Eggnog French Toast Bake Recipe

Introduction

This Eggnog French Toast Bake is a cozy and festive twist on classic French toast, perfect for holiday mornings or weekend brunch. Baked with eggnog and topped with a spiced crumb, it offers a delightful combination of creamy custard and crunchy topping.

A square piece of bread pudding with three main layers is placed on a white, patterned plate. The bottom layer is soft, light golden bread soaked in custard with a slightly spongy texture. The middle layer consists of darker brown cinnamon swirls, adding a marbled look inside. The top layer is thick, crumbly brown streusel with a crunchy texture. On top sits a swirl of white whipped cream, drizzled with amber-colored syrup that also pools around the base of the pudding. The setting includes a white marbled surface underneath, a fork beside the plate, cinnamon sticks nearby, and a blurred out of focus second plate and creamy drink in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 1 large loaf (15oz-18oz) white bread (brioche or French bread work well)
  • 5 large eggs
  • 1 3/4 cups eggnog
  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons white sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/3 cup butter, melted

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Grease a 9×13 inch (3-quart) casserole dish. If you plan to bake immediately, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Step 2: Cut the bread into bite-sized squares and place them evenly in the casserole dish.
  3. Step 3: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, eggnog, nutmeg, and vanilla extract until fully combined.
  4. Step 4: Pour the egg mixture over the bread, gently stirring to ensure the bread is lightly covered.
  5. Step 5: For the crumb topping, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, white sugar, nutmeg, and cinnamon in a separate bowl.
  6. Step 6: Stir in the melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand and forms crumbles when squeezed.
  7. Step 7: Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the soaked bread in the casserole dish.
  8. Step 8: If baking immediately, place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 32-37 minutes, until the top is golden brown.
  9. Step 9: For make-ahead, cover the dish with aluminum foil and refrigerate overnight. When ready to bake, remove from fridge and bake uncovered at 350°F for 32-37 minutes.
  10. Step 10: Let the bake cool for 5-10 minutes before cutting into slices. Serve with whipped cream and syrup if desired.

Tips & Variations

  • Use brioche for a richer, buttery flavor or French bread for a sturdier texture.
  • Add a pinch of cinnamon or cloves to the eggnog mixture for extra warmth.
  • Top with chopped nuts or dried fruit in the crumb topping for added texture.
  • For a dairy-free version, substitute eggnog with a plant-based alternative.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave until warm, as this helps retain the creamy texture. Avoid reheating in the oven to prevent drying out.

How to Serve

A chunky slice of dessert sits on a white plate with a crumbly brown topping layer, dripping with sticky caramel sauce that pools around the base. Below this, a thick layer of soft, golden-brown baked bread or cake with slightly uneven texture is visible, soaked in syrup. On top, there is a swirl of fluffy white whipped cream sprinkled lightly with cinnamon or nutmeg. A silver fork rests near the dessert, and the background shows a blurred tall glass of a light beige drink and a folded plaid cloth, all set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this French toast bake ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the bake and refrigerate it overnight covered with foil. Bake it the next morning for fresh, warm French toast with minimal effort.

What type of bread is best for this recipe?

Brioche and French bread are ideal due to their texture and ability to soak up the custard without becoming mushy. White bread can also work but may be less rich.

Print

Eggnog French Toast Bake Recipe

This Eggnog French Toast Bake is a delightful, festive breakfast casserole perfect for holiday mornings or cozy weekends. Featuring bite-sized bread soaked in a rich eggnog and egg mixture, topped with a spiced crumb topping, and baked to golden perfection, this dish combines creamy, sweet, and spicy flavors with a crisp finish.

  • Author: Clara
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Category: Breakfast Casserole
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

French Toast Bake

  • 1 large loaf (15oz-18oz) white bread, brioche, or French bread, cut into bite-sized squares
  • 5 large eggs
  • 1 3/4 cups eggnog
  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Crumb Topping

  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons white sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/3 cup butter, melted

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Casserole Dish: Grease a 9×13 inch (3-quart) casserole dish thoroughly to prevent sticking. If you plan to bake immediately, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Cut the Bread: Slice the bread into bite-sized squares and place them evenly in the prepared casserole dish, ensuring good distribution.
  3. Make the Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, eggnog, nutmeg, and vanilla extract until fully combined and smooth.
  4. Soak the Bread: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread cubes in the casserole dish, gently stirring to ensure all pieces are lightly covered and starting to absorb the mixture.
  5. Prepare the Crumb Topping: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, brown sugar, white sugar, nutmeg, and ground cinnamon. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand and forms crumbles when squeezed.
  6. Add the Crumb Topping: Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the soaked bread in the casserole dish.
  7. Bake the Dish: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 32-37 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and set. If baking later, cover the unbaked dish tightly with aluminum foil and refrigerate overnight; when ready, bake uncovered at 350°F for the same time.
  8. Cool and Serve: Allow the French toast bake to cool for 5-10 minutes after baking. Cut into slices and serve warm with whipped cream and syrup for a complete and indulgent breakfast.

Notes

  • Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
  • Reheat leftover slices in the microwave before serving for best texture and warmth.
  • You can use different types of bread like brioche or French bread depending on your preference for texture and flavor.
  • For an extra festive touch, sprinkle additional nutmeg or cinnamon on top before serving.

Keywords: Eggnog French Toast Bake, holiday breakfast, baked French toast, breakfast casserole, eggnog recipe, festive brunch, easy holiday breakfast

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