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- 1 loaf of challah or brioche bread, cut into cubes - 3 cups eggnog - 6 large eggs - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg - 1/4 cup brown sugar - 1/4 cup maple syrup (plus more for serving) - 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional) - Powdered sugar for dusting When making Eggnog French Toast Bake, start with the right bread. Challah or brioche works best. They are soft and soak up the eggnog well. This makes every bite tasty. Next, use good eggnog. Look for rich and creamy eggnog. It adds flavor and a festive touch. The eggnog is the star of this dish. You will need eggs for this recipe too. Six large eggs create a rich custard. This custard helps bind the bread together and gives it a fluffy texture. Don't forget the spices! Ground cinnamon and nutmeg give warmth and depth. They turn the bake into a holiday treat. Add a teaspoon of vanilla for extra flavor. Brown sugar and maple syrup add sweetness. They balance the spices and eggnog. You can also add chopped pecans for a nice crunch. Lastly, powdered sugar is perfect for dusting. It gives a lovely finish. You can serve this dish warm with extra maple syrup on top. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easy. 2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggnog, eggs, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, brown sugar, and maple syrup. Mix until smooth and well combined. This mixture will soak into the bread. 3. Next, add the cubed bread to the bowl. Gently toss the bread in the eggnog mix. Make sure each piece is coated. If you like, fold in the chopped pecans now for extra crunch. 1. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly and press down gently. This ensures all the bread gets the eggnog mix. 2. Cover the baking dish with foil. Place it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. For best results, let it chill overnight. This soaking time helps the bread absorb all the flavors. 3. When you're ready to bake, remove the foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes. The top should be golden brown, and the center should be set. 4. Once baked, allow the French toast bake to cool for a few minutes. Dust the top with powdered sugar. Serve it warm, drizzled with more maple syrup for that sweet touch. Soaking time is key for great texture. I recommend letting the bread sit in the eggnog mix for at least 30 minutes. For the best results, soak it overnight. This helps the bread absorb all the creamy goodness. Even baking is also important. Make sure to spread the bread evenly in the dish. Press it down gently. This ensures every piece gets cooked through. Check it halfway through baking. If the top is browning too fast, cover it with foil. To boost flavor, add extra spices. A pinch of ginger or cloves can elevate the taste. You can also mix in some vanilla extract for a sweeter note. For toppings, think about options that add texture. Chopped pecans give a nice crunch. You could also use fresh fruit like berries or bananas. Drizzle some maple syrup on top for extra sweetness. When serving, a dusting of powdered sugar makes it look lovely. Add a sprig of mint for color. These simple touches make your dish shine! Pro Tips Choose the Right Bread: Using challah or brioche will give your French toast bake a rich and buttery flavor. Avoid regular sandwich bread for a less indulgent result. Soak Time Matters: Allowing the bread to soak in the eggnog mixture for at least 30 minutes (or overnight) ensures that every piece absorbs the custard, leading to a creamy texture. Watch the Baking Time: Keep an eye on your bake as it cooks. If the top gets too dark before the center is set, cover it loosely with foil until fully cooked. Flavor Enhancements: For added depth, consider incorporating a splash of bourbon or rum into the eggnog mixture for a festive twist. {{image_2}} You can make this dish even better with some easy swaps. If you want a non-dairy version, use almond or coconut milk eggnog. These alternatives keep the creamy taste while cutting out dairy. For the bread, try sourdough or gluten-free bread. Each type brings a unique flavor and texture to the bake. Add a twist to your Eggnog French Toast Bake. Use pumpkin spice for a seasonal touch. Just swap out some cinnamon for pumpkin spice. You can also throw in fruity add-ins like sliced bananas or berries. If you're feeling adventurous, add chocolate chips for a sweet treat. These options let you customize the dish to your taste. To keep your Eggnog French Toast Bake fresh, store it in the fridge. Place it in a tight container or cover it with plastic wrap. This helps keep flavors locked in. Leftovers will stay good for about four days. If you want to save it longer, you can freeze it. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. This method saves space and makes it easy to grab a piece. Frozen, it can last up to two months. When it's time to enjoy your leftovers, reheating is key. The best way is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the slices on a baking sheet and cover them with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes. This keeps the texture nice and soft. You can also use a microwave if you're in a hurry. Heat a slice for 30-45 seconds. Just remember, it may not be as crisp as from the oven. Enjoy it warm with a drizzle of syrup for the best taste. Yes, you can prepare it the night before. After mixing everything, cover the dish. Keep it in the fridge overnight for best flavor. This helps the bread soak up the eggnog mix. To avoid sogginess, let the bread soak for the right time. If you soak too long, it might get too wet. Press the bread down gently into the mix to ensure even soaking. You can serve it with fresh fruit, like berries or bananas. A drizzle of maple syrup adds sweetness. A dollop of whipped cream also makes a great topping. Yes, you can use a vegan eggnog and flax eggs. For flax eggs, mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit for a few minutes before adding it to the mix. Leftovers can last up to three days in the fridge. Store them in an airtight container. You can reheat it in the oven for the best texture. This blog post covered how to create a delicious Eggnog French Toast Bake. We looked at key ingredients, like bread options and eggnog specs. You learned preparation steps, baking instructions, and tips for flavor and texture. We explored variations, including ingredient swaps for different diets. Lastly, I shared storage tips and answered common questions. Enjoy experimenting with this recipe. It’s a fun way to make breakfast special!

Eggnog Bliss French Toast Bake

A delightful and festive French toast bake infused with eggnog, perfect for holiday gatherings.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 loaf challah or brioche bread, cut into cubes
  • 3 cups eggnog
  • 6 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
  • to taste powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggnog, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, brown sugar, and maple syrup until smooth.
  • Add the cubed bread to the bowl and gently toss to coat the bread thoroughly in the eggnog mixture. If using pecans, fold them in now.
  • Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Press down gently to make sure all the bread is submerged in the liquid.
  • Cover the baking dish with foil and let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight to allow the bread to soak up the custard.
  • When ready to bake, remove the foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
  • Allow the French toast bake to cool for a few minutes before dusting with powdered sugar. Serve warm drizzled with additional maple syrup.

Notes

Serve slices on individual plates and garnish with a sprinkle of powdered sugar and a drizzle of maple syrup. Add a sprig of mint for a pop of color!
Keyword eggnog, French toast, holiday breakfast