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Easy Eggnog French Toast Casserole: Best Make-Ahead Breakfast

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This easy eggnog french toast casserole is a make-ahead breakfast that combines brioche cubes with a rich eggnog custard, baked until golden and caramelized. Perfect for holiday mornings or lazy weekends, it delivers a warm, custardy texture with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 loaf (14-16 oz) brioche or challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 cups eggnog (full-fat recommended)
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • Pinch of salt
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • Optional: powdered sugar for dusting, maple syrup for serving

Instructions

  1. Prep the bread (5 minutes). Cut brioche or challah into 1-inch cubes. If bread is fresh, spread cubes on a baking sheet and let dry for an hour. Day-old bread is ideal.
  2. Make the custard (5 minutes). In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggnog, eggs, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth and slightly frothy. Taste and adjust spices if needed.
  3. Assemble the casserole (5 minutes). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray. Spread bread cubes evenly in the dish. Pour custard over the top, ensuring all pieces are coated. Gently press down with a spatula. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight (8-12 hours ideal).
  4. Bake the casserole (40-45 minutes). Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove casserole from fridge and let sit on counter for 15-20 minutes. Remove plastic wrap, brush top with melted butter, and sprinkle with brown sugar and extra cinnamon. Bake for 40-45 minutes until top is golden brown and center is set but slightly jiggly. A knife inserted in the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  5. Rest and serve (5 minutes). Let casserole rest for 5 minutes before cutting. Dust with powdered sugar if desired and serve warm with maple syrup.

Notes

For best results, use full-fat eggnog and stale bread. Let the casserole soak overnight for optimal flavor and texture. If the top browns too quickly, tent with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.

Nutrition

Keywords: eggnog french toast casserole, make-ahead breakfast, holiday breakfast, christmas breakfast, brioche casserole

Find it online: https://lumalunch.com/easy-eggnog-french-toast-casserole-best-make-ahead-breakfast/