Chef Mitchell preparing Eggnog Breakfast Casserole
👨‍🍳 Expert Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

🎓 10+ Years Experience ⏰ 1000+ Recipes Created 🍽️ Culinary School Graduate

❤️ My Recipe Story

"I stumbled upon the idea of an Eggnog Breakfast Casserole while experimenting with holiday flavors for a family gathering. After several trials, perfecting the balance of spices and richness turned this dish into a family favorite. Each bite evokes warmth and nostalgia, making it the perfect centerpiece for our festive breakfasts. I’m excited to share this recipe that brings joy to our holiday tradition."

With over a decade of experience in the culinary world, I specialize in American cuisine and breakfast recipes. My passion for cooking began in my grandmother's kitchen, where I learned the importance of family meals. I strive to create dishes that are both comforting and delicious, perfect for any occasion.

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
Delicious Eggnog Breakfast Casserole served on a plate

Why This Eggnog Breakfast Casserole Recipe Works

This Eggnog Breakfast Casserole stands out due to its unique combination of traditional breakfast ingredients with the festive flavors of eggnog. The creamy eggnog base ensures a rich custard-like texture, while the spices add warmth and depth. It's an easy one-pan dish that simplifies holiday mornings, allowing you to enjoy more time with loved ones.

The technique of letting the bread soak in the egg mixture ensures every bite is flavorful and moist. By incorporating bacon and cheese, this casserole becomes hearty and satisfying, making it perfect for a holiday brunch. Plus, it’s fully customizable - add your favorite ingredients or adjust the spices to suit your taste.

💡 Professional Tip

For the best results, use stale bread as it absorbs the egg mixture better without becoming mushy. If you don’t have stale bread, you can cube fresh bread and toast it lightly in the oven before adding it to the casserole. This will enhance the texture and flavor of the dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can make this casserole ahead of time! Prepare it the night before, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. In the morning, simply bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if needed.

If you don't have eggnog, you can substitute it with a mixture of milk and heavy cream combined with a bit of sugar, vanilla extract, and spices like nutmeg and cinnamon. This will mimic the flavors of eggnog quite well.

The casserole is done when the edges are golden brown, and the center is set. You can insert a knife in the center; if it comes out clean, it is ready to serve. A slightly jiggly center is fine as it will firm up as it cools.

Yes, you can freeze the casserole. After baking, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

This casserole pairs beautifully with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or a drizzle of maple syrup. For a complete brunch, consider serving it alongside crispy bacon or sausage links and a warm beverage like coffee or hot chocolate.

When stored properly in an airtight container, leftover Eggnog Breakfast Casserole can last in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven before serving.

Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole in advance and refrigerate it overnight. This not only saves time in the morning but also allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

The best way to reheat the casserole is to place individual portions in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Too Dry

Problem: If the casserole turns out too dry, it could be due to overbaking or not enough liquid in the egg mixture.

Solution: To prevent dryness, ensure you follow the baking time closely and check for doneness a few minutes before the recommended time. If it seems dry, you can serve it with a drizzle of warm syrup or cream.

✅

Not Crispy Enough

Problem: If the casserole isn’t crispy on top, it may need more time under the broiler or to have more cheese added for a golden crust.

Solution: To achieve a crispy top, broil the casserole for a few minutes at the end of baking, watching closely to prevent burning. A sprinkle of breadcrumbs can also enhance the texture.

✅

Overcooked

Problem: An overcooked casserole can become rubbery and dry.

Prevention: To avoid this, always monitor the baking time closely and check the casserole a few minutes before the timer goes off. If it does overcook, try serving it with a creamy sauce to add moisture.

✅

Undercooked Center

Problem: An undercooked center may occur if the casserole is not baked long enough or if the oven temperature is incorrect.

Recovery: If you find the center is undercooked, return it to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes. Use a knife to check again for doneness.

✅

Burnt Exterior

Problem: A burnt exterior can happen if the casserole is baked too long or at too high of a temperature.

Prevention: To prevent a burnt top, cover the casserole with aluminum foil during the first part of baking. Remove the foil for the last 15 minutes to allow browning without burning.

✅

Flavor Balance

Too Sweet: If the casserole is too sweet, you can balance it with a sprinkle of salt or serve alongside savory sides.

Too Salty: If it is too salty, try serving it with a dollop of unsweetened yogurt or sour cream to counteract the saltiness.

Bland: For a bland casserole, consider adding more spices or serving with a flavorful sauce or salsa for added zest.

Fresh ingredients for Eggnog Breakfast Casserole

Essential Ingredients for Eggnog Breakfast Casserole

The key ingredients for this casserole include cubed bread, eggs, and of course, eggnog. These staples create a custard-like base that is both rich and satisfying. Adding ingredients like cheese, bacon, and spices enhances the overall flavor, making each bite delightful.

Quality ingredients are essential for the best results. Use fresh eggs and high-quality eggnog for a creamy texture. The bread can be a mix of white and whole grain for added flavor and nutrition, and fresh herbs can elevate the dish further.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • Eggnog: Choose a good-quality eggnog for the best flavor. If possible, use homemade eggnog for a richer taste. Look for eggnog that has a balance of spices and sweetness to complement the dish.
  • Bread: Using stale bread is ideal as it absorbs the egg mixture better. However, if you only have fresh bread, consider lightly toasting it before adding it to the casserole to achieve the desired texture.
  • Cheese: Opt for sharp cheddar cheese for a robust flavor that pairs well with the sweet notes of eggnog. You can also experiment with other cheeses like Gruyère or Monterey Jack for different flavor profiles.
Cooking process for Eggnog Breakfast Casserole

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

The cooking process for this Eggnog Breakfast Casserole is straightforward and perfect for holiday mornings. Begin by preparing your ingredients and soaking the bread in the egg mixture, allowing flavors to meld. This method ensures that every piece of bread is infused with the rich custard mixture.

By baking at a steady temperature, you achieve a beautifully set center while the top becomes golden and slightly crispy. Letting it rest post-baking is crucial, as it allows the casserole to firm up and makes it easier to slice.

Key Technique for Perfect Eggnog Breakfast Casserole

The most important technique in creating a perfect Eggnog Breakfast Casserole is allowing the bread to soak in the egg mixture for a significant period. This soaking time enables the bread to absorb the custard, leading to a creamy texture throughout the dish. Additionally, ensuring an even baking temperature helps achieve that golden, slightly crispy top layer while keeping the inside moist and fluffy.

Eggnog Breakfast Casserole

Prep 15 min
Cook 45 min
Serves 6 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter
    Room temperature
  • 1 cup heavy cream
    For richness
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
    For sweetness
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    For flavor
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
    For spice

For the Sauce

  • 1 loaf of bread, cubed
    Stale or toasted
  • 6 large eggs
    Room temperature
  • 2 cups eggnog
    Rich and creamy
  • 1 cup milk
    For creaminess
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
    For flavor
  • 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
    Savory addition
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
    For flavor
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
    For warmth
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
    For added sweetness
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
    Natural sweetness

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Bread

    Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter. Spread the cubed bread evenly in the dish.

  2. Mix Egg Mixture

    In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, eggnog, milk, nutmeg, cinnamon, vanilla extract, maple syrup, salt, and pepper until well combined.

  3. Combine Ingredients

    Pour the egg mixture over the bread cubes, ensuring all pieces are soaked. Add crumbled bacon and half of the cheese, gently mixing to combine.

  4. Let it Rest

    Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and let it sit for at least 30 minutes to allow the bread to absorb the egg mixture.

  5. Bake the Casserole

    Uncover the dish and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes or until the casserole is set and golden brown.

  6. Cool and Serve

    Remove from the oven and let cool for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley and additional bacon if desired.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage Tips

To store leftover Eggnog Breakfast Casserole, place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this casserole warm, garnished with fresh parsley and additional crumbled bacon. For extra flavor, offer a drizzle of maple syrup or a scoop of whipped cream on the side.

Recipe Variations

Feel free to customize this casserole with different ingredients! You can add sautéed vegetables, such as bell peppers or spinach, or use different cheeses like feta or mozzarella for a unique twist.