Description
This Eggnog French Toast Casserole is a festive and comforting breakfast dish perfect for holiday mornings. Cubed Texas Toast is soaked in a rich eggnog, egg, and milk custard, flavored with rum extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg, then baked to golden perfection. Topped with a brown sugar and butter mixture and optional pecans, this casserole offers a creamy, spiced, and slightly sweet flavor that’s sure to delight family and guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Custard Mixture
- 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
Topping
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¾ cup light brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup pecans, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Custard and Bread: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, eggnog, milk, and rum flavoring until fully combined. Dip each cubed piece of Texas Toast into the mixture, ensuring all pieces are well coated, then place them evenly in a 9-inch baking dish. Pour any remaining custard mixture over the bread cubes. Sprinkle the cinnamon and nutmeg evenly on top.
- Refrigerate Overnight: Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. This soak time allows the bread to absorb the custard fully, resulting in a creamy, flavorful bake.
- Prepare Topping and Bake: When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with the light brown sugar until well combined. Pour this mixture evenly over the soaked bread cubes. If desired, sprinkle chopped pecans on top for added texture and flavor. Bake uncovered for about 40 minutes or until the casserole is set and the top is golden brown.
- Serve Warm: Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly. Serve warm for the best flavor and texture. Enjoy this festive and comforting casserole as a special breakfast or brunch treat!
Notes
- You can substitute the milk with additional eggnog for a richer flavor and replace rum flavoring with vanilla extract if preferred.
- Look for a loaf of bread weighing around 16 ounces for the right volume; Brioche bread works excellently for a tender, buttery texture.
- Optional pecans add a nice crunch, but feel free to omit if you prefer a nut-free dish.
- Covering and refrigerating overnight is key to achieving a custardy, soft interior.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approximate)
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0.3g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 215mg
