If you are searching for a cozy, festive, and utterly indulgent breakfast to kick off the holiday season, look no further than this Overnight Eggnog French Toast Casserole. Imagine soft cubes of brioche soaked in a dreamy blend of rich eggnog, warm spices, and creamy goodness, then baked to golden perfection. This dish captures the essence of Christmas morning with minimal fuss, letting you prepare ahead and savor a deliciously comforting meal that feels like a warm hug on a chilly winter day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients is your first step toward pure holiday bliss. Each item plays an important role in building the rich flavors and inviting texture that make this casserole irresistible.
- Brioche or challah bread, cubed: The fluffy, slightly sweet bread soaks up all the custardy goodness beautifully without falling apart.
- Large eggs: Acts as the binding agent to create that luscious, custard-like base.
- Eggnog: The star ingredient infuses the dish with its iconic holiday flavor and creamy texture.
- Heavy cream: Adds extra richness, making every bite smooth and decadent.
- Brown sugar: Sweetens the casserole with a subtle molasses note that complements the spices perfectly.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall aroma and depth of flavor.
- Cinnamon: Provides warm spice that’s essential for that unmistakable seasonal taste.
- Nutmeg: A pinch adds a hint of earthiness and complexity.
How to Make Overnight Eggnog French Toast Casserole
Step 1: Prep the Bread
Start by greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Then, generously cube your brioche or challah bread into bite-sized pieces and spread them evenly across the dish. This fluffy base is what will soak up all the delicious custard overnight.
Step 2: Whisk the Custard Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk together your eggs, eggnog, heavy cream, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg until everything is perfectly blended. This rich custodial creation is what transforms the bread cubes into the luscious, moist texture that makes this casserole so crave-worthy.
Step 3: Combine and Refrigerate Overnight
Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes, making sure each piece gets soaked. Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and pop it into the refrigerator overnight. This slow soak allows the bread to absorb every ounce of flavor, setting you up for hands-off morning magic.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
The next morning, uncover the dish and bake it at 350°F (175°C) for 40 to 45 minutes. The casserole will puff up, turn golden brown on top, and fill your kitchen with the most inviting aromas of holiday spice. There’s nothing quite as satisfying as cutting into this warm, fluffy delight straight from the oven.
How to Serve Overnight Eggnog French Toast Casserole
Garnishes
To add the final flourish, dust powdered sugar over the casserole for a snowy, festive look. Alternatively, drizzle warm maple syrup for that perfect balance of sweetness and spice. If you’re feeling indulgent, a dollop of whipped cream never hurts!
Side Dishes
This casserole shines as the centerpiece of your brunch, but pairing it with fresh fruit like berries or orange slices cuts through the richness and adds a refreshing contrast. Crispy bacon or savory sausage links also work wonderfully if you want to balance sweet with salty.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving guests, consider individual ramekins to create personal mini casseroles that look stunning on a brunch table. You could also sprinkle toasted nuts on top before baking for some added crunch and texture. Either way, make it festive with a sprig of fresh rosemary or a few cranberries for holiday cheer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The casserole maintains its flavor and moistness well, making it perfect for a quick, elevated breakfast the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze portions by individually wrapping slices in plastic wrap, then placing them all in a freezer bag. Frozen casserole can last up to 2 months without losing much of its magic—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat refrigerated or thawed casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15 to 20 minutes until warmed through. For convenience, you can also microwave individual servings, but reheating in the oven preserves that lovely crisp top and fluffy texture best.
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of eggnog?
While regular milk can work in a pinch, using eggnog gives this casserole its classic holiday flavor and richness that you just can’t replicate. For the full seasonal experience, I highly recommend sticking with eggnog.
What type of bread is best for this casserole?
Brioche and challah are ideal because their soft texture and slight sweetness perfectly complement the custard. They also absorb the liquid without turning mushy, creating that delightful custardy center.
How long can I soak the casserole overnight?
Overnight soaking anywhere between 8 to 12 hours is perfect. Any longer might cause the bread to become overly soggy, so aim to bake it the following morning for the best texture.
Can I prepare this casserole the same day instead of overnight?
Yes, you can soak the bread for at least 1 to 2 hours before baking, but the flavors and custardy texture improve significantly when left overnight. It’s worth the wait for that melt-in-your-mouth goodness!
Is this casserole suitable for freezing after baking?
Absolutely! You can freeze fully baked portions by cooling them completely and wrapping them tightly. When you want a quick breakfast, just thaw and reheat—it works great without losing flavor or texture.
Final Thoughts
If you want a stress-free, show-stopping breakfast that fills your home with festive warmth, the Overnight Eggnog French Toast Casserole is an absolute must-try. Whether for holiday mornings or any cozy weekend, this recipe brings comfort, flavor, and holiday spirit to your table with minimal effort. Trust me, once you make it, this delicious tradition will be one you come back to year after year.
PrintOvernight Eggnog French Toast Casserole
This Overnight Eggnog French Toast Casserole is the perfect festive breakfast for Christmas morning. It combines rich, creamy eggnog with holiday spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, soaked into soft brioche or challah bread cubes. Prepared the night before and baked until golden and fluffy, this casserole offers a stress-free, warm, and comforting start to your holiday celebrations.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 8 hours 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Casserole
- 1 loaf brioche or challah bread, cubed
- 5 large eggs
- 2 cups eggnog
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
Instructions
- Prepare the baking dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
- Add bread cubes: Place the cubed brioche or challah bread evenly into the prepared baking dish, creating a uniform layer for even soaking.
- Make eggnog mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, eggnog, heavy cream, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg until fully combined and smooth.
- Soak the bread: Pour the eggnog mixture evenly over the bread cubes, gently pressing the bread down to ensure it absorbs the liquid. Cover the dish with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate overnight to allow flavors to meld and bread to soak thoroughly.
- Bake the casserole: The following morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the cover from the casserole and bake uncovered for 40 to 45 minutes until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
- Serve warm: Once baked, let it cool slightly, then serve warm with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of maple syrup for extra sweetness and holiday flair.
Notes
- Using brioche or challah bread provides a rich and tender texture, but you can substitute with thick-cut white bread if needed.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute eggnog and cream with suitable non-dairy alternatives.
- Feel free to add nuts such as chopped pecans or walnuts on top before baking for added crunch.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently in the oven or microwave.