Gluten-Free Eggnog French Toast Casserole – A Festive Make-Ahead Breakfast for Cozy Mornings
There’s a special magic to Christmas morning, isn’t there? As a child, waking up to the aroma of a delicious holiday breakfast was just as exciting as opening presents. The anticipation, the joy, and the shared moments around the table created memories that still warm my heart. Back then, I never really considered the effort behind that magical spread – the celebratory meal simply *appeared*.
Now, as a mom, I have a profound appreciation for the time and planning involved in creating a truly memorable holiday breakfast. While I love putting together a festive meal, I also want to be present, enjoying the laughter and chaos of Christmas morning with my family, rather than spending all my time in the kitchen.
That’s precisely why I transitioned to make-ahead holiday breakfasts a few years ago. This approach allows me to prepare and mix most components the night before, leaving just a quick bake or a few finishing touches for the morning. It’s a game-changer, ensuring I can savor every precious moment. Our menu might shift slightly each year, but the core principle remains: special, yet stress-free.
This Gluten-Free Eggnog French Toast Casserole perfectly embodies that spirit. It’s an absolute dream for holiday mornings or any leisurely weekend. Bursting with the warm, comforting flavors of the season, incredibly easy to prepare, and wonderfully adaptable for making in advance, it frees you up to enjoy time with loved ones instead of being tied to the stove. This dish isn’t just a meal; it’s an invitation to slow down and create cherished memories.
What makes it even better is its simplicity. You don’t need a culinary degree to create this impressive eggnog baked French toast. Let’s dive into what you’ll need to get started on this fantastic gluten-free French toast bake.
Gluten-Free Eggnog French Toast Casserole, At A Glance:
- Key Ingredients for Gluten-Free Eggnog French Toast Casserole
- Step-by-Step Guide to Making Eggnog French Toast Casserole
- Delicious Toppings for Your Eggnog Baked French Toast
- Complementary Side Dishes for This Gluten-Free Eggnog French Toast Bake
- FAQ, Expert Tips, and Tricks for the Best Eggnog French Toast Casserole
- Essential Tools & Ingredients for This Yummy Breakfast Casserole
- Recipe: Gluten-Free Eggnog French Toast Casserole
Key Ingredients for Gluten-Free Eggnog French Toast Casserole:
Creating this festive gluten-free eggnog French toast bake is surprisingly straightforward, especially when you have the right ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in delivering that quintessential holiday flavor and comforting texture:
- Gluten-Free Bread. The foundation of our casserole! The beauty of this recipe is its versatility with gluten-free bread. We’ve had excellent results with various brands, including Canyon Bakehouse (as featured in our photos and video), Schar, Trader Joe’s, and Three Bakers. The key is to choose a bread that can hold up to soaking without becoming too mushy.
- Your Favorite Eggnog (Regular or Dairy-Free!). Eggnog is the star here, infusing the casserole with its signature creamy texture and festive spice blend. For consistent results in terms of thickness and sweetness, we highly recommend using good-quality store-bought eggnog. If you’re opting for a dairy-free version, popular choices like Almond Breeze almond milk eggnog or SoDelicious coconut milk eggnog work wonderfully, offering great flavor without an overwhelming aftertaste.
- Eggs. Eggs are essential for binding the bread cubes together and creating that delightful puffed, custardy texture characteristic of French toast. We use just the right amount to ensure the casserole sets beautifully without imparting an “eggy” flavor, allowing the rich eggnog notes to shine through.
- Vanilla Extract. A generous splash of vanilla extract elevates the overall sweetness and complexity of the eggnog custard. Its warm, aromatic profile beautifully complements the holiday spices, creating a truly inviting flavor.
- Nutmeg. To amplify the classic eggnog flavor, we add extra nutmeg to our custard. This warm spice is synonymous with eggnog and provides a cozy depth that’s simply irresistible in every bite.
- Cinnamon. A touch of cinnamon adds another layer of warmth and complexity. It harmonizes perfectly with the nutmeg and vanilla, creating a balanced and comforting spice blend that defines this festive baked French toast.
- Salt. Often overlooked in sweet dishes, a pinch of salt is vital. It doesn’t make the casserole salty but rather balances and enhances all the other flavors, making them more vibrant and pronounced. Don’t skip this small but mighty ingredient!
- Our Pecan Streusel (Optional, but Highly Recommended!). If you truly want to elevate this Christmas breakfast casserole (and why not, it’s the holidays!), our brown sugar pecan streusel topping is an absolute must-try. It bakes into a gorgeous golden-brown crust, adding a subtle crunch and nutty richness that contrasts beautifully with the soft, custardy French toast beneath. It’s an extra step that pays off in big flavor and texture.
PRO TIP!
For the best Gluten-Free French Toast Casserole, slightly stale or dry bread is your secret weapon! Using bread that’s a day or two old, or intentionally dried, helps it absorb the eggnog custard without becoming soggy. This ensures a beautifully custardy interior and a perfectly baked texture. To achieve this, you can set your diced bread cubes out on your counter up to a full day in advance to air dry. Alternatively, for a quicker method, spread the diced bread cubes on a baking sheet and bake them in a 200°F (93°C) oven for 20-30 minutes until lightly toasted and dry. Allow them to cool completely before incorporating them into your casserole.
How To Make Gluten-Free Eggnog French Toast Casserole, Step By Step:
Making this incredible gluten-free eggnog French toast casserole is an enjoyable and straightforward process. Follow these simple steps for a perfect holiday breakfast:
- Preparation & Preheating: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats, lightly grease or butter a 9×13-inch (3-quart) baking dish. This ensures your casserole won’t stick and will release easily for serving.
- Dice Your Bread: If you haven’t already prepared your bread (remember our pro tip about stale bread!), cut your chosen gluten-free bread into 1-inch cubes. Uniform cubes ensure even absorption of the custard and consistent texture throughout the casserole. Transfer the diced bread to your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Mix Your Eggnog Custard: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the eggnog (dairy-free or regular), eggs, vanilla extract, nutmeg, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Whisk the mixture vigorously until all ingredients are well combined and there are no large pieces of egg visible. For an exceptionally smooth custard, you can even use an immersion blender.
- Coat The Bread Evenly: Pour the luscious eggnog custard mixture over the bread cubes in the baking dish. Do your best to distribute the liquid evenly. Gently pat down the bread with a spatula or your hands to ensure every cube is thoroughly saturated with the custard. This is crucial for a moist and flavorful baked French toast.
- Prepare The Optional Streusel Topping: If you’re opting for the decadent streusel topping, now’s the time to make it. In a small mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, chopped pecans, gluten-free measure-for-measure flour, melted butter, and cinnamon. Mix with a fork until clusters begin to form and there are no dry spots left in the mixture.
- Sprinkle The Streusel: Using your fingers, break up the streusel mixture slightly and sprinkle it evenly over the French toast casserole. Don’t worry if it feels a little wet; that’s normal. Just spread it as uniformly as possible over the entire surface.
- Time To Bake (Or Chill!): Place the baking dish into your preheated oven. Bake the eggnog French toast casserole for 35-40 minutes, or until it’s beautifully puffed, golden brown on top, and cooked through. Alternatively, if you’re making this as a make-ahead holiday breakfast, cover the dish with foil and refrigerate it overnight to bake fresh in the morning!
- Dust, Drizzle & Dive In!: Once baked, let the casserole cool slightly before cutting it into squares. Serve warm with your favorite accompaniments, such as a delicate dusting of powdered sugar, a generous drizzle of pure maple syrup, a dollop of whipped cream, or a scattering of fresh fruit. Enjoy your festive gluten-free French toast bake!
To Prepare Your French Toast Casserole The Night Before:
- For the ultimate stress-free holiday morning, you can assemble the entire casserole, including the streusel topping, the night before. Simply mix everything up, cover the baking dish securely with foil, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, here’s a crucial tip: place the covered casserole dish directly into a COLD oven. Then, set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and begin baking as it preheats. This gradual warming technique prevents temperature shock, which can be particularly important for glass baking dishes to avoid warping or breaking. You’ll still only need 35-40 minutes of baking time from when the oven reaches temperature, ensuring a perfectly warm and delicious breakfast for your family.
Delicious Toppings To Try With Gluten-Free Eggnog French Toast Casserole:
While the brown sugar and pecan streusel topping adds a fantastic layer of flavor and texture to this eggnog baked French toast, a few extra garnishes can make your holiday breakfast feel even more special and personalized:
- Powdered Sugar. A simple yet elegant touch! A light dusting of powdered sugar, sifted over the warm casserole just before serving, provides a beautiful, snowy finish that instantly elevates the presentation. It’s amazing how a tablespoon can make such a visual impact.
- Pure Maple Syrup. A timeless classic that perfectly complements French toast. A warm drizzle of high-quality pure maple syrup adds natural sweetness and a sticky glaze that’s always a crowd-pleaser. I often have a small pitcher ready for guests to serve themselves.
- Whipped Cream or Whipped Coconut Cream. For an indulgent flourish, add a generous dollop of fluffy whipped cream (or dairy-free whipped coconut cream) to each serving. A tiny sprinkle of extra nutmeg or cinnamon on top makes it even more festive and appealing.
- Fresh Berries. Brighten up the rich flavors with a burst of fresh berries! Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, or a mix of all three add a lovely tartness, vibrant color, and a refreshing lightness that contrasts beautifully with the cozy French toast casserole.
- Sliced Bananas. Bananas and warm spices are a match made in heaven! Thinly sliced bananas add natural sweetness and a creamy texture that pairs wonderfully with the eggnog and cinnamon notes in the casserole.
- Toasted Pecans or Almonds. If you’re a fan of extra crunch, a sprinkle of additional toasted pecans or slivered almonds provides a satisfying textural element. Toasting them briefly in a dry pan enhances their nutty flavor.
Make It A Meal! What To Serve With Eggnog Baked French Toast:
While this Gluten-Free Eggnog French Toast Casserole is a substantial and satisfying dish on its own, pairing it with a few complementary sides can turn it into a truly grand holiday brunch. Here are some ideas to complete your festive spread:
- Crispy Bacon or Sausage. A savory element is always a welcome contrast to the sweetness of French toast. Crispy strips of oven-baked bacon (our preferred method for easy cleanup!) or browned breakfast sausage links offer a salty, rich counterpoint that perfectly balances the meal.
- Savory Potato & Egg Breakfast Bake. If you’re hosting a larger gathering and love the convenience of make-ahead dishes, consider serving this potato and egg bake. It can often be prepared and even baked alongside your eggnog French toast casserole, maximizing oven efficiency and minimizing morning stress.
- Creamy Scrambled Eggs. For a simple yet satisfying protein, a side of perfectly creamy scrambled eggs is always a good choice. You can also offer hard-boiled, poached, or fried eggs for guests who prefer different preparations.
- Fresh Winter Fruit Salad. A vibrant winter fruit salad is a fantastic option for a holiday brunch. The bright, refreshing flavors of seasonal citrus, pomegranates, and kiwis, often tossed in a light, zesty dressing, offer a refreshing palate cleanser that ties the entire meal together beautifully.
FAQ + Tips And Tricks For The Best Eggnog French Toast Casserole:
Unlock the secrets to the ultimate gluten-free eggnog French toast casserole with these frequently asked questions and expert tips:
Can I Make This Eggnog French Toast Casserole Dairy-Free? Absolutely, and it’s something we often do ourselves! Simply swap regular eggnog for your favorite dairy-free alternative. After extensive taste tests, we’ve found that Almond Breeze almond milk eggnog and SoDelicious coconut milk eggnog offer the best flavor and a wonderfully creamy texture without any unpleasant aftertaste. If you’re using the pecan streusel topping, remember to substitute dairy-free butter to keep the entire dish compliant with your dietary needs.
How To Make French Toast Casserole That Isn’t Eggy. Nobody likes an “eggy” French toast! Our recipe is specifically designed to avoid this common issue. We use a carefully balanced ratio of eggs to eggnog, ensuring just enough egg to bind the bread and create a light, fluffy texture without overpowering the delicate flavors. The generous amounts of vanilla, nutmeg, and cinnamon in the custard also work wonders to mask any potential eggy notes, letting the warm, festive spices truly shine.
Make-Ahead Tips. This gluten-free eggnog French toast casserole is a superstar when it comes to make-ahead convenience, making it ideal for busy holidays or relaxed weekends. To prepare it the night before, assemble the entire casserole, including the streusel topping, in your baking dish. Cover it tightly with foil and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, transfer the covered dish directly from the fridge to a COLD oven. Then, set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and allow the casserole to warm up gradually as the oven preheats. This prevents thermal shock, which can be critical for the longevity of glass bakeware. You’ll find it still bakes beautifully in about 35-40 minutes once the oven reaches temperature.
Can I Skip The Pecans? Of course! If you have a nut allergy in your family or simply prefer your French toast without nuts, feel free to omit the pecans from the streusel topping entirely. The brown sugar and cinnamon streusel alone is still incredibly delicious. Alternatively, if some guests enjoy nuts and others don’t, you can toast some pecans separately and offer them as a side topping, allowing everyone to customize their serving.
What Kind Of Gluten-Free Bread Works Best For French Toast Casserole? The best gluten-free bread for this casserole is typically a sturdy, slightly drier loaf. This allows it to absorb the eggnog custard without falling apart or becoming overly soggy. Our go-to is Canyon Bakehouse Mountain White bread, but we’ve also achieved fantastic results with brands like Schar, Trader Joe’s gluten-free bread, and Three Bakers gluten-free bread. Experiment with your favorite brand to find what works best for you!
Our Favorite Tools & Ingredients For This Recipe:
- A Beautiful White Casserole Dish – This elegant 9×13-inch ceramic baking dish is incredibly versatile, perfect for everything from casseroles to roasts. It’s not only functional but also looks lovely for serving and cleans up effortlessly.
- Inexpensive Sharp Knife – A reliable set of small, sharp knives is invaluable in any kitchen. We appreciate these for their versatility and affordability, making dicing bread or chopping pecans a breeze.
- Immersion Blender – While not strictly essential, an immersion blender makes whisking the eggnog custard incredibly smooth and lump-free with minimal effort and cleanup. It’s a handy tool for achieving perfectly blended mixtures quickly.
WE ♥
Print Recipe
Gluten-Free Eggnog French Toast Casserole
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- Author: Sweets And Thank You
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 generous servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This eggnog baked french toast is a delightful make-ahead holiday breakfast. We love the warm spices & how easy it is to make!
Ingredients
For The Eggnog French Toast Casserole:
- 1 loaf (15-18oz.) gluten-free bread, cut into 1-inch cubes*
- 1 3/4 cup eggnog (regular or dairy-free)
- 5 eggs
- 1 Tbsp. vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp. nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp. cinnamon
- 1/8 tsp. salt
For The (Optional) Brown Sugar Pecan Streusel:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/3 cup gluten-free measure-for-measure flour
- 6 Tbsp. butter, melted
- 1/4 tsp. cinnamon
To Serve:
- Pure maple syrup, powdered sugar, sliced bananas, fresh berries, toasted pecans or almonds, etc.
Instructions
To Make Gluten-Free Eggnog French Toast Casserole:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175°C). Lightly grease or butter a 9×13″ (3 quart) baking dish.
- If you haven’t already, dice the bread into 1″ cubes. Transfer to the prepared baking dish.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine eggnog, eggs, vanilla, nutmeg, cinnamon, and salt. Whisk until well combined and no big pieces of egg remain. (An immersion blender can be used for a totally smooth mixture.)
- Pour the eggnog custard mixture over the bread cubes in the baking dish, ensuring even coating. Gently pat down the mixture to coat any missed bread cubes.
- If making the streusel topping, prepare that now. In a small mixing bowl, combine brown sugar, pecans, flour, melted butter, and cinnamon. Mix with a fork until clusters form and no dry spots remain.
- Use your fingers to break up the streusel mixture a bit and sprinkle it evenly over the French toast casserole. (The streusel will be fairly wet, but distribute it as evenly as possible.)
- Bake the eggnog French toast casserole at 350 degrees F (175°C) for 35-40 minutes, or until it’s puffed and golden brown.
- Cut into squares and serve with your favorite toppings!
*IF MAKING THIS THE NIGHT BEFORE:
- Mix everything up and assemble (including adding the streusel topping). Cover the baking dish with foil and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, place the casserole dish in a COLD oven, and bake at 350 degrees F (175°C) for 35-40 minutes, as directed. Putting the dish in the cold oven (instead of a preheated oven) allows the pan to warm up gradually, which helps avoid temperature shocks and potential warping or breaking of your baking dish. (This is less of a concern with ceramic and metal pans, but is especially important for glass!)
Notes
*Dry or slightly stale bread works best for this recipe! Feel free to save your ends from several loaves of bread until you have enough slices, or you can set the bread out to dry a few hours in advance. Alternatively, you can dice the bread into cubes and bake in a 200 degree F (93°C) oven for 20-30 minutes, then allow the bread to cool completely before using it in this recipe.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Oven
- Cuisine: American