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)

Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 128 reviews

If you’ve been hunting for that next-level holiday breakfast or a cozy weekend treat, I have just the thing for you—a fan-freaking-tastic Eggnog French Toast Casserole Recipe that’s like a warm hug on a plate. Honestly, when I first tried this recipe, it instantly became my go-to for festive mornings, and I promise you’ll love how it effortlessly fills your kitchen with the sweet, spicy aroma of eggnog and cinnamon. Stick with me, and I’ll guide you through making this comfort dish your next crowd-pleaser!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich Holiday Flavor: The eggnog and warm spices create a festive twist on classic French toast.
Make-Ahead Convenience: Prep it the night before, then let your oven do the magic in the morning.
Perfect for Feeding a Crowd: This casserole easily serves a group, making holidays less hectic.
Customizable and Delicious: Swap rum flavoring for vanilla or top with nuts for texture—easy to make your own.

Eggnog French Toast Casserole Recipe - Recipe Step

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Eggnog French Toast Casserole Recipe come together beautifully to create a nostalgic, creamy, and spiced dish. I always recommend picking up good-quality eggnog—you’ll really taste the difference! Also, choosing the right bread ensures the perfect texture when baked.

Eggnog French Toast Casserole Recipe - Ingredients

Texas Toast: Its thick slices soak up the custard perfectly without falling apart; brioche is a fabulous alternative if you want something richer.
Large eggs: They bind everything together and provide that fluffy, custardy texture you want in a baked French toast.
Eggnog: This is the star of the show! Choose a good-quality eggnog for the most authentic flavor.
Milk: Helps lighten the custard mixture; you can swap it for more eggnog if you want a more intense holiday taste.
Rum flavoring: Brings subtle warmth without the alcohol; if you prefer, vanilla extract works equally well.
Cinnamon: Adds warmth and spice—don’t skip it.
Nutmeg: A little goes a long way; it complements the cinnamon perfectly.
Unsalted butter (melted): Used in the topping for a wonderfully caramelized finish when baked with the brown sugar.
Light brown sugar: Gives that sweet, molasses flavor that caramelizes beautifully in the oven.
Pecans (optional): Adds a lovely crunch and nutty contrast to the creamy texture.

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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 versatile this Eggnog French Toast Casserole Recipe is—it’s easy to swap things around to match your taste or dietary needs. Personally, I’ve switched up the nut toppings and even tried a dairy-free version that worked surprisingly well!

Nut-Free: Skip the pecans altogether or swap them for toasted coconut flakes for texture without nuts—I’ve done this when cooking for kids with allergies, and it’s still a hit.
Alcohol-Free: Replace rum flavoring with pure vanilla extract for a classic & kid-friendly flavor; the eggnog carries all the seasonal charm.
Dairy-Free: Use plant-based milk and a dairy-free eggnog alternative; I discovered this helps if guests are sensitive, and the casserole still comes out creamy.
Extra Fruity: Toss in fresh cranberries or thinly sliced apples before baking to add a tart bite that balances the sweetness nicely.

How to Make Eggnog French Toast Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Soak Your Bread in That Creamy Custard

First thing’s first: whisk together the eggs, eggnog, milk, and rum flavoring in a large bowl until it’s smooth and inviting. Then, dip your cubed Texas Toast into this dreamy mixture, making sure each piece gets a nice, thorough soak. I like to work in batches so the bread doesn’t get too soggy. Layer the soaked bread cubes evenly in a 9-inch baking dish, and pour any leftover custard on top for maximum flavor. Finally, sprinkle on your cinnamon and nutmeg—this little step fills your kitchen with the best aromas!

Step 2: Let It Chill and Absorb Overnight

This is one of those magical moments that turns good into extraordinary. Cover your casserole with foil and pop it in the fridge for at least four hours or overnight. Trust me, I’ve learned from rushing this step before, and letting it sit long enough means the bread soaks up every bit of that spiced custard, giving you a soft, flavorful base that bakes beautifully.

Step 3: The Sweet, Buttery Brown Sugar Topping

When you’re ready to bake, mix your melted butter and brown sugar in a small bowl—this combo is the secret to that caramelized, sticky top everyone loves. Pour it evenly over the soaked bread, and if you’re feeling nutty, scatter chopped pecans on top. This step adds wonderful texture and a golden finish.

Step 4: Bake and Serve Warm

Bake your casserole uncovered at 350°F (175°C) for about 40 minutes until golden, bubbly, and firm in the center. I usually check around the 35-minute mark—you want it set but still moist and custardy inside. Remove it from the oven, let it cool just a bit (if you can wait!), and dive right in or keep warm for your guests. This dish is truly best enjoyed fresh from the oven.

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Pro Tips for Making Eggnog French Toast Casserole Recipe

Use Day-Old Bread: Slightly stale bread soaks up custard better without turning mushy.
Don’t Skip the Overnight Chill: This resting time is what gives deep flavor and perfect texture.
Brown Sugar and Butter Mixture: Mixing melted butter with brown sugar before baking creates that irresistible caramel topping.
Watch Baking Time: Overbaking dries out the casserole; you want it set but still custardy inside.

How to Serve Eggnog French Toast Casserole Recipe

Eggnog French Toast Casserole Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I almost always top this casserole with a dusting of powdered sugar and a drizzle of maple syrup—it adds just the right touch of sweet without overpowering the eggnog flavor. A handful of fresh cranberries or a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans also works wonders if you want a pop of color and crunch.

Side Dishes

To round out the meal, I like serving this with fresh fruit salad or a plate of crispy bacon. The salty bacon cuts through the sweetness beautifully, making every bite balanced and satisfying. For a more indulgent brunch, some whipped cream on the side can’t hurt either!

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday mornings or special gatherings, I love serving this casserole in individual ramekins for a cute, personalized touch. You can also sprinkle festive colored sugar on top before baking to get that celebratory sparkle. Another fun idea? Layer crumbled peppermint bark on top just before serving for an unexpected winter twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Eggnog French Toast Casserole stores really well covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. I usually pop a piece in a sealed container, and it reheats beautifully without drying out—just keep an eye on the reheating to retain that creamy texture.

Freezing

I’ve frozen leftovers by wrapping portions tightly in plastic wrap and then foil—this works great for storing for up to a month. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat in the oven for best texture. The custard stays creamy, and it tastes almost fresh-baked!

Reheating

I prefer reheating leftovers in the oven covered with foil at 325°F to keep it from drying out—microwaving can be done in a pinch, but I find it sometimes makes the texture a little rubbery. Bake until warmed through, about 15 minutes, and you’re good to go.

FAQs

Can I use bread other than Texas Toast for this Eggnog French Toast Casserole Recipe?

Absolutely! While Texas Toast works wonderfully due to its thick slices and sturdy texture, brioche or challah bread also make excellent choices for a richer, tender crumb. Just make sure the bread is slightly stale or day-old so it soaks up the custard without falling apart.
Do I have to refrigerate the casserole overnight?

Refrigerating overnight is highly recommended because it allows the bread to fully absorb the eggnog custard, resulting in a creamy, flavorful casserole. If you’re short on time, four hours will work, but avoid skipping this step entirely for best results.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Use a dairy-free eggnog alternative and substitute the milk with your favorite plant-based milk, like almond or oat milk. Melted dairy-free butter substitutes work well for the topping too. The casserole may have a slightly different texture but still tastes fantastic.
What’s the best way to reheat leftover Eggnog French Toast Casserole?

The oven is your best bet for reheating leftovers to keep that texture just right. Cover the casserole with foil and warm at 325°F for about 15 minutes until heated through. This preserves the creamy custard and caramel topping better than the microwave.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance for a holiday brunch?

Definitely! Prepare the casserole the night before and refrigerate overnight. Then just add the butter and sugar topping and bake in the morning. This cuts down on morning prep and allows you to enjoy your guests instead of fussing in the kitchen.

Final Thoughts

This Eggnog French Toast Casserole Recipe has become one of those dishes I look forward to every holiday season. It’s easy, comforting, and tastes like a celebration in every bite. Whether you’re making it for family, friends, or just a cozy morning at home, it’s the kind of recipe that feels special without requiring a ton of work. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how this new tradition might become your favorite too!