There’s something wonderfully indulgent about the convergence of eggnog and toast, a harmony of flavors that beckons the holiday spirit to dance on your taste buds. As I sit here in the warmth of Food and Meal’s cozy kitchen, the scent of nutmeg in the air and the creamy allure of eggnog waiting patiently on the counter, it strikes me just how much joy can be found in the simplicity of the ingredients we all cherish during the festive season.
I remember the first time I stumbled upon the recipe for Eggnog Toast Casserole. It was a chilly December morning, and I was longing for a breakfast that would wrap its arms around me like the woolen blanket draped over my shoulders. I wanted comfort, but not just any comfort – something joyous, something that would make the morning feel like a celebration. And isn’t that what the best of holiday treats are meant to do?
I love the magic of transformation in cooking, and the Eggnog Toast Casserole exemplifies this perfectly. Slices of bread soaked in a rich blend of eggnog, eggs, and a whisper of cinnamon come together in a dish that’s unassuming at first glance yet deeply satisfying. It’s the kind of recipe that invites nostalgia to sit at your table, the kind that every forkful feels like a homecoming.
In this humble offering, I present to you not just a recipe, but a moment to pause, a reason to gather and share the warmth of both food and companionship. So, join me as we embark on a culinary ode to the holidays, uniting the classic, comforting toast with the festive cheer of eggnog. After all, sometimes the most unpretentious creations hold the grandest flavors and the dearest memories
Eggnog Toast Casserole Recipe
How to Make an Eggnog French Toast Casserole – 7 easy Steps
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 large loaf of French bread cut into 2-inch cubes
- 2 ½ cups eggnog
- ¼ cup + 2 tbsp. of dark brown sugar
- 2 tsp. Ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp. ground nutmeg
- 4 tbsp. rum optional
- 1 cup chopped wallnuts
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, rum and eggnog.
- Get a 9×13-inch glass baking dish and coat it with cooking spray. Place the bread cubes on the dish and press them down gently to fit.
- Get the eggnog mixture and gently pour it over the bread cubes. Next, using a rubber spatula, press down the bread cubes to help the bread get soaked up with the mixture. Let it soak up the eggnog mixture overnight.
- Top the dish with the chopped walnuts and cover it tightly with aluminum foil. Put it into the fridge for overnight to let it chill.
- The next morning, preheat your oven into 350⁰F for 30 minutes.
- Unwrap the dish while on it, put it into the oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes.
- The nice brown top signals that your eggnog French toast casserole is ready.
Notes
Tip
- You can substitute milk for the eggnog if it’s not available.
- You can use bourbon instead of rum, or completely leave it out on the recipe.
- If you have a sweet tooth, you can top your eggnog French toast casserole with maple syrup before serving.
Time and Serving
- Preparation : 24 hours
- Cooking : 50 minutes
- Serving : 6-8
Nutrition
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This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the Spoonacular Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.
Alternative Method: Slow Cooker Eggnog Toast Casserole
To prepare the Slow Cooker Eggnog Toast Casserole, start by greasing the inside of the slow cooker to prevent sticking. Layer half of the cubed French bread at the bottom, optionally adding raisins or dried cranberries. Repeat the bread layer and, if desired, sprinkle the remaining half of raisins or cranberries. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, eggnog, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground nutmeg, and ground cinnamon. Slowly pour the eggnog mixture evenly over the bread cubes in the slow cooker, ensuring all cubes are soaked. Melt unsalted butter and drizzle it over the top. Cover the slow cooker, set it to low heat, and let the casserole cook for approximately 3 to 4 hours, checking for doneness with a toothpick or knife in the center. Once it comes out clean with a firm, custard-like texture, the casserole is ready. Serve it warm directly from the slow cooker or transfer it to a serving platter. Optional toppings like powdered sugar, maple syrup, or whipped cream can enhance the flavor. Gather your loved ones and enjoy the delightful flavors of this slow cooker Eggnog Toast Casserole, perfect for a cozy holiday breakfast or brunch.
Tips for making Eggnog Toast Casserole
Cooking Tips
One charming tip for enhancing the dish is to select a hearty bread, such as brioche or challah. These varieties have a sturdy yet tender crumb that soaks up the eggnog mixture exquisitely without falling apart. As you cut the bread, relish its plush texture – there’s something utterly soothing about its springiness beneath your fingers.
Another soulful piece of advice involves the infusion of spices. Nutmeg and cinnamon are classic choices that resonate with the eggnog’s own character, but adding a whisper of cardamom or a pinch of clove can introduce a subtle twist, stirring intrigue in the senses. When sprinkling these spices, it feels almost ceremonial, like imbuing the dish with your own personal touch of magic.
The casserole benefits greatly from a languid soak. Allowing the bread to luxuriate in the eggnog mixture overnight not only ensures each slice becomes richly saturated but also imparts a sense of patience and intention to your cooking. There’s something beautiful about letting flavors meld and deepen with time, a reminder that some things cannot be rushed.
When it comes time to bake, setting your casserole in a preheated oven transforms your preparation into a golden, custard-like wonder. The aroma that fills the kitchen is comforting, an olfactory promise of the delight to come. A moderate temperature allows the dish to cook evenly while developing a splendidly crisp top – a testament to patience rewarded.
As a final flourish before serving, a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of maple syrup can be an enchanting addition. It’s like the first snowfall blanketing the world in quiet wonder, except it’s your casserole, and the wonder is soon to be tasted.
Serving Suggestions
The Eggnog Toast Casserole, boasting a delightful holiday-spiced flavor and creamy texture, makes for an excellent main dish for a festive brunch or a special weekend breakfast. To create a well-rounded meal that celebrates the casserole’s richness while providing balance and variety, consider these serving suggestions from the provided list:
Start with a Radicchio And Parmesan Salad, featuring the bitterness of radicchio and the sharp saltiness of Parmesan cheese for a crisp contrast to the sweetness and softness of the Eggnog Toast Casserole. After indulging in the hearty and spiced casserole, introduce a savory counterpart with a satisfying crunch by serving Stir Fried Beef and Broccoli. For a cool, fruity counterpoint, offer a scoop of homemade Blueberry Ice Cream alongside or atop the casserole. Those desiring a sweet and savory flavor profile can embark on a delightful culinary journey by following the eggnog-infused dish with a plate of rich and nuanced Thai Chicken Pad Thai.
To cleanse the palate, consider Japanese Cucumber Summer Soup, with its light and refreshing qualities balancing the richness of the casserole. For an unconventional yet comforting pairing, Butter and Cheese Shio Ramen offers a creamy Asian twist. Chocolate Orange Sweet Rolls, combining citrus and chocolate flavors, make for a decadent special occasion side. Conclude the lavish meal with a slice of Low-Potassium Strawberry Pie for a light, sweet balance to the creamy and dense Eggnog Toast Casserole.
Accompany the casserole with the lightness of air-fried Mediterranean vegetables in Greek Veggie Mix for a healthy and flavorful side that contrasts its richness. If serving as part of a larger breakfast or brunch, Fluffy Greek Yogurt Pancakes can act as a neutral base to alternate with the casserole’s richness, especially when topped with fresh fruits or a drizzle of honey. Additionally, consider beverage pairings such as hot coffee or tea to cut through the richness, or a cold glass of milk or mimosa to maintain the brunch feel. These pairings are thoughtfully chosen to delight the palate with a blend of comforting familiarity and inspiring flavor combinations.
Frequently Asked Questions about Eggnog Toast Casserole
- Can I Make Eggnog Toast Casserole Ahead of Time?Absolutely! Eggnog Toast Casserole can be prepared in advance. After assembling the casserole, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate it overnight. When you’re ready to bake, simply remove it from the fridge, allow it to come to room temperature for about 20-30 minutes, and then bake as directed.
- Can I Freeze Eggnog Toast Casserole?Yes, you can freeze Eggnog Toast Casserole. After baking and cooling the casserole, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil or place it in an airtight container. Label with the date and freeze for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and warm it in the oven or microwave.
- Can I Substitute Dairy-Free or Lactose-Free Ingredients?Absolutely! You can make this casserole with dairy-free or lactose-free alternatives such as almond milk, coconut milk, or lactose-free eggnog. Additionally, use dairy-free butter or margarine to grease your baking dish.
- What’s the Best Way to Reheat Leftover Eggnog Toast Casserole?To reheat leftover casserole, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place individual servings or the entire casserole, covered with aluminum foil, in the oven. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual servings for about 1-2 minutes until hot.
- Can I Use Whole Eggs Instead of Just Egg Yolks?While the recipe calls for egg yolks for a custardy texture, you can use whole eggs if you prefer. Using whole eggs will result in a slightly different texture, but it will still be delicious. Use the same quantity of whole eggs as indicated for the yolks.
Conclusion
Eggnog Toast Casserole is a delightful culinary twist on traditional French toast, offering a sumptuous dish that combines the creamy, spiced flavors of eggnog with the heartiness of baked casserole. It merges comfort food with festive indulgence, making it a perfect choice for holiday breakfasts or brunches. As the eggnog soaks into thick slices of bread, it creates a rich, custardy texture once baked, with a golden-brown top that is both crispy and delicious.
For an additional layer of complexity and a touch of sweetness, one might drizzle the top with maple syrup or dust it with a sprinkling of powdered sugar. To add contrast, a tart berry compote or a dollop of fresh whipped cream could be served alongside. The casserole can be assembled a night before, allowing the flavors to meld together and saving time on the day of serving, a boon for busy hosts and hostesses.
As this dish is indulgent, it pairs well with lighter sides such as a fresh fruit salad, providing balance to the meal. For those who enjoy a bit of crunch, topping the casserole with a mixture of chopped nuts before baking adds a satisfying textural element.
In conclusion, the Eggnog Toast Casserole is more than just a dish; it is a celebration of seasonal tastes that beckons friends and family to the table. For more culinary inspirations and recipe ideas like this, Food And Meal (foodandmeal.com) is an excellent resource, offering a treasure trove of recipes that bring creativity and flavor to the forefront of any dining occasion. Whether you are a seasoned chef or a novice cook, there is always something new to discover and enjoy.
Hi! I’m Paula from the Philippines, the passionate blogger and skilled photographer behind Gobble the Cook. I also spearhead the media photography for Food And Meal in Vietnam.
I'm James F Anderson, a noted sous chef from London and a Le Cordon Bleu alumnus. My career began in a Michelin-starred Parisian eatery, where my blend of classic and contemporary cooking, using seasonal ingredients, earned accolades. Recognized in culinary publications and on cooking shows, I’m committed to mentoring aspiring chefs and delivering memorable dining experiences, marking me as a standout talent in the culinary world.