The Ultimate Eggnog French Toast Casserole Muffins

Elevate your holiday breakfast game with these Eggnog French Toast Casserole Muffins. Combining the warm, spiced flavors of classic eggnog with the buttery texture of a baked French toast casserole, these portable treats are the perfect solution for Christmas morning or a cozy winter brunch. By baking the casserole in a muffin tin, you achieve the ideal balance of a soft, custardy center and golden, crispy edges in every single bite. This recipe is designed to be prepared ahead of time, allowing you to spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the holiday spirit with your loved ones.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Muffin Base:

• Bread: 6–8 cups of brioche or challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (stale bread works best).

• Eggnog: 2 cups of full-fat dairy or high-quality oat eggnog.

• Eggs: 4 large eggs.

• Sugar: 1/4 cup granulated sugar or brown sugar.

• Vanilla: 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract.

• Spices: 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon and 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg.

• Salt: A pinch of sea salt to balance the sweetness.

For the Streusel Topping:

• Flour: 1/2 cup all-purpose flour.

• Brown Sugar: 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar.

• Butter: 4 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cubed.

• Cinnamon: 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon.

For the Glaze (Optional):

• Powdered Sugar: 1 cup.

• Eggnog or Milk: 1–2 tablespoons.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Bread: If your bread is fresh, toast the cubes in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10–12 minutes until slightly dried out. This ensures the muffins don’t become soggy.

2. Mix the Custard: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggnog, eggs, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth.

3. Soak: Add the bread cubes to the custard mixture. Toss gently to ensure every piece is coated. Let the mixture sit for at least 20 minutes (or refrigerate overnight) to allow the bread to absorb the liquid.

4. Make the Streusel: In a small bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Use a fork or your fingers to work the cold butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.

5. Assemble: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously grease a 12-cup muffin tin. Spoon the soaked bread mixture into the cups, pressing down slightly to pack them. Sprinkle the streusel topping generously over each muffin.

6. Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the custard is set.

7. Finish and Serve: Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for 5 minutes before removing. Whisk the glaze ingredients together and drizzle over the warm muffins before serving.

The Secret to Perfect Texture and Flavor

The foundation of a great French toast muffin lies in the choice of bread. While standard white bread can become mushy, enriched breads like brioche, challah, or even a thick-cut Texas toast provide a sturdy structure that holds up against the heavy moisture of eggnog. Because eggnog is naturally thick and sweet, it acts as a shortcut to a rich custard, infused with the traditional holiday notes of nutmeg and vanilla.

To achieve the “casserole” feel in a muffin format, the soaking process is non-negotiable. Allowing the bread to hydrate ensures that the interior remains moist and bread-pudding-like. If you prefer a bit of crunch, the streusel topping is essential. The contrast between the sugary, buttery crumble on top and the soft interior creates a multi-dimensional eating experience that rivals any bakery-style pastry.

Make-Ahead Tips for Stress-Free Mornings

One of the greatest advantages of this recipe is its versatility for meal prep. Holiday mornings are often hectic, and these muffins are designed to alleviate that pressure. You can fully assemble the muffin tins with the soaked bread the night before. Simply cover the tin with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. In the morning, add the streusel topping just before sliding them into the oven.

If you have leftovers, these muffins store exceptionally well. Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place them in a toaster oven or air fryer for a few minutes to regain that signature crispiness on the edges. They can also be frozen for up to a month—just thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Creative Variations and Serving Suggestions

While this recipe is a classic, there are several ways to customize it to suit your palate. For an added texture boost, consider folding in half a cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the bread mixture. If you enjoy a fruity twist, dried cranberries or fresh orange zest can brighten the deep, spiced notes of the eggnog. For those who want an even more decadent dessert-like breakfast, a handful of white chocolate chips folded into the batter pairs beautifully with the nutmeg.

When it’s time to serve, these muffins stand beautifully on their own, but they also pair well with a side of crispy bacon or fresh berries to balance the sweetness. For a final touch of indulgence, serve them with a small pitcher of warm maple syrup or a dollop of spiced whipped cream. Whether you’re hosting a large crowd or looking for a special treat for two, these Eggnog French Toast Casserole Muffins bring the warmth and joy of the season to your breakfast table in every bite.