Eggnog French Toast Bake

There’s something magical about the combination of rich, creamy eggnog and the cozy, comforting texture of French toast. This Eggnog French Toast Bake is the perfect holiday breakfast or brunch treat that feels indulgent yet is incredibly easy to prepare. Imagine waking up to the sweet aroma of cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla mingling with soft, custardy bread baked to golden perfection. Whether you’re serving family, friends, or simply treating yourself, this recipe will quickly become a seasonal favorite. Plus, it’s made with ingredients that everyone can enjoy, making it a warm, welcoming dish for any gathering.

Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try

This Eggnog French Toast Bake is a game-changer for holiday mornings or any special occasion when you want an impressive, hands-off dish. Unlike traditional French toast that you cook on the stove in batches, this bake lets you assemble everything the night before, refrigerate it, and pop it into the oven in the morning. The result? Custardy, soft bread with a slightly crisp top layer that’s bursting with festive flavors.

The use of eggnog in the custard mixture adds a rich, creamy texture and a hint of holiday spice that elevates the dish beyond regular French toast. It’s also customizable, so you can add your favorite toppings like fresh fruit, nuts, or a drizzle of pure maple syrup. Plus, it’s made with simple ingredients you likely already have on hand.

If you want a no-fuss, crowd-pleasing breakfast that feels like a celebration, this Eggnog French Toast Bake is exactly what you need.

Ingredients

• 8 cups of cubed bread (day-old challah, brioche, or any soft white bread)
• 4 large eggs
• 2 cups eggnog (use a dairy-free eggnog alternative if preferred)
• 1/2 cup whole milk (or any plant-based milk)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Pinch of salt
• Butter or non-stick spray for greasing the baking dish
• Optional toppings: powdered sugar, maple syrup, fresh berries, chopped nuts

How To Make Eggnog French Toast Bake

Step 1: Prepare the Bread

Start by cutting your bread into roughly 1-inch cubes. Using day-old or slightly stale bread is best because it absorbs the custard mixture without becoming too mushy. If you don’t have day-old bread, you can toast fresh bread cubes lightly in the oven for 10 minutes at 300°F (150°C) to dry them out a bit.

Step 2: Make the Custard Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, eggnog, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined. The eggnog adds that signature creamy, spiced flavor, turning this bake into a festive delight.

Step 3: Assemble the Bake

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. Add the bread cubes to the dish and pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread. Press the bread gently down with a spatula or your hands to ensure all the cubes soak up the custard.

Step 4: Let It Soak

Cover the dish with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate it for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. This soaking time allows the bread to absorb all the flavors and custard, resulting in a perfectly tender bake.

Step 5: Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the plastic wrap and bake the French toast bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean.

Step 6: Serve

Let the bake cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm with your favorite toppings such as a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of pure maple syrup, fresh berries, or chopped nuts for added texture and flavor.

Expert Tips

• Use sturdy bread like challah or brioche for the best texture and flavor.
• Day-old bread works wonders for soaking up the custard without becoming too soggy.
• Don’t skip the overnight soak if you have time — it makes a huge difference in taste and texture.
• Feel free to add a handful of raisins or dried cranberries to the bread before soaking for extra bursts of sweetness.
• Use fresh nutmeg if possible — it has a more vibrant flavor than pre-ground nutmeg.
• Make sure to grease your baking dish well to prevent sticking and make serving easier.
• Adjust the sugar amount depending on your preferred sweetness level or the sweetness of your eggnog.

Variations and Customizations

• Chocolate Chip Eggnog French Toast Bake: Sprinkle chocolate chips over the bread cubes before pouring the custard for a sweet surprise.
• Berry Blast: Add fresh or frozen berries like blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries into the bake for a fruity twist.
• Nutty Delight: Top the bake with chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds before baking for a crunchy texture.
• Dairy-Free Version: Use almond, soy, or oat milk-based eggnog and milk alternatives to keep this recipe dairy-free.
• Spiced Up: Add a pinch of ground cloves or ginger for a deeper spice flavor perfect for the holidays.
• Savory Version: Swap the cinnamon and nutmeg for herbs like thyme and rosemary, reduce sugar, and add cheese and cooked bacon or sausage for a savory breakfast bake.

How to Store Leftovers

Leftover Eggnog French Toast Bake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions for 30-60 seconds or warm slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through and slightly crisp on top. If you want to freeze leftovers, wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as described.

FAQ

Can I use gluten-free bread for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to use a sturdy gluten-free bread that can absorb the custard without falling apart. Letting it dry out a bit before assembling will help too.

Is it okay to use store-bought eggnog?

Yes, store-bought eggnog works perfectly for this recipe. Just check the ingredients to ensure it meets your dietary preferences. You can also make your own homemade eggnog if you prefer.

Can I prepare this bake on the same day I want to serve it?

While it’s best to let the bake soak overnight for maximum flavor and custard absorption, you can prepare it a few hours ahead if you’re short on time. Just keep in mind the texture might be slightly less custardy.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

To make a vegan version, substitute eggs with a flaxseed or chia seed egg replacement, use plant-based eggnog and milk alternatives, and ensure your bread is vegan-friendly. The texture will be a bit different but still delicious.

Conclusion

Eggnog French Toast Bake is the perfect blend of festive flavors and comforting textures, making it an ideal breakfast or brunch centerpiece for any holiday or special occasion. Its ease of preparation, combined with the ability to make it ahead of time, means you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the company of loved ones. Whether you keep it classic or try one of the many variations, this recipe is sure to bring warmth and joy to your table. So grab your bread and eggnog, and get ready to make a deliciously memorable meal that everyone will love!