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Cozy Overnight Eggnog French Toast Casserole

eggnog French toast casserole - featured image

A make-ahead eggnog French toast casserole with brioche, creamy custard, and optional streusel topping. Perfect for holiday mornings and potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 loaf (about 16 ounces) brioche or challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 cups eggnog
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • For the Streusel Topping (optional):
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cut brioche or challah into 1-inch cubes. If bread is fresh, spread on a baking sheet and let sit out for 1-2 hours to stale slightly.
  2. Brush a 9×13-inch baking dish with melted butter, ensuring corners are coated.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggnog, eggs, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until sugar is dissolved and mixture is smooth and slightly frothy (about 1-2 minutes).
  4. Spread bread cubes evenly in the prepared baking dish. Pour custard mixture evenly over the bread, pressing down gently with a spatula to help absorption.
  5. For streusel topping (if using): In a small bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Add cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or fingers to work butter into dry ingredients until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in chopped nuts if using. Set aside.
  6. Cover baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight (8-12 hours).
  7. The next morning, preheat oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC). Remove casserole from fridge and let sit on counter for 15-20 minutes while oven heats.
  8. If using streusel topping, sprinkle evenly over casserole. Bake uncovered for 45-55 minutes, until top is golden brown and center is set (should jiggle slightly but not be liquidy).
  9. Let casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow custard to set completely.

Notes

Stale bread works best for absorbing custard without getting mushy. If using fresh bread, cube and toast at 300ยฐF for 10 minutes, then cool completely. For best results, chill 8-12 hours. If top browns too quickly, tent with foil for last 10-15 minutes of baking. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: overnight French toast casserole, eggnog French toast, holiday breakfast, make-ahead breakfast, Christmas breakfast, brioche French toast