Eggnog French Toast Bake

Eggnog French Toast Bake is a Christmas morning tradition! This quick-to-prepare overnight casserole features French bread soaked in an eggnog custard. In the morning, simply pop it in the oven for a special holiday breakfast!

Overnight Eggnog French Toast Bake with text overlay.

If you enjoy eggnog treats, you'll also love Eggnog Overnight Oats, Slow Cooker Eggnog Bread Pudding, and Eggnog Cookies!

It goes without saying that Christmas morning calls for a special, festive breakfast. However, around here, that breakfast also needs to be something that I can prep the night before, seeing as how on Christmas morning I'll be bleary-eyed thanks to kids who were raring-to-go before 6 a.m. Nor do I want to be stuck in the kitchen and risk missing any of the Santa-induced excitement. Enter my favorite overnight Christmas breakfast casserole...Eggnog French Toast!

Slice on plate with casserole in background.

How to Make Eggnog French Toast

This overnight Eggnog French Toast Bake solves both problems at once. It's quick to assemble before going to bed (you know, at 3 a.m. after all of the toys are put together). And come morning, all you have to do is pop it in the oven to bake while the kids are tearing into their presents. In addition to that, the fact that the bread has been soaked in eggnog and spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg means that it tastes -- and the whole house consequently smells -- like Christmas.

To prep your Eggnog French Toast on Christmas Eve:

  1. Make the brown sugar syrup in a small pot on the stove and then pour it into the bottom of a baking dish.
  2. Add cubed French bread to the dish.
  3. Whisk together some eggs and eggnog and pour the mixture over the bread cubes in the dish.
  4. Tightly cover and refrigerate overnight.
  5. In the morning, pop the dish in the oven and bake.

Christmas breakfast is served!

Aerial view of Eggnog French Toast.

In Case You Don't Like Eggnog...

What's that? You don't like eggnog? Well, while I am firmly in the pro-eggnog camp, I do realize that there are individuals who do not actually enjoy this holiday nectar of the gods.

However, allow me to point out that even my non-eggnog drinking husband enjoyed it in this French toast. In other words, I think you might like this recipe even if you think you won't. 😉

Slice of Eggnog French Toast casserole on a plate topped with berries.

How to Serve It

This tasty Eggnog French Toast can be enjoyed straight out of the oven as is...additional syrup is not necessary.

Simply pairing it with some fresh berries or a halved grapefruit is a perfectly tart counter to the sweetness of the eggnog.

Oh, and don't forget bacon! Bacon is necessary to cut the sugar as well, am I right?

Aerial view of serving on plate.

So sometime this December -- whether it's a special school day breakfast, a lazy Saturday morning, a pre-Christmas brunch, or Christmas morning itself -- promise me that you'll treat yourself to this eggnog French toast decadence!

After all, what's better than a recipe by which you can have your eggnog...and eat it, too? 😉

Overnight Eggnog French Toast Bake, two-photo collage with text.

To Accompany Your Eggnog French Toast

Eggnog French Toast Bake

Eggnog French Toast Bake is a Christmas morning tradition. This quick, easy, overnight casserole is ready to pop in the oven when you wake up for an effortless but special holiday breakfast!
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
CHILLING TIME: 8 hours
Total Time: 9 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 10 servings
Calories: 388kcal
Print Pin Rate

Ingredients

  • ½ cup (1 stick) butter
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 1 loaf French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • Cinnamon
  • Nutmeg
  • 8 eggs
  • 2 cups prepared eggnog
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla

Instructions

  • Grease a 9- by 13-inch baking dish (or two 8- by 8-inch baking dishes) with butter or coat with nonstick cooking spray.
  • In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar and maple syrup; continue stirring as mixture comes to a boil. Remove from heat and pour into prepared baking dish. Arrange the bread cubes over the brown sugar mixture. Sprinkle bread cubes with cinnamon and nutmeg, to taste.
  • In a large bowl, whisk the eggs and mix in the eggnog and vanilla. Evenly pour this custard mixture over the bread cubes. Press down lightly on the bread to make sure it's all coated/soaked. Tightly cover baking dish with aluminum foil and refrigerate overnight, at least 8 hours.
  • Remove the baking dish from the refrigerator. Preheat oven to 325°F. Bake, covered, for 40 minutes. Increase oven temperature to 375°F and remove foil. Bake, uncovered, for an additional 5 to 10 minutes or until knife inserted in center of casserole is clean (and mostly dry) and top is puffy and golden brown.

Notes

  • The bread I typically use for this recipe is the in-house baked French Bread from HEB (a Texas grocery store). It weighs about 16 ounces.

Nutrition

Calories: 388kcal | Carbohydrates: 51g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 185mg | Sodium: 370mg | Potassium: 222mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 29g | Vitamin A: 578IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 129mg | Iron: 2mg
Made this recipe? I'd love to see on IG!Mention @FiveHeartHome or tag #FiveHeartHome!

 

Adapted from AllRecipes
Post originally published on December 9, 2013.

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Recipe Rating




89 Comments

  1. 4 stars
    This took forever to cook through and everyone was hungry and cranky by the time it was finished on Christmas morning. I had to cook it an extra 20 minutes at 400°. It was good, but I’m increasing the temperature to 350° next time.

      1. Hi Terrie! I have not personally tried freezing this recipe. But I just did some quick internet research and it appears that people have indeed had success freezing french toast casseroles. Some recommend freezing unbaked, then thawing in fridge and baking as directed. Others recommend baking before freezing, then thawing and popping in the oven just long enough to reheat. I would imagine that the former option would reduce the chances of drying out, but again, I haven't tried it myself so I can't say for sure. I will have to do some experimenting in the future and update this post. 😉 In the meantime, good luck if you decide to give freezing a try!

  2. I just love eggnog and any excuse to try it another way is great by me! I am pinning now and I can't wait to try it.

  3. 5 stars
    I saw a recipe similar to this on TV and wanted to try it but then I couldn't find it online. I did find this one though and made it this morning. My husband and I are pretty critical of some of the recipes I find online (we usually stick to the old fashioned cookbooks). this is definitley a keeper. Followed the directions exactly and it came out perfect. I am going to make up a binder of holiday favorites for my grandkids and this will be included! just wish eggnog was available all year round.

    1. I'm not sure, Barrie, as I've never frozen this recipe. I would think you'd definitely have to let it thaw before baking, though. Sorry I can't help with your question, and good luck if you decide to give it a try!

      1. 5 stars
        I made this for Christmas breakfast and it was a hit. Will be making it again this weekend, but will using International Delight Cold Stone Creamery Sweet Cream Flavor Coffee Creamer since eggnog has been pulled from the shelves. I hope it turn out Just as great.

        1. Happy to hear that this was a hit on Christmas morning, Trice! And what a great idea to try it with flavored coffee creamer! 🙂

  4. 5 stars
    Great recipe! We both loved it and I'll be making it again. Instead of topping with fresh berries, I added dried cranberries on top prior to baking.

    1. So glad y'all enjoyed it, Rebecca! Dried cranberries on top sounds like a great idea...I'll definitely have to try that sometime. 🙂 Hope your New Year is off to a great start!

    1. Hi Jill! I think that baked French toast recipes like this are pretty adaptable to using different kinds of bread, as long as you make sure to use approximately the same total amount of bread. I made this Eggnog French Toast Casserole for Christmas morning yesterday using a big loaf of Challah, and it turned out perfect. I've never tried this recipe with brioche, but I imagine it would work just fine as well. Hope it is/was a hit! 🙂

  5. 5 stars
    Thank you so much for posting this recipe! My husband and I made it last year for Christmas and we are making it again this year. It is incredibly delicious and eliminates the chaos of putting together breakfast for Christmas day.

    1. I'm honored that this recipe is becoming one of your holiday traditions, Katherine! I make this every year for Christmas morning breakfast as well...so nice to pop it in the oven while opening presents! 🙂

  6. 5 stars
    Made this yesterday for New Year's Day brunch. I did switch up the recipe a bit and used some leftover panettone (half and half with the french loaf) and instead of maple syrup, I added a splash of orange juice - nice hint of citrus to pair with the candied fruit in the panettone. It was absolutely delicious and I'm pretty sure it's my boyfriend's new favourite brunch recipe.

    1. I'm so happy to hear that y'all enjoyed this, Brie! I bet using the panettone and orange juice really brightened the flavor...I'll have to try that combo sometime. 🙂 Thanks so much for stopping by to let me know how it turned out. Happy 2015!

  7. 5 stars
    Wow, what a hit this turned out to be. Thanks so much for this recipe. I've fumbled around for years perfecting our Christmas breakfast menu for our relatively large family, the past handful of which have been spent trying variations on french toast, from making my own chocolate swirl bread to other unique suggestions/manifestations, none of which I'd yet mastered but all of which seemed to be painstakingly difficult and time consuming, time not easy to find during the hustle and bustle of the holidays, especially on Christmas day when family members have to run from house to house. And then I happened upon your recipe (thanks to Pinterest) and what a savior I think this turned out to be. So easy to make. Stress-free. And absolutely delicious. This was well received by the 15 or so people who tried it throughout Christmas day. In fact, each person--every single one--went back for seconds and commented how good it was. The immediate family, for whom this really was made (though others came and went throughout the day) LOVED it! They've requested that we make this part of our annual tradition. Considering I broke nary a sweat during it's preparation, I said "done deal!" I did, however, use day old bread (not sure if it made any impact whatsoever but I'll likely use it again...why mess with a good thing?! 🙂 Thanks again for posting the perfect Christmas breakfast casserole. Happy holidays to you!

    1. I love that this recipe went over so well for Christmas breakfast at your house, Chris...thanks so much for coming back to share that it was a hit! It makes me happy to hear that it's going to be an annual tradition for y'all now. 🙂 Hope you had a wonderful holiday with your family and wishing you a fantastic 2015!

  8. 5 stars
    Thank you so much for this recipe! I made it for Christmas morning and it was outstanding!!!!! My parents said it was the best breakfast they ever had!! Now, I'm trying to figure out what to make for New Years breakfast.....I'm going through all of your recipes now 🙂 Thank you!

    1. I'm so happy to hear that your family enjoyed this, Erin, and I hope you find something from the site for New Year's breakfast that ends up being just as big of a hit! 🙂 Wishing you a wonderful 2015!

    1. Hi Katie! I've only ever made this recipe with non-alcoholic eggnog. However, if you wanted to use spiked eggnog, I don't see why that wouldn't work as well. Thanks for the question and hope you enjoy!

  9. I made this last year (2013) for Christmas morning it and was a hit. I actually put the raspberries and blueberries on top prior to baking and it turned out great, I plan on making again here in a few days.

    1. What a great idea, Melanie! I'm popping this in the fridge tonight for Christmas morning breakfast tomorrow and I just might have to try baking the berries right on top this time. Thanks for sharing and I hope you have a very merry Christmas!

  10. Just found your site. I made this casserole for Sunday school yesterday. Everyone RAVED and every single bite was gobbled up! Bought enough to make another one this week. Looking through your other recipes this morning and compiling a list to start testing. Take care and have a blessed Christmas.

    1. I'm so happy to hear that, Joanna! I hope you find some other recipes on the site to try that you end up enjoying just as much. 🙂 Thanks for sharing your sweet comment and I hope you have a wonderful Christmas as well!

  11. I can't wait to make this for Christmas morning. One question..does the French bread loaf need to be day old and also, could I substitute egg bread (knotted loaf kind) or is that bread too dense?

    1. Hi Lara! Yes, the bread can be fresh, and yes, you can certainly use egg bread/challah! I have other baked French toast recipes on the site (apple praline and gingerbread variations) that call for egg bread instead of French bread, so I always find them to be pretty interchangeable in this type of recipe. Hope this is a hit at your house on Christmas morning! 🙂