Ah, the holiday season! There’s something magical in the air—twinkling lights, the smell of pine trees, and the exciting clatter of family gatherings. One of my fondest memories is waking up on Christmas morning, the scent of something sweet wafting from the kitchen, my loved ones buzzing with holiday cheer. That aroma? It always reminded me of eggnog, a festive drink that warms the soul. So, I thought, why not combine that beloved drink with the classic breakfast treat we all adore? Enter: Eggnog French Toast Bake!

This delightful dish is not just a breakfast; it’s an experience! The creamy custard, aromatic spices, and a hint of nutmeg conjure images of cozy mornings spent with family. It’s easy to prepare ahead of time, making it the perfect dish for busy holiday mornings when you want to maximize family time and minimize kitchen chaos. So pull up a chair, and let’s get baking this Eggnog French Toast Bake together!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Prep: Throw it together the night before and just pop it in the oven the next morning!
• Deliciously Festive: It captures the flavors of eggnog in every creamy bite, perfect for the holidays.
• Feeds a Crowd: Perfect for family gatherings or holiday brunches, everyone will want a slice!
• Flexible Ingredients: Swap in your favorite breads or add toppings like fruit or whipped cream to suit your taste.
• Warm and Cozy: The rich flavors and aromas make any morning feel special.

Ingredients

Gather these simple, yet festive ingredients:

• 1 loaf of challah or brioche bread (about 12 cups cubed; stale bread works best!)
• 6 large eggs
• 2 cups eggnog (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup maple syrup (for serving)
• Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)

Note: Stale bread can absorb the custard better, leading to a richer final product. If your bread is fresh, you can leave it out overnight to dry out a bit.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Ready to dive into this delectable breakfast? Here’s how to make your Eggnog French Toast Bake:

1. Preheat your oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is an important step; a well-heated oven ensures even baking!
2. Prepare the bread: Cut your challah or brioche into cubes, about 1-inch in size. This helps them soak up all that delicious custard!
3. Make the custard: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, eggnog, whole milk, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined. The mixture should be a lovely creamy color—this is the magic of the eggnog shining through!
4. Combine bread and custard: Place the cubed bread in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread, making sure every piece is well-coated. If some bread is peeking through, don’t worry; it’ll soak up the mixture as it bakes.
5. Chill it out: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 to 2 hours, or overnight if you’d like to prepare it in advance. This allows the bread to absorb all those rich flavors!
6. Bake: When you’re ready, uncover the dish and bake in your preheated oven for 45-55 minutes or until the top is golden brown and slightly puffed. The aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg will fill your kitchen—a sign that your breakfast is almost ready!
7. Let it rest: Allow the baked French toast to cool for about 10 minutes. This will make it easier to slice and serve.
8. Serve and enjoy: Drizzle individual servings with warm maple syrup and sprinkle with powdered sugar if you’re feeling fancy. Who wouldn’t want a little extra sweetness in their life?

Tip: To check for doneness, insert a knife or toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, you’re good to go!

Pro Tips & Variations

Want to get creative? Here are some fun twists and variations to make this Eggnog French Toast Bake your own:

• Spiced Up: Add a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom for an extra flavor kick!
• Nutty Flavor: Fold in some chopped pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch. Toasted nuts can add a wonderful layer of flavor.
• Fruity Option: Layer fresh or frozen berries, sliced bananas, or even some diced apples in between the layers of bread for a fruity twist.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute almond milk and a dairy-free eggnog for a delicious, dairy-friendly version.
• Make it Chocolatey: Sprinkle in some chocolate chips for a chocolate eggnog twist—the kids will especially love this one!

Feel free to experiment and find your perfect combination. Cooking is all about having fun and making it yours!

Serving Suggestions

There’s something so heartwarming about serving this Eggnog French Toast Bake. Picture this: Imagine a cozy brunch table adorned with holiday decorations. You bring out this golden, fluffy bake, and slice into it, revealing the creamy custard-drenched bread. The table is set with warm maple syrup, tons of fresh fruit, and maybe a steaming pot of coffee or hot cocoa. The smell alone is enough to draw everyone in!

You could add some whipped cream on top or serve with a dusting of powdered sugar for that extra special touch. This dish pairs beautifully with a spiced pear or cranberry salad for a refreshing bite alongside the richness.

Storage Tips

If you happen to have leftovers (though I doubt you will!), proper storage is key:

• Refrigerate: Allow the dish to cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It will last up to 3 days in the fridge.
• Freeze: You can also freeze this bake! Cut it into portions and wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then place them inside a freezer-safe bag. It can last for about a month in the freezer.
• Reheat: To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen. Warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. Microwaving individual portions works great too!

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of eggnog?

Absolutely! However, keep in mind that you’ll miss out on the rich, spiced flavor of eggnog. If you go this route, consider adding a bit more vanilla and spice to mimic that festive taste.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, indeed! In fact, it’s encouraged. You can assemble it the night before and let it soak overnight in the fridge. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready the next morning!

What can I do if I don’t have challah or brioche?

No worries at all! You can use any hearty bread you have on hand. Just make sure it can hold up to soaking—baguette, Texas toast, or even a cinnamon-raisin bread would be delightful.

How do I know when my French toast bake is done?

The top should be golden and slightly puffed. You can also insert a knife or toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean without any wet batter, you’re set!

Can I add more spices to this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize the spice level to your liking. A pinch of ground ginger or allspice can give it a warm twist.

Conclusion

There you have it—an Eggnog French Toast Bake recipe that fills the kitchen with warmth, love, and the sweet scent of the holidays. I hope this dish helps create those beautiful moments around the breakfast table, just like it has for me. I’d love to hear how your version turns out, so feel free to leave a comment below or share your creative twists! Happy baking, my friends!

Irresistible Eggnog French Toast Bake Recipe for Holiday Mornings

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• Author: antaki
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x

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Description

Indulge in a festive brunch with this Eggnog French Toast Bake perfect for holiday mornings Easy delicious and sure to impress 151 chars

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1 loaf of challah or brioche bread (about 12 cups cubed; stale bread works best!)

6 large eggs

2 cups eggnog (store-bought or homemade)

1 cup whole milk

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 cup maple syrup (for serving)

Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Cut your challah or brioche into cubes, about 1-inch in size.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, eggnog, whole milk, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.

Place the cubed bread in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread.

Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 to 2 hours, or overnight.

Uncover the dish and bake in your preheated oven for 45-55 minutes or until the top is golden brown.

Allow the baked French toast to cool for about 10 minutes before slicing.

Serve with warm maple syrup and a dusting of powdered sugar.

Notes

A delightful Eggnog French Toast Bake that captures the festive flavors of eggnog in every creamy bite, perfect for holiday brunch gatherings.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Breakfast
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8 servings
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 20g
• Fat: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 10g

Keywords: Eggnog French Toast Bake, Holiday Breakfast, Festive Recipe, Easy Breakfast Bake