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Gluten-Free Eggnog French Toast Casserole Recipe for Holidays

Gluten-Free Eggnog French Toast Casserole – A cozy, make-ahead holiday breakfast that’s full of warm spices and simple to prepare.

Front view of gluten-free eggnog french toast casserole topped with powdered sugar and maple syrup

When I was a child, Christmas morning always felt extra special because of the breakfast we shared after opening gifts. As a parent now, I appreciate how helpful make-ahead dishes can be so I can enjoy the celebration instead of spending the whole morning in the kitchen.

That’s why I love this Gluten-Free Eggnog French Toast Casserole. It’s packed with classic holiday flavors, simple to assemble, and can be prepped the night before. The result is a tender, custardy bake you can top with maple syrup, powdered sugar, or fresh fruit for an impressive holiday breakfast with minimal morning effort.

It’s also easy to make. Here’s what you need and how to make it.

Eggnog Baked French Toast, At A Glance:

  • Ingredients For Gluten-Free Eggnog French Toast Casserole
  • How To Make Eggnog French Toast Casserole, Step By Step
  • Toppings To Try
  • What To Serve With It
  • FAQ & Tips
  • Recommended Tools & Ingredients
  • Recipe Card
Ingredients for gluten-free eggnog french toast casserole

Here’s What You Need:

  • Gluten-free bread: Use your favorite brand. Slightly stale or dried bread works best to absorb the custard without becoming soggy.
  • Eggnog (regular or dairy-free): Store-bought eggnog gives consistent texture and sweetness.
  • Eggs: Just enough to bind the custard and help the bake puff without tasting overly “eggy.”
  • Vanilla extract: Enhances the sweetness of the eggnog and rounds out the flavor.
  • Nutmeg and cinnamon: Warm spices that echo the eggnog and make the casserole feel festive.
  • Salt: Balances and brightens the flavors.
  • Optional pecan streusel: Brown sugar, pecans, flour, melted butter, and cinnamon combine to give a crunchy, caramelized topping that bakes to a golden finish.

PRO TIP!

Slightly stale or dry bread works great. You can air-dry slices for several hours or cube and bake them at 200°F for 20–30 minutes until dry, then cool before using.

Ingredients ready to be whisked for eggnog custard
Whisked eggnog custard
Pouring eggnog custard onto bread cubes
Small bowl of brown sugar pecan streusel
French toast ready to go into the oven
French toast casserole topped with pecan brown sugar streusel ready to bake

How To Make It, Step By Step:

  1. Prep and preheat: Preheat oven to 350°F and butter or grease a 9×13″ (3-quart) baking dish.
  2. Cube the bread: Cut bread into 1″ cubes and place in the prepared dish.
  3. Make the custard: Whisk together eggnog, eggs, vanilla, nutmeg, cinnamon, and salt until smooth. An immersion blender can help if you want a perfectly smooth mixture.
  4. Coat the bread: Pour the custard over the bread, pressing gently so the cubes soak evenly.
  5. Prepare the streusel (optional): Mix brown sugar, chopped pecans, gluten-free measure-for-measure flour, melted butter, and cinnamon until clumps form and no dry flour remains.
  6. Top the casserole: Break the streusel into small clusters and sprinkle over the assembled casserole.
  7. Bake: Bake at 350°F for 35–40 minutes, until puffed and golden. If refrigerating overnight, place the casserole in a COLD oven and then turn the oven on to 350°F; this prevents thermal shock to glass dishes.
  8. Serve: Cut into squares and finish with powdered sugar, maple syrup, whipped cream, or fresh fruit.

To Assemble The Night Before:

  • Assemble the casserole (including streusel), cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, put the covered dish into a COLD oven, then set the oven to 350°F and bake 35–40 minutes. Starting in a cold oven helps avoid warping glass or ceramic pans.
Plate of fresh strawberries, blueberries, and sliced bananas
Small glass pitcher of pure maple syrup

Toppings To Try:

The streusel adds a lot, but these finishing touches are lovely and simple:

  • Powdered sugar: A light dusting just before serving makes each piece look elegant.
  • Pure maple syrup: A classic pairing with baked French toast.
  • Whipped cream or coconut whipped cream: Adds richness and a festive touch—sprinkle a little nutmeg on top.
  • Fresh berries or sliced bananas: Bright fruit balances the warm spices.
  • Toasted pecans or almonds: Extra crunch for texture lovers.
Freshly baked gluten-free eggnog french toast casserole topped with streusel
Slice of gluten-free eggnog french toast casserole topped with powdered sugar and maple syrup

What To Serve With It:

  • Crispy bacon or sausage: A savory side balances the sweet casserole.
  • Egg bake or scrambled eggs: Add proteins to round out the meal.
  • Winter fruit salad: Citrus and berries brighten the plate.
Pouring maple syrup on a slice of gluten-free eggnog french toast casserole

FAQ & Tips:

Can I make this dairy-free? Yes. Use a dairy-free eggnog (almond or coconut milk–based versions work well) and dairy-free butter if making the streusel.

How do I avoid an “eggy” flavor? This recipe uses a modest number of eggs and relies on eggnog, vanilla, nutmeg, and cinnamon for flavor, so the egg taste stays subtle.

Can I skip the pecans? Yes. Omit them for a nut-free version or serve toasted nuts on the side for those who want them.

Best gluten-free breads: Use a hearty, measure-for-measure gluten-free sandwich bread or a favorite loaf that holds up when cubed and soaked.

Front view of gluten-free eggnog french toast casserole topped with powdered sugar and maple syrup

Recommended Tools & Ingredients:

  • 9×13″ casserole dish: Ceramic or metal works well; if using glass, follow the cold-oven tip when baking from refrigerated.
  • Sharp knife: For even bread cubes.
  • Immersion blender (optional): For an ultra-smooth custard.

WE ♥

Front view of gluten-free eggnog french toast casserole topped with powdered sugar and maple syrup

Gluten-Free Eggnog French Toast Casserole

  • 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 breakfast with warm spices and an easy prep.

Ingredients

For the casserole:

  • 1 loaf (15–18 oz) gluten-free bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 3/4 cups eggnog (regular or dairy-free)
  • 5 eggs
  • 1 Tbsp vanilla
  • 1/2 tsp nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/8 tsp salt

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 (use dairy-free if desired)
  • 1/4 tsp cinnamon

To serve:

  • Pure maple syrup, powdered sugar, fresh berries, sliced banana, toasted nuts, whipped cream, etc.

Instructions

To make the casserole:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×13″ baking dish.
  2. Cube the bread into 1″ pieces and place in the dish.
  3. Whisk together eggnog, eggs, vanilla, nutmeg, cinnamon, and salt until smooth.
  4. Pour the custard over the bread, pressing gently so the cubes soak evenly.
  5. For the streusel, mix brown sugar, pecans, flour, melted butter, and cinnamon until clumps form.
  6. Sprinkle streusel over the assembled casserole.
  7. Bake 35–40 minutes at 350°F, until puffed and golden.
  8. Cut into squares and serve with desired toppings.

If making the night before:

  • Assemble the casserole, cover with foil, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning place the casserole in a COLD oven, then set the oven to 350°F and bake 35–40 minutes. This prevents thermal shock to glass or ceramic dishes.

Notes

*Dry or slightly stale bread works best. To dry bread quickly, cube it and bake at 200°F for 20–30 minutes, then cool completely before using.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Oven
  • Cuisine: American

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