Description
Eggnog French Toast Casserole is a festive and comforting holiday breakfast dish that combines the rich flavors of eggnog, cinnamon, and nutmeg soaked into cubes of French bread. This easy overnight casserole is perfect for Christmas morning, requiring minimal prep the night before and baking to a golden, custardy perfection the next day.
Ingredients
Scale
Brown Sugar Glaze
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
French Toast Layer
- 1 loaf French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
- Cinnamon, to taste
- Nutmeg, to taste
Custard Mixture
- 8 eggs
- 2 cups prepared eggnog
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the baking dish: Grease a 9- by 13-inch baking dish or two 8- by 8-inch baking dishes with butter or coat with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Make the brown sugar glaze: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the brown sugar and maple syrup, continuing to stir as the mixture comes to a boil. Once boiling, remove from heat and immediately pour into the prepared baking dish.
- Arrange the bread cubes: Place the French bread cubes evenly over the brown sugar mixture in the baking dish. Sprinkle the bread cubes with cinnamon and nutmeg to your taste preference for warm, spicy notes.
- Prepare the custard: In a large bowl, whisk the eggs thoroughly. Add the eggnog and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- Soak the bread: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes in the baking dish. Press down lightly on the bread to ensure all pieces are coated and soaked with the custard.
- Refrigerate overnight: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight, allowing the custard to fully absorb into the bread.
- Bake the casserole: Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and preheat your oven to 325°F. Bake the covered casserole for 40 minutes.
- Finish baking uncovered: Increase the oven temperature to 375°F, remove the foil, and bake uncovered for an additional 5 to 10 minutes. Bake until the top is puffed, golden brown, and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean and mostly dry.
Notes
- Eggnog French Toast Casserole is a beloved Christmas morning tradition perfect for an effortless yet special holiday breakfast.
- For best results, prepare the casserole the night before to allow the bread to soak overnight.
- You can adjust the cinnamon and nutmeg amounts based on your personal spice preference.
- Use day-old French bread or brioche for optimal texture and absorption.
- This recipe serves 12, making it ideal for feeding a crowd during holiday gatherings.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 329 kcal
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 299 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 44 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 154 mg
