“Can you believe the holidays are already here?” a friend remarked as we gathered for our annual Christmas brunch planning. It’s the perfect time to create unforgettable memories around the table. This year, I’m excited to share my Overnight Eggnog French Toast Casserole, a festive twist that will make your mornings merry and bright. With its soft, fluffy challah soaked in a spiced eggnog custard, this make-ahead breakfast casserole lifts the holiday spirit without the stress of last-minute cooking. Not only does it showcase the luxurious flavors of eggnog, but it also offers a fantastic opportunity to use up leftover holiday drinks. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or enjoying a cozy morning at home, this crowd-pleaser is bound to add sweetness to your holiday celebrations. Are you ready to dive into a slice of this deliciousness? Let’s get started!
Why is this recipe a holiday favorite?
Festive Flavors: The combination of eggnog, cinnamon, and orange zest infuses every bite with holiday spirit, making it truly special.
Easy Prep: This make-ahead casserole allows you to enjoy quality time with loved ones, as you can pop it in the fridge the night before.
Versatile Options: With simple substitutions, such as using brioche or making it dairy-free, you can customize it to suit your guests’ preferences.
Crowd-Pleaser: This dish serves a generous portion, ensuring everyone at your holiday gathering leaves with a smile!
Don’t forget to check out other festive recipes like French Toast Casserole and Overnight Creme Brulee for more delicious ideas!
Overnight Eggnog French Toast Casserole Ingredients
For the Casserole
• Challah Bread – This soft, airy bread is perfect for soaking up the custard; day-old bread works best.
• Large Eggs – Essential for creating a rich, custardy texture in your casserole.
• Eggnog – The star of the dish, lending a delightful sweetness—opt for alcohol-free if serving kids!
• Milk – Adds creaminess; feel free to swap with additional eggnog for a richer flavor.
• Ground Cinnamon – Brings warmth and nostalgia, enhancing the festive essence of this casserole.
• Orange Zest – A touch of citrus brightness, elevating the overall flavor profile.
For the Topping (Optional)
• Pecan Pieces – Provide a lovely crunch and texture; sprinkle them on top for added dimension.
• Brown Sugar – Sweetens the streusel topping; adjust to taste for a perfect balance.
• Melted Butter – Helps bind the topping ingredients together for that delightful crispness.
For Serving (Optional)
• Homemade Whipped Cream – Enhances the richness and adds a touch of decadence when served on top.
This Overnight Eggnog French Toast Casserole is not only a delicious choice for your holiday breakfast but also a clever way to use leftover eggnog. Enjoy!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Overnight Eggnog French Toast Casserole
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish
Start by greasing a 13×9-inch baking pan with non-stick spray or butter to ensure your casserole doesn’t stick. Next, cut your day-old challah bread into bite-sized cubes and distribute them evenly in the prepared dish. This forms the base of your Overnight Eggnog French Toast Casserole, creating a cozy, fluffy structure.
Step 2: Whisk the Custard Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine 6 large eggs, 2 cups of eggnog, and 1 cup of milk. Add 1 tablespoon of fresh orange zest and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon for that festive flair. Whisk everything together vigorously until well blended, ensuring a homogenous custard that will fully soak the bread for the best texture.
Step 3: Combine Bread and Custard
Gently pour the eggnog custard mixture over the cubed challah bread in your baking dish. Use a spatula to press down lightly on the bread cubes, making sure they are fully submerged in the custard. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. This soaking time allows the bread to absorb those delicious flavors thoroughly.
Step 4: Preheat the Oven
On the morning you plan to serve your casserole, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms, carefully remove the plastic wrap from the baking dish. This step is essential to ensure even baking without condensation affecting your casserole.
Step 5: Add Topping (Optional)
In a separate bowl, mix together 1 cup of chopped pecans, ¼ cup of brown sugar, and 4 tablespoons of melted butter to create a crunchy topping. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the soaked bread before placing it in the oven, adding a delightful texture to your Overnight Eggnog French Toast Casserole.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Slide the casserole into your preheated oven, letting it bake for 50 minutes to 1 hour. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is beautifully golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. This ensures the custard has set properly, leading to the perfect custardy bite.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for about 10-15 minutes. This cooling period allows the flavors to settle. Cut it into squares and serve warm, drizzled with maple syrup or topped with a dollop of homemade whipped cream for an extra indulgent touch!
Expert Tips for Overnight Eggnog French Toast Casserole
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Use Day-Old Bread: Opt for stale or day-old challah bread for the best absorption of the custard in your Overnight Eggnog French Toast Casserole.
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Toast Fresh Bread: If using fresh bread, lightly toast the cubes before soaking to avoid a soggy texture in your casserole.
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Check Eggnog Labels: Ensure the eggnog is alcohol-free, especially important if children will be enjoying this festive dish.
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Monitor Browning: If the casserole browns too quickly during baking, loosely cover it with foil to prevent overcooking while the center sets.
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Prep Ahead: Remember, this casserole is perfect for make-ahead! Assemble it the night before for a stress-free holiday breakfast.
How to Store and Freeze Overnight Eggnog French Toast Casserole
Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This helps retain the flavors and moisture of your Overnight Eggnog French Toast Casserole.
Freezer: If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the unbaked casserole tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
Reheating: For best results, reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes. This will help regain the casserole’s delightful custardy texture.
Make Ahead Options
This Overnight Eggnog French Toast Casserole is a fantastic choice for busy home cooks looking to save time during the holiday hustle! You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, allowing the bread to soak in the delicious eggnog custard overnight. Simply follow the instructions to prepare the baking dish, mix the custard, and pour it over the bread before covering it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerating. To maintain the quality, ensure the casserole is properly sealed to prevent drying out. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the preheated oven and enjoy a delightful and stress-free breakfast that tastes just as delicious as if you made it fresh that morning!
What to Serve with Overnight Eggnog French Toast Casserole
Elevate your holiday breakfast with delightful side dishes that perfectly accompany this cozy casserole.
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Crispy Bacon: The savory crunch of bacon adds a wonderful contrast to the sweet eggnog casserole, making each bite satisfying.
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Fresh Fruit Salad: A light and colorful fruit salad brings a refreshing element, balancing sweetness and providing a burst of nutrients.
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Maple Syrup Drizzle: Enhance the rich flavors of the casserole with a drizzle of warm maple syrup over each serving, a classic pairing that never disappoints.
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Homemade Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream complements the rich and custardy casserole, adding an extra layer of indulgence for a special touch.
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Spiced Hot Chocolate: Cozy up with a cup of this creamy drink, infused with cinnamon or nutmeg, providing warmth and richness to your morning feast.
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Orange Sugared Cranberries: Brighten up your plate with these festive cranberries, offering a tart contrast that cuts through the richness of the French toast.
Each of these pairings adds a unique flavor or texture, inviting everyone to savor the festive spirit of your holiday gathering!
Overnight Eggnog French Toast Casserole Variations
Feel free to rejoice in the fun of customizing your casserole with these delightful twists!
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Bread Swap: Use brioche or French bread instead of challah for different textures and flavors. Each bread brings its unique sweetness and fluffy bite to the table.
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Dairy-Free Delight: Substitute with non-dairy eggnog and almond milk for a vegan-friendly version that everyone will love. You’ll barely notice the difference when it’s baked!
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Flavor Boost: Experiment by adding nutmeg or pumpkin spice for a seasonal flair that dances on your palate. A sprinkle of either spice contributes to that warm, cozy holiday atmosphere.
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Chocolate Lovers: Fold in chocolate chips or chunks into the bread mixture before baking for a decadent surprise in every bite. Just imagine the melting chocolate paired with creamy eggnog!
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Fruit Infusion: Add sliced bananas or diced apples for a fruity twist. Their natural sweetness complements the spicy custard beautifully, making each slice even more inviting.
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Nuts & Crunch: Incorporate walnuts or almonds in place of pecans for a different nutty profile. Each bite becomes an adventure with varied textures and flavors.
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Heat it Up: For spice lovers, sprinkle in some cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes—just a pinch—to elevate the warmth of your casserole. This unexpected kick adds excitement, contrasting perfectly with the sweetness.
This recipe is as versatile as your imagination allows, just like my other favorites—try the Tater Tot Casserole or for a sweet escape, don’t miss out on the Apple Crisp Casserole!
Overnight Eggnog French Toast Casserole Recipe FAQs
What type of bread is best for this recipe?
Absolutely! Day-old challah bread is ideal as it absorbs the custard beautifully, yielding a fluffy texture. If you don’t have challah, French bread or brioche are great alternatives that also work wonderfully in this casserole.
How should I store leftovers?
I recommend keeping any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This helps maintain the flavor and moisture of your Overnight Eggnog French Toast Casserole, so it stays just as delicious when you enjoy it again!
Can I freeze the casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked casserole! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. This will keep it fresh for up to 2 months. To bake, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before preheating your oven and baking as directed.
What should I do if the casserole browns too quickly during baking?
Very! If you notice the top of your casserole turning brown faster than the center is baking, cover it loosely with aluminum foil. This helps prevent burning while the inside continues to cook through until it’s perfectly set and golden brown.
Is this casserole suitable for those with dietary restrictions?
You can easily make this Overnight Eggnog French Toast Casserole dairy-free! Just substitute the eggnog and milk with your favorite non-dairy alternatives. Additionally, be cautious about allergies by ensuring your eggnog and any toppings used are free from nuts, dairy, or other allergens if necessary. Always check labels, especially if serving to guests with dietary restrictions.
Delicious Overnight Eggnog French Toast Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Grease a 13x9-inch baking pan and distribute the day-old challah bread cubes evenly.
- Whisk the Custard Mixture: In a bowl, combine eggs, eggnog, milk, orange zest, and cinnamon. Whisk until blended.
- Combine Bread and Custard: Pour the custard mixture over the bread cubes and press down lightly. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
- Preheat the Oven: On the morning of baking, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and remove the plastic wrap.
- Add Topping (Optional): Mix pecans, brown sugar, and melted butter. Sprinkle over the soaked bread.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Bake for 50 minutes to 1 hour until golden brown and set.
- Cool and Serve: Let cool for 10-15 minutes, cut into squares, and serve with syrup or whipped cream.