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Eggnog French Toast Casserole

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This festive French toast casserole combines rich eggnog, pillowy brioche, and warm holiday spices for a cozy, crowd-pleasing brunch. Prep it the night before for an easy, stress-free breakfast that tastes like a holiday hug.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound brioche or challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 10 cups)
  • 3 cups eggnog
  • 5 large eggs
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (use gluten-free blend if needed)
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar
  • 4 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (for streusel)
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for streusel)
  • 1/3 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
  • Butter or nonstick spray for greasing pan
  • Optional: 1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins
  • Optional: 1 teaspoon orange zest
  • Optional: Powdered sugar, maple syrup, fresh berries for serving

Instructions

  1. Cut brioche or challah into 1-inch cubes. If bread is fresh, let cubes sit out for an hour to dry.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggnog, eggs, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, nutmeg, cinnamon, and salt until smooth.
  3. Add bread cubes to custard and toss gently until coated. Let sit for 5-10 minutes to soak.
  4. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour in bread-custard mixture and spread evenly. Sprinkle in dried cranberries or orange zest if desired.
  5. In a medium bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Add cold butter and work in with a pastry cutter or fingers until crumbly. Stir in nuts if using.
  6. Sprinkle streusel evenly over casserole. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight (at least 6 hours, or minimum 1 hour if short on time).
  7. Preheat oven to 350°F. Uncover casserole and bake for 40-50 minutes, until top is golden and center is set but slightly soft. Tent with foil if top browns too quickly.
  8. Let casserole rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. Garnish with powdered sugar, maple syrup, or fresh berries if desired.
  9. Store leftovers covered in refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze slices for up to 1 month.

Notes

Use day-old bread for best texture. For dairy-free, use non-dairy eggnog and vegan butter. For gluten-free, use gluten-free bread and flour. Customize with dried fruit, orange zest, or chocolate chips. Letting the casserole chill overnight ensures a creamy, custardy texture. Tent with foil if top browns too quickly. Serve warm with powdered sugar, maple syrup, or berries.

Nutrition

Keywords: eggnog french toast casserole, holiday brunch, Christmas breakfast, easy breakfast casserole, festive breakfast, overnight casserole, brioche french toast, make ahead breakfast

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