Overnight eggnog French toast casserole - This easy and delicious make-ahead breakfast casserole is a great way to use up any leftover eggnog you might have laying around! I love having an extra-special breakfast for Christmas morning, and my favorite part about this eggnog French toast bake is you can set it up on Christmas eve pop it in the oven the next morning and in a few minutes have the perfect Christmas breakfast!
It comes out of the oven golden brown, full of holiday spices, and so much eggnog flavor. I like to serve it with maple syrup and even some fresh berries. Holiday mornings are always made better with a simple but special make ahead breakfast dish the whole family will love. We have chosen to use sliced brioche bread for this recipe, but you could use any thick slices of bread you have, the key to success is using a sturdy bread that will hold up to the quick eggnog custard.
So next time Christmas morning calls, consider this overnight French toast casserole with all of the flavor and crunchy texture of classic French toast with the ease of a make ahead recipe! For another perfect holiday breakfast recipe try our giant cinnamon rolls.
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What You're Going to Need!
- Sliced Brioche - is readily available at most grocery stores and adds a delicious buttery richness to this recipe.
- Eggnog - we used a grocery store pre-made eggnog here. However, if you have a favorite eggnog recipe go ahead and use it!
- Milk - whole milk works best.
- Vanilla paste - has a more intense vanilla flavor that we love!
- Sliced almonds - add just the right amount of crunch!
- Nutmeg - fresh ground is so good!
See recipe card for quantities.
Recipe
Equipment
- 1 9-inch baking dish we like to use ceramic or glass
- 1 Large mixing bowl
- 1 wire whisk
- 1 Set measuring spoons
- 1 liquid measuring cup
- 1 Paper towels
Ingredients
- 6 large eggs
- 10 slices brioche bread
- 2 cups eggnog
- ½ cup whole milk
- ⅓ cup sugar
- 3 tbsps. sugar
- 1 tsp. vanilla paste
- 1 tsp. nutmeg
- ½ tsp. salt
- 1 cup maple syrup for serving
- 2 tbsps. butter unsalted, softened
Instructions
- Add the eggs, eggnog, and milk to a large bowl.
- Then add ⅓ cup of sugar, salt, vanilla paste, and ground nutmeg to the bowl.
- Using a wire whisk combine the ingredients.
- With a paper towel coat the bottom and the sides of a 9x13 inch casserole pan with softened unsalted butter.
- Dip the slices of bread one at a time in the eggnog mixture and carefully arrange then in the prepared casserole pan.
- Sprinkle the top of the arranged bread slices with sliced almonds and evenly distribute the remaining 3 Tbsps. of sugar over the almonds. Tightly wrap the pan with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours preferably overnight.
- Preheat the oven to 375℉.
- Remove the plastic wrap when you are ready to bake the French toast and replace it with aluminum foil. Place it in a preheated 375℉ oven for 25 minutes, then remove the aluminum foil and finish baking for an additional 20 minutes.
- Serve with maple syrup and fresh fruit and enjoy!
Nutrition
Directions
- Crack the eggs into a large bowl, then add the milk and eggnog.
2. Add the sugar, salt, vanilla paste, and nutmeg to the bowl.
3. Using a wire whisk combine all of the ingredients.
4. With a paper towel and about 2 Tbsps. of softened unsalted butter, coat the bottom and sides of a 9x13 casserole dish.
5. Dip the sliced brioche into the egg mixture and arrange them in the prepared casserole pan in a single layer.
6. Pour egg mixture over the top of the bread slices.
7. Sprinkle the sliced almonds evenly over the bread slices, then top with the remaining 3 Tbsps. of sugar. Cover the pan with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator overnight.
8. Bake in a preheated oven for 25 minutes covered, then 20 minutes uncovered. Top with fruit and maple syrup and enjoy!
Chef Tip
For the absolute best results, use a ceramic or glass casserole pan. These types of pans maintain a very consistent temperature and result in an evenly golden-brown baked French toast casserole.
Substitutions & Variations
- Bread- use gluten free bread instead of sliced brioche bread to make this recipe gluten free.
- Nuts - can be eliminated if you have a nut allergy.
- Milk & cream - can be used if eggnog is not your favorite!
- Fruit - add your favorite berries right before baking for a fruity variety of this easy French toast.
- Nuts - different nuts can be substituted if you prefer.
Storage & Helpful Hints
Make certain to let the baked French toast casserole sit for at least two hours before baking. Overnight works best!
Wrapped tightly in an airtight container and placed in the refrigerator this casserole will last 3-4 days. Simply place the pieces onto a parchment lined sheet pan into a preheated 350-degree F oven for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
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FAQ
You certainly can! Just make sure to keep it covered and in the refrigerator.
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Jason Miller says
Make-ahead perfection.