“Start your holiday mornings with joy!”
Enjoy sumptuous bites of Eggnog French Toast Bake, a dish that feels festive and comforting all at once. As the aroma fills your kitchen, memories of laughter and love intertwine with the warmth of the eggnog-flavored custard-soaked bread. Each bite is a delightful experience, merging soft textures with rich flavors. This delicious festive bake is a wonderful choice for brunch, and it’s so easy to make, you might find yourself serving it year-round.

Table of Contents
Why is Eggnog French Toast Bake Perfect for the Holiday Season?
Eggnog French Toast Bake is a comforting addition to holiday breakfasts.
This recipe is a festive delight, making it perfect for holiday breakfasts. The creamy, spiced flavor of eggnog paired with warm French bread is irresistible and makes for a cozy brunch experience. During the busy holiday season, this dish allows you to prepare a delicious breakfast ahead of time, giving you more time to enjoy with family. Plus, with the sweet dusting of powdered sugar and syrup, it’s bound to bring smiles to everyone’s faces and fill the air with holiday cheer.
What Makes This Eggnog French Toast Bake Unique?
This version of French toast bake stands out for its rich, festive flavors.
What sets Eggnog French Toast Bake apart is the use of eggnog as the main custard base, adding a delicious twist to the classic French toast. The synergy between the creamy eggnog, warm cinnamon, and sweet brown sugar creates a flavor profile that is distinctly holiday-like. Unlike traditional French toast, which is fried on a stovetop, this baked version ensures that all the flavors meld beautifully as it cooks, resulting in an evenly cooked and delightful baked breakfast.
If you’re curious about the science and history behind the eggnog, you can find more information on Wikipedia. This recipe is also a fantastic way to savor the seasonal delight sometimes overlooked during brunch tables. If you’re game for more delicious baked favorites, check out my Lemon Blueberry Cottage Cheese Protein Bites for a light and delightful option!
What Ingredients Are Needed for This Eggnog French Toast Bake?
The core ingredients for this French toast bake make it easy to prep.
The ingredients you’ll need for this Eggnog French Toast Bake are quite simple and easy to find, making it a convenient choice for a delicious breakfast. Here’s a breakdown of what you need:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| French bread or brioche | 4 cups (cubed) |
| Large eggs | 4 |
| Eggnog | 2 cups |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 tsp |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp |
| Brown sugar | 1/4 cup |
| Maple syrup (for serving) | As desired |
| Powdered sugar (optional garnish) | As desired |

Key ingredients, like the eggnog, not only enhance the flavor but also provide a creamy texture that elevates the dish from ordinary to extraordinary. If you can’t find eggnog, feel free to substitute it with a homemade version made from milk, sugar, and spices for a fresher taste. The brown sugar adds just the right amount of sweetness, making each bite irresistible. Pairing this dish with warm maple syrup creates an explosion of flavor that is perfect for the holiday season.
How Do You Make Eggnog French Toast Bake Step-by-Step?
The process of making Eggnog French Toast Bake is simple!
Creating this Eggnog French Toast Bake is straightforward and requires minimal hands-on time. Follow these steps to achieve a breakfast that will knock everyone’s socks off.
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your baking dish for easy removal later. While the oven is warming up, cut the French bread or brioche into cubes. Aim for approximately 1-inch pieces – this size ensures the bread has the perfect texture and absorbs the eggnog mixture well.
Step 2: Mix the Custard
In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, eggnog, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, and brown sugar until well combined. Make sure to mix these ingredients thoroughly; this combination will infuse your bread with that delicious eggnog flavor. Pour this custard over the bread cubes in your greased baking dish, ensuring every piece of bread is coated.
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Storage |
|---|---|---|
| 10 mins | 45-55 mins | Refrigerate for up to 3 days. |
Step 3: Overnight Chill and Bake
To let the flavors meld, cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, take it out of the fridge, uncover, and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the top is golden and puffed up. When it’s done, allow it to cool slightly before serving, then drizzle with warm maple syrup and dust with powdered sugar, if desired.
Serving this warm with maple syrup while the edges are slightly crispy and the center is gooey creates a mouth-watering experience that is perfect for holiday breakfasts or any time you crave something special. Feel free to make it a family tradition!
What Are Some Variations and Serving Suggestions for This Recipe?
Customization options abound for Eggnog French Toast Bake.
Eggnog French Toast Bake is versatile, easily adaptable to suit various tastes and dietary preferences.
Diet Swap
If you’re looking to make this dish lighter, you can substitute the eggnog with low-fat or almond milk mixed with a bit of nutmeg for that eggnog flavor. You could also use whole grain bread instead of white bread or brioche to boost fiber content, making it a healthier option.
Flavor Variation
For an extra flavor kick, consider adding in some chocolate chips or dried fruit like cranberries or raisins for a burst of sweetness. Adding nuts like walnuts or pecans will provide a crunchy texture that complements the soft bread. You can also adjust the spices, adding a pinch of nutmeg or nutmeg to enhance the holiday flavor. If you’re in the mood for something even more creative, try my Banana Oatmeal Muffins for a delightful twist.
Serving Idea
Eggnog French Toast Bake is perfect for holiday brunches; however, it also makes a terrific breakfast for any special event. Pair this dish with fresh fruit, a dollop of whipped cream, or a side of yogurt for a balanced meal. You can even serve it alongside holiday-specific dishes like spiced apple cider or a festive salad to enhance the ambiance.
| Suggested Pairings | Tips |
|---|---|
| Fresh Fruit | Serve with berries or sliced bananas. |
| Whipped Cream | Adding this will elevate the experience. |
| Spiced Apple Cider | Great for a cohesive holiday flavor. |
Final Thoughts on Eggnog French Toast Bake
Eggnog French Toast Bake is more than just a recipe; it’s a holiday tradition waiting to happen. The ease of preparation and the way it fills your home with warm, inviting aromas makes it a must-try this season. I love serving it at family gatherings, and it always brings joy and satisfaction. Feel free to experiment with ingredients to make it your own. Don’t forget to capture that picture-perfect moment and share it on Pinterest! You can even check out my profile for more festive ideas.
FAQ
Can I make Eggnog French Toast Bake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This dish is perfect for making ahead. Just prepare it the night before, refrigerate, and bake in the morning. It’s ideal for holiday gatherings when you’re busy.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftover Eggnog French Toast Bake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the oven or microwave.
What bread works best in this recipe?
French bread or brioche are both excellent choices due to their dense texture, which absorbs the custard well. You can also use challah for a rich flavor.
Can I use homemade eggnog?
Yes, homemade eggnog works fantastically in this recipe. Just make sure it has a creamy texture for the best flavor and absorption.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make Eggnog French Toast Bake gluten-free, simply substitute the bread with gluten-free bread options. Adjust the custard ingredients accordingly.
Eggnog French Toast Bake
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Wake up to the heavenly scent of Eggnog French Toast Bake, a cozy holiday breakfast that’s easy to prepare and irresistibly delicious, perfect for family gatherings or a festive brunch.
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 4 cups French bread or brioche (cubed)
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups eggnog
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- Maple syrup (for serving)
- Powdered sugar (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your baking dish.
- Cut the French bread or brioche into approximately 1-inch cubes.
- In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, eggnog, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, and brown sugar until well combined.
- Pour the custard mixture over the bread cubes in the greased baking dish.
- Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
- In the morning, uncover the dish and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 55 minutes, or until golden and puffed up.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving with warm maple syrup and powdered sugar, if desired.
Notes
Feel free to customize with chocolate chips, nuts, or alternative milk options for a dietary twist.
- Author: Vivian Brooks
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 100mg

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