Eggnog French Toast Casserole

This Eggnog French Toast Casserole is hands-down the best cozy holiday breakfast you can make ahead. It’s rich, comforting, and packed with all those warm, festive flavors we love. Just prep it the night before, let the eggnog soak in deeply, then wake up to a luscious, golden casserole that tastes just like a Christmas morning dream.

Oh, you’ll love this Baked French Toast Casserole

French toast casseroles are just the right amount of indulgent without a ton of fuss—especially when you make them ahead of time. This Eggnog French Toast Casserole adds a festive spin to the classic with cozy spices, soft custard-soaked bread, and that unmistakable creamy eggnog flavor we only get around the holidays.

All you do is toss it together the night before, let it soak up all those delicious flavors, then pop it in the oven in the morning for a no-stress, crowd-pleasing breakfast that everyone will be asking for again.

Every bite is golden, rich, with just a hint of sweetness and warming notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla. Serve it right out of the oven with a drizzle of maple syrup or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for that classic Christmas morning feeling.

Recipe Ingredients

• Brioche Bread – Cut into cubes for that soft, buttery texture.
• Eggs – These bind everything together and create that creamy custard base.
• Country Fresh Eggnog – The star of the show, adding rich creaminess and holiday spirit.
• Cinnamon – Adds that warm, spicy kick that pairs perfectly with eggnog.
• Butter – For greasing the pan and adding richness to the golden crust.
• Brown Sugar – Sprinkled on the bottom for a sweet, sticky caramelized touch.
• Apple – I love using Pink Lady for a nice sweet-tart contrast baked soft in the casserole.

Be sure to check the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts and details.

Substitutions and Variations

• Bread: Brioche is my go-to, but challah works beautifully too. For a sturdier option, try sourdough or French bread to soak up all that eggnog custard without falling apart.
• Add-Ins: Feel free to mix it up! Toss in fresh berries, a handful of chocolate chips, or extra diced apples depending on what you have on hand or the holiday vibe. Cranberries or chopped nuts bring a lovely festive flair as well.

How to Make This Recipe

1. Grab a medium bowl and whisk together your eggs, eggnog, milk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg until the mixture is smooth and all combined. This custardy base is what makes the magic happen!

2. Cut your cold butter into thin slices and scatter them evenly across the bottom of a 9×13 baking dish. Then shake the brown sugar all over the butter. This combo helps create a sweet, caramelized base as it bakes. If your pan isn’t non-stick, lining it with parchment paper helps avoid burning and makes cleanup easier.

3. Now, toss all your cubed brioche into the baking dish over the butter and sugar. I usually cut my slices into 3 columns by 2 rows, giving about a dozen cubes per slice. It’s the perfect size for soaking up the custard.

4. Sprinkle diced Pink Lady apple over the bread cubes, then slowly pour your eggnog mixture across the entire dish, making sure every cube gets soaked well. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge overnight (or if you’re short on time, at least 4 hours).

5. The next morning, preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake uncovered for about 32-36 minutes, until the top is beautifully golden and the inside is set but still custardy. Then serve warm and enjoy the cozy holiday vibes!

PRO TIPS

• Don’t overbake: Pull it out just as it’s set and golden to keep it moist and custardy. Overbaking dries this dish out fast.
• Use day-old bread: Slightly stale brioche or challah is the secret to perfect soaking. Fresh bread can get too mushy, so I love using bread that’s a day or two old.

Recipe FAQs

How do we store it? 

Store leftovers in an airtight container or cover tightly with foil in the fridge for up to 4 days. Since this bake is bread-based, it tends to dry out over time. Before reheating, add a splash of eggnog or milk to bring back some of that moisture and keep it tasting fresh.

Do I have to let it sit overnight?

Overnight soaking really ups the flavor and texture because it gives the bread plenty of time to soak up the eggnog custard fully. If you skip this step, the casserole might turn out a bit drier and less custardy inside, and the liquid could pool at the bottom instead of soaking through evenly.
That said, if you’re pressed for time, try letting it sit for at least 30–60 minutes at room temperature before baking. The texture won’t be quite as rich, but it will still taste delicious!

What toppings go well on french toast casserole?

The classics like warm maple syrup, fresh berries, or powdered sugar are always winners. For extra holiday flare, try an eggnog glaze made by mixing powdered sugar with eggnog, a pinch of nutmeg, and some orange zest. Top with candied pecans or a generous spoonful of whipped cream for that perfect festive finish.

Serving suggestions

Turn this into a full holiday brunch feast by pairing it with my creamy Goat Cheese Scrambled Eggs for protein, some crispy breakfast potatoes on the side, and a festive cocktail like a sparkling Rose Aperol Spritz to make it feel extra special.