Description
This Eggnog French Toast Casserole brings holiday cheer right to your Christmas brunch. It is a simple make-ahead dish that lets you enjoy the morning. It transforms classic French toast into a festive, baked sensation using the rich flavors of eggnog.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 loaf (about 1 pound) day-old brioche or French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups eggnog (full-fat recommended)
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
- Optional Topping: 1/4 cup chopped pecans or powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Lightly butter a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Arrange the bread cubes evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, eggnog, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
- Slowly pour the eggnog mixture over the bread cubes, making sure all the bread is saturated. Gently press down on the bread to help it absorb the liquid.
- Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
- When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the plastic wrap.
- If using, sprinkle the pecans evenly over the top.
- Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set (a knife inserted near the center comes out mostly clean).
- Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Dust with powdered sugar, if desired.
Notes
- Using day-old bread is key; it absorbs the custard better without becoming mushy.
- For an extra festive touch, use nutmeg in the custard and for dusting the top.
- If you prefer a crispier top, you can uncover the casserole for the last 15 minutes of baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Breakfast/Brunch
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 180mg