Eggnog French Toast Casserole

This eggnog French toast casserole combines soft, custardy brioche with vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg and a crisp brown-sugar streusel. It has the familiar flavour of eggnog in an easy breakfast designed for sharing.

Assemble the bread and custard on Christmas Eve, then refrigerate the dish overnight. Add the crumb topping and bake it on Christmas morning while everyone opens presents.

Serve the casserole with maple syrup, icing sugar, whipped cream or fresh berries.

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Breakfast

Prepared the night before.
Filled with festive eggnog flavour.
Soft custardy centre.
Crisp cinnamon streusel topping.
Ideal for Christmas morning.
Feeds approximately eight people.
Easy to assemble.
Attractive holiday presentation.
Delicious with maple syrup.
Suitable for Christmas brunch.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the French Toast

1 large loaf brioche or challah, approximately 14–16 ounces.
8 large eggs.
2 cups prepared eggnog.
½ cup whole milk.
⅓ cup packed light brown sugar.
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon.
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg.
¼ teaspoon salt.

For the Streusel Topping

½ cup all-purpose flour.
½ cup packed light brown sugar.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon.
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg.
¼ teaspoon salt.
6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cubed.
½ cup chopped pecans, optional.

For Serving

Maple syrup.
Icing sugar.
Fresh berries.
Whipped cream.

Ingredient Notes

Brioche: Its rich, sturdy crumb absorbs the custard while maintaining structure.

Eggnog: Use prepared refrigerated eggnog. Different brands vary in sweetness and spice.

Eggs: Provide structure and create the custardy centre.

Nutmeg: Freshly grated nutmeg gives the casserole a traditional eggnog aroma.

Pecans: Add crunch to the streusel but may be omitted for a nut-free breakfast.

How to Make Eggnog French Toast Casserole

Step 1: Dry the Bread

Cut the brioche into approximately 1-inch cubes.

Leave the cubes uncovered for several hours, or dry them in a 300°F oven for 8–10 minutes.

The bread should feel slightly dry but should not become deeply toasted.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish

Grease a 9 × 13-inch baking dish.

Arrange the bread cubes evenly inside without pressing them down firmly.

Step 3: Make the Eggnog Custard

Whisk the eggs, eggnog, milk, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt in a large bowl.

Continue whisking until the egg whites and yolks are completely combined.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Pour the custard slowly over the bread.

Press the upper cubes gently into the liquid so they begin absorbing the mixture.

Step 5: Refrigerate Overnight

Cover the dish securely and refrigerate it for at least eight hours or overnight.

Step 6: Prepare the Streusel

Combine the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt.

Cut in the cold butter until coarse crumbs form. Stir in optional pecans.

Cover and refrigerate separately.

Step 7: Prepare for Baking

Remove the casserole from the refrigerator approximately 30 minutes before baking.

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Scatter the cold streusel evenly over the bread.

Step 8: Bake

Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for 25 minutes.

Remove the foil and bake for another 20–30 minutes, until the top is golden and the centre is set.

Step 9: Rest and Serve

Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes.

Dust it with icing sugar and serve warm with maple syrup.

Tips for the Best French Toast Bake

Use Slightly Dry Bread

Fresh, soft brioche may become mushy after soaking overnight.

Pour the Custard Evenly

Cover every section of bread to prevent dry patches.

Keep the Streusel Separate Overnight

Adding it immediately can make the crumb topping soggy.

Allow a Cold Dish to Warm Slightly

Avoid moving an extremely cold glass dish directly into a hot oven.

Adjust for Your Eggnog

Taste the eggnog before adding sugar because brands vary considerably in sweetness.

Rest Before Serving

The custard becomes more stable and easier to serve after 10 minutes.

Common Problems and Solutions

Why Is the Centre Soggy?

The bread may have been too fresh, the casserole may be underbaked or the dish may be particularly deep.

Why Is the Top Too Dark?

Cover the casserole loosely with foil and continue baking until the centre is set.

Why Are Some Pieces Dry?

The custard may not have been distributed evenly, or the bread may not have soaked long enough.

Why Did the Casserole Collapse?

Some settling is normal as the hot custard cools. Significant collapse may indicate underbaking.

Easy Recipe Variations

Cranberry Eggnog French Toast

Scatter dried cranberries between the bread cubes.

Apple Eggnog Casserole

Add small pieces of cooked cinnamon apple.

Chocolate Eggnog French Toast

Fold semisweet or white chocolate chips into the bread.

Eggnog French Toast Without Nuts

Omit the pecans from the streusel.

Eggnog Cream Cheese Casserole

Add small cubes of cream cheese between the bread layers.

Make-Ahead Instructions

Assemble the casserole and streusel the evening before serving.

Refrigerate them separately for up to 24 hours. Add the streusel immediately before baking.

How to Store Leftovers

Refrigerate cooled leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days.

Reheat individual portions in the microwave or cover the dish and warm it in a 325°F oven.

Can You Freeze It?

Yes. Freeze baked, cooled individual portions for up to two months.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bake it without refrigerating overnight?

Yes. Allow it to soak for at least 30–60 minutes before baking.

Can I use ordinary sandwich bread?

Yes, but choose a sturdy loaf and dry it first.

Does eggnog contain alcohol?

Most supermarket eggnog does not, but check the packaging. Use alcohol-free eggnog for a family breakfast.

How do I know when it is ready?

The centre should appear set rather than liquid, and a knife should emerge without uncooked egg.

How many people does it serve?

The casserole provides approximately eight generous servings.