Eggnog French Toast Bake

This Eggnog French Toast Bake transforms simple bread into a festive, custardy morning delight that feels both indulgent and effortless. Cubes of challah or brioche soak in a spiced eggnog custard overnight so the flavors sink in and the texture becomes plush and tender. It is perfect for holiday brunches, cozy weekend breakfasts, or any time you want an easy show stopping dish. If you love creative twists on classic casseroles, try pairing it with a warm fruit compote or another idea like Apple Pie French Toast Casserole for a beautiful table spread.

Why This Recipe Is a Great Choice

This bake is a winner because it turns pantry staples into something special with very little hands on time. Overnight resting does the work for you so mornings are relaxed while guests marvel at the golden top and custardy interior. The crushed graham cracker topping adds a lightly crunchy contrast to the silky bread, making every bite interesting. You can use day old bread to soak up the custard perfectly and the recipe scales easily to feed a crowd. For a more decadent twist consider serving alongside a silky custard inspired idea such as Crème Brûlée French Toast for a brunch menu that feels luxurious without fuss.

Flavor and Texture

Warm spices in the custard create that familiar holiday aroma while brown sugar adds a gentle caramel note that hugs the eggnog. The center should be soft and custardy, yielding slightly to the fork, while the top browns into a tender crust studded with crunchy crumble. Nutmeg and cinnamon bring subtle warmth without overpowering the creamy eggnog base. When served warm and dusted with powdered sugar the contrast of silky custard and crisp crumble feels both comforting and festive.

Ingredients

– 1 loaf of bread (challah or brioche is best)
– 6 large eggs
– 2 cups eggnog
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup butter (melted)
– 1 cup crushed graham crackers or your choice of crumble topping
– Powdered sugar (for serving)

Step by Step Instructions

1. Grease a baking dish and cut the bread into cubes.
2. In a bowl, whisk together eggs, eggnog, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar.
3. Place the bread cubes in the dish and pour the eggnog mixture over them.
4. Cover with cling wrap and refrigerate overnight.
5. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
6. In a separate bowl, mix the melted butter with crushed graham crackers for the crumble topping.
7. Remove the baking dish from the refrigerator and sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the bread.
8. Bake for 45-50 minutes until golden and set.
9. Let cool slightly and dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Tips for Best Results

Use stale or day old challah or brioche so the cubes absorb the custard rather than falling apart. Press the bread gently into the custard after pouring to ensure even soaking. If you like a firmer set, reduce the eggnog by a quarter cup or add an extra egg for more structure. Watch the crumble in the last 10 minutes and tent with foil if it browns too quickly while the center finishes cooking. Serve warm with maple syrup, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a spoonful of yogurt to add brightness.

Storage and Make Ahead

This casserole is ideal for making ahead because the overnight soak only improves the texture and flavor. After baking, cool completely and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat individual portions in the oven or microwave until warmed through; a brief return to the oven crisps the topping. You can also prepare the scramble of bread and custard the night before and bake on the morning you plan to serve.

Final Thought

Eggnog French Toast Bake is comfort food with a festive twist that looks impressive without demanding time on the day of. Simple swaps and toppings let you tune sweetness and texture to your liking. It is a natural recipe to add to your weekend rotation or holiday brunch plan.

Conclusion

For a complete guide and an easy make ahead option that mirrors this approach, see Eggnog French Toast Bake – with Easy Make Ahead Option at Eggnog French Toast Bake – with Easy Make Ahead Option.

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