Eggnog French Toast Bake
Eggnog French Toast Bake
Introduction
Welcome to your new favorite breakfast or brunch indulgence: Eggnog French Toast Bake! This festive and incredibly delicious dish combines the rich, creamy flavor of eggnog with the comforting warmth of a baked French toast casserole. Perfect for holiday mornings, special gatherings, or simply treating yourself, this make-ahead friendly recipe takes the stress out of entertaining and delivers a heavenly aroma and taste. Get ready for a comforting, cozy, and utterly delightful experience that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredients
- 1 (1-pound) loaf challah, brioche, or sturdy white bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 6 large eggs
- 2 ½ cups good quality eggnog
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted, plus more for greasing the dish
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
- For serving (optional): Powdered sugar, maple syrup, whipped cream, fresh berries
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter.
- Spread the bread cubes evenly in the prepared baking dish. You want them somewhat packed but not crushed.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, eggnog, granulated sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined and smooth.
- Carefully pour the eggnog mixture evenly over the bread cubes in the baking dish, ensuring all the bread is well-saturated. Gently press down on the bread with a spatula to help it absorb the liquid.
- Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, or refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, for best absorption.
- Bake, covered, for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for another 15-25 minutes, or until the French toast is golden brown on top, puffed, and a knife inserted into the center comes out mostly clean. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C).
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
- Dust with powdered sugar, drizzle with maple syrup, and top with whipped cream or fresh berries if desired. Serve warm.
Pro Tips & Notes
- Bread Choice Matters: For the best texture, use a slightly stale, dense bread like challah, brioche, or a good quality white sandwich bread. These breads hold their shape better and absorb the custard without becoming mushy. Avoid very soft or fresh bread.
- Make Ahead Magic: This bake is perfect for preparing the night before. Assemble it completely, cover, and refrigerate overnight. This allows the bread to fully absorb the eggnog custard, resulting in a more flavorful and uniformly moist French toast. Just pop it in the oven in the morning!
- Don't Skimp on Soaking Time: Whether you soak for 30 minutes or overnight, ensure the bread has ample time to absorb the liquid. This prevents dry spots and ensures every bite is rich and moist.
- Serving Suggestions: Beyond powdered sugar and maple syrup, consider a dollop of cranberry compote, a sprinkle of toasted pecans, or a dusting of extra nutmeg for an even more festive touch.
- Check for Doneness: The French toast bake is done when it's golden brown and puffed, and a knife inserted into the center comes out mostly clean. If the top is browning too quickly, you can loosely tent it with foil during the last few minutes of baking.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
- Calories: Approximately 450-550 per serving (based on 8 servings)
- Protein: Approximately 12-15g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 50-60g
- Fat: Approximately 20-30g
- Saturated Fat: Approximately 10-15g
- Cholesterol: Approximately 180-220mg
- Sodium: Approximately 300-400mg
- Fiber: Approximately 2-3g
- Sugars: Approximately 25-35g
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: Can I make this with dairy-free eggnog? A: Yes, you can absolutely use a good quality dairy-free eggnog alternative. The results will be similar in texture and flavor, though the richness might vary slightly depending on the brand.
- Q: How do I store leftovers and reheat them? A: Store any leftover French toast bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can warm individual portions in the microwave, or cover and bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through, about 15-20 minutes.
- Q: Can I add mix-ins to the bake? A: Certainly! While this recipe is fantastic on its own, feel free to add a handful of dried cranberries, chopped nuts, or even chocolate chips between the bread layers for an extra touch of flavor and texture.
- Q: My French toast is soggy. What went wrong? A: Soggy French toast usually means the bread was too fresh/soft, or it was over-saturated and not baked long enough. Using slightly stale, denser bread and ensuring proper baking time will prevent this. Covering with foil for too long can also trap steam, so make sure to remove it for the final baking phase.