Name: Eggnog French Toast Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 loaf Texas Toast (about 14 slices), cubed; 5 large eggs; 1 cup eggnog; ¾ cup milk; 1 teaspoon rum flavoring; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; ½ teaspoon nutmeg; ½ cup unsalted butter, melted; ¾ cup light brown sugar, packed; ¼ cup pecans, chopped (optional)

If you’re looking for a show-stopping breakfast (or brunch!) that feels like holiday magic on a plate, this Eggnog French Toast Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine the classic comfort of French toast, all soaked in rich, spiced eggnog and baked into a warm, gooey casserole that everyone will go crazy for. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving something cozy on a chilly morning, this recipe has you covered.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Holiday Flavors Made Easy: The eggnog infusion brings that warm, festive spice without any extra work.
Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prep it the night before and pop it in the oven the next morning for stress-free hosting.
Perfect for Feeding a Crowd: A great recipe for serving friends or family without being stuck at the stove.
Irresistibly Cozy Texture: Soft on the inside with just the right amount of baked golden crust on top.

The image shows thick square pieces of bread pudding with three visible layers on a white plate. The bottom layer is a soft, pale light yellow bread and custard mix with a moist texture. The middle layer contains swirls of cinnamon brown lines that run through the bread in a marbled effect. The top layer is a crunchy, golden-brown pecan nut topping sprinkled with white powdered sugar, giving a light dusting on the surface. In the background, there is a white baking dish filled with more bread pudding of the same three-layer look and more pecans on top. The scene is set on a white marbled surface with a red and white striped cloth nearby and a silver fork placed beside the closest plate. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Eggnog French Toast Casserole, holiday breakfast recipes, festive brunch ideas, easy holiday breakfast, eggnog breakfast casserole

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient works together to build that perfect balance of creamy, spiced, and indulgent. When picking your bread, choose something thick-sliced — it soaks up the custard better without getting mushy.

Flat lay of a sliced loaf of Texas Toast bread cubed, five whole brown eggs with clean shells, a small white bowl filled with creamy eggnog, a small white bowl of fresh milk, a small white bowl with golden rum flavoring, a small white bowl of ground cinnamon powder, a small white bowl of ground nutmeg, a small white bowl containing melted unsalted butter, a small white bowl heaped with packed light brown sugar, and a small white bowl with roughly chopped pecans placed in perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Eggnog French Toast Casserole, holiday breakfast recipes, festive brunch ideas, easy holiday breakfast, eggnog breakfast casserole

Texas Toast: Thick sliced bread like Texas Toast holds up wonderfully and soaks in the eggnog custard beautifully.
Eggs: The backbone of the custard, giving richness and structure.
Eggnog: The star of the show! Choose a quality eggnog for the best flavor—it’s what gives this casserole its festive personality.
Milk: I like to use whole milk for creaminess; you can swap it for more eggnog if you want a richer taste.
Rum flavoring: If you aren’t into alcohol, this extract adds subtle warmth without the buzz—plus, it pairs perfectly with the spices.
Cinnamon and Nutmeg: These spices enhance the eggnog flavor and add that cozy, holiday vibe.
Unsalted Butter: Melted and drizzled on top, it helps create that golden, caramelized layer.
Light Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with caramelization on the crispy top layer.
Pecans (optional): Adds a nice crunch and a nutty contrast if you’re feeling a little fancy.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how flexible this Eggnog French Toast Casserole Recipe is — it’s easy to tweak depending on what you have in your pantry or your dietary preferences. Feel free to get creative and make it your own!

Vanilla Swap: I sometimes replace the rum flavoring with vanilla extract for a sweeter, less boozy twist that my kids adore.
Gluten-Free Version: Using gluten-free bread works well, just be sure it’s sturdy enough to soak up the custard without falling apart.
Nut-Free Option: Simply leave out the pecans and maybe add some toasted coconut flakes on top instead for texture.
Extra Boozy: For adults only, a splash of real rum or bourbon in the custard takes it to another level — definitely a crowd-pleaser at holiday brunch!

How to Make Eggnog French Toast Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Custard and Soak the Bread

Start by whisking together the eggs, eggnog, milk, and rum flavoring in a large bowl until everything is smooth and combined. Then, gently dip each cube of your Texas Toast into the custard mixture, making sure the bread soaks up plenty of that rich goodness. Lay the soaked bread evenly in a buttered 9-inch baking dish. Once all the bread is nestled in, pour any leftover custard over the top to make sure every bite is luscious. Finally, sprinkle cinnamon and nutmeg over everything for an aromatic, cozy touch.

Step 2: Refrigerate Overnight

This is where the magic happens! Cover your baking dish tightly with foil and pop it into the fridge overnight, or at least 4 hours. This soaking time lets the custard fully penetrate the bread for that creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture. I’ve learned that skipping this step usually leads to a dry casserole, so don’t skip it if you want perfect results!

Step 3: Add the Topping and Bake

When it’s showtime, preheat your oven to 350°F. In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with the brown sugar until combined. Pour this sweet, buttery mixture evenly over the soaked bread. If you’re using pecans, sprinkle them on top now for that extra crunch and flavor. Bake uncovered for about 40 minutes, until the top is golden brown and slightly crisp. I usually keep an eye on it after 35 minutes to avoid over-browning — your kitchen will smell incredible by this time.

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Pro Tips for Making Eggnog French Toast Casserole Recipe

Choose the Right Bread: I recommend Texas Toast or brioche for their thick slices and sturdy texture to stand up to the custard soak without falling apart.
Don’t Skip the Overnight Soak: Letting the bread absorb the mixture overnight makes the casserole creamy and flavorful — totally worth the wait!
Watch Your Bake Time: Every oven is different, so start checking around 35 minutes to avoid overbaking and drying out your casserole.
Customize the Toppings: I’ve found adding pecans gives a lovely crunch, but feel free to swap with walnuts, almonds, or leave nuts out altogether if allergies are a concern.

How to Serve Eggnog French Toast Casserole Recipe

The image shows a thick slice of bread pudding on a white plate with a white marbled texture background. The bread pudding has three visible layers: a smooth, creamy yellow base layer with soft, moist texture; a middle layer containing chunks of baked bread with a light golden-brown color; and a top layer made of crispy, browned bread pieces with a crumbly texture, dusted lightly with powdered sugar. A syrup is drizzled around and slightly over the pudding, creating a glossy, amber shine. A silver fork lies next to the slice, and a woman's hand is holding the fork slightly above the plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Eggnog French Toast Casserole, holiday breakfast recipes, festive brunch ideas, easy holiday breakfast, eggnog breakfast casserole

Garnishes

My go-to garnishes are a light dusting of powdered sugar and a drizzle of pure maple syrup—it balances the sweet, spicy custard perfectly. Sometimes I add fresh berries or a few dollops of whipped cream for that extra festive appeal. If you’re feeling adventurous, a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top right after baking looks and tastes amazing.

Side Dishes

I love pairing this casserole with crispy bacon or sausage links for a salty counterpoint. Fresh fruit salad or a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette also brightens up the meal nicely. It’s all about balancing the richness with some fresh, crisp sides.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings, I like to serve this casserole inside a festive ceramic baking dish right at the table — it adds that cozy, homemade vibe everyone appreciates. Another idea I’ve tried is layering the casserole in small individual ramekins for a pretty, personal touch. Sprinkle some chopped toasted nuts or a cinnamon stick as a decorative stirrer for extra charm.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover casserole tightly covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. It reheats beautifully and still tastes almost as good as fresh. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature for 15-20 minutes before reheating to help it warm evenly.

Freezing

I’ve also frozen individual portions wrapped well in plastic and foil, then popped them in the freezer. When you want a quick breakfast, just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven — the texture holds up surprisingly well!

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a preheated 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. If you want to revive the crispiness on top, feel free to broil for the last couple of minutes—just watch carefully so it doesn’t burn!

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of eggnog in this Eggnog French Toast Casserole Recipe?

Yes, you can substitute eggnog with regular milk if you prefer, but you’ll lose some of that signature holiday spice and richness. To keep the warm flavors, consider adding a teaspoon of cinnamon and nutmeg to the milk mixture.
What type of bread works best for this casserole?

Thick bread like Texas Toast or brioche is ideal because it soaks up the custard without turning mushy. Avoid thin or soft sandwich bread as it can become too soggy.
Can I prepare this casserole the same day I want to bake it?

While you can, I highly recommend soaking the bread overnight or for at least 4 hours in the fridge. This soaking time makes the casserole creamier and more flavorful.
Is this recipe suitable for kids?

Yes! You can omit the rum flavoring or replace it with vanilla extract for a kid-friendly version that’s just as delicious.
How long does leftover Eggnog French Toast Casserole last in the fridge?

Stored properly in an airtight container, leftovers can last up to 3 days refrigerated. Be sure to reheat thoroughly before serving.

Final Thoughts

This Eggnog French Toast Casserole Recipe has been a staple for my holiday mornings—and honestly, any morning I want to make special. It’s one of those recipes that fills your kitchen with the scent of warmth and joy and brings everyone around the table with smiles. If you haven’t tried it yet, I promise it’s worth every single step. So go ahead, whip it up, and watch your family (and yourself!) fall in love with every bite.