soaking time actually improves the texture allowing the bread to fully absorb the custard. When ready to bake simply remove from the refrigerator while the oven preheats add the topping and proceed with baking. The casserole may need an extra 5 to 10 minutes of baking time if coming straight from the refrigerator.
Flavor Variations
While traditional eggnog creates a classic holiday flavor this recipe welcomes creative adaptations. Try chocolate eggnog for a decadent twist adding mini chocolate chips to the custard. Pumpkin spice eggnog creates an autumn inspired version perfect for Thanksgiving morning. For adults only consider adding 2 tablespoons of bourbon rum or brandy to the custard mixture enhancing the traditional eggnog flavors. You can also incorporate dried cranberries or diced apples between the bread cubes for fruity bursts of flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Transform this casserole into a complete holiday breakfast spread by pairing it with contrasting flavors and textures. Serve alongside crispy bacon or breakfast sausage to balance the sweetness with savory elements. A fresh fruit salad with citrus notes cuts through the richness perfectly. For beverage pairings consider coffee with cinnamon or orange peel strong black tea or even a holiday mimosa for special occasions. Set up a toppings bar with different syrups whipped cream fresh berries and toasted nuts allowing guests to customize their portions.
Storage and Reheating
Leftovers maintain their quality remarkably well when properly stored. Cover any remaining casserole tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat individual portions microwave for 45 to 60 seconds until warmed through. For best texture reheat larger portions in a 325°F oven covered with foil for 15 to 20 minutes. The casserole freezes beautifully too. Portion cooled leftovers into individual servings wrap tightly in plastic wrap then foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Pin Success Stories
This casserole consistently receives rave reviews at holiday gatherings. One reader shared how she serves it every Christmas morning while her family opens presents creating a tradition her children now insist upon. Another mentioned bringing it to an office potluck where it disappeared within minutes with multiple requests for the recipe. My personal favorite story comes from a grandmother who makes individual portions in ramekins customizing toppings for each family member based on their preferences.
Enjoy this festive and easy casserole, perfect for any holiday morning. Serve with your favorite toppings for a truly special breakfast.
Recipe Q&A
- → Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble everything the night before, refrigerate overnight, and bake in the morning for best flavor and texture.
- → Is it possible to substitute the bread?
Brioche or challah works best for a rich texture, but you may use sturdy white bread if preferred.
- → How do I make it nut-free?
Simply leave out the pecans from the topping to ensure the dish is free of tree nuts.
- → What is the ideal serving accompaniment?
Serve warm with maple syrup, a sprinkle of powdered sugar, and fresh berries for extra flavor contrast.
- → Can I customize the flavor?
Add a splash of bourbon to the custard for an adult version, or adjust spices for your preferred warmth and aroma.
- → What bread texture works best?
Stale bread cubes are great, as they absorb the custard better for a soft yet structured result after baking.