Eggnog Bliss French Toast Bake

$- 1 loaf of challah or brioche bread, cut into 1-inch cubes - 3 cups eggnog - 6 large eggs - 1/4 cup packed brown sugar Eggnog French toast bake needs simple yet rich ingredients. I love using challah or brioche bread. These breads are soft and soak up the eggnog mix well. You will need three cups of eggnog for creaminess. Six large eggs help bind everything together. Brown sugar adds sweetness and depth to the flavor. - 1/2 cup chopped pecans - Powdered sugar for dusting - Pure maple syrup for serving You can add chopped pecans for a crunchy texture. They bring a nice nutty flavor. Dusting with powdered sugar gives a lovely, snowy look. Maple syrup is a must for serving. It adds sweetness that pairs perfectly with the rich, creamy bake. {{ingredient_image_2}} - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish well. - In a large bowl, whisk together eggnog, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, brown sugar, and maple syrup. Mix until smooth. - Gently fold in the cubed bread. If you like nuts, add chopped pecans now. Make sure each piece gets coated. - Pour the bread mixture into the baking dish. Spread it out evenly. Press down lightly to soak all pieces. - Cover the dish with aluminum foil. Place it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. For the best taste, let it soak overnight. - When ready, remove the foil. Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown. The center should feel set when touched. - Let the dish cool for about 5 minutes after baking. - Dust the top with powdered sugar for a sweet touch. - Serve warm with maple syrup drizzled on top. Garnish with a sprig of mint for a festive look. Refrigerating the eggnog mixture is key. It helps the bread soak up all the flavor. Aim for at least 30 minutes in the fridge. However, overnight soaking really boosts the taste. This gives the bread time to absorb the eggnog and spices well. You have options with eggnog. You can use homemade eggnog for a fresh twist. Store-bought eggnog works well, too, if you're short on time. If you prefer dairy-free, look for almond or coconut eggnog. These options still provide great flavor without dairy. To check if the bake is done, gently touch the center. It should feel set and not jiggly. If the top browns too fast, cover it with foil. Avoid soggy bread by ensuring all pieces are coated but not drowned in the eggnog mixture. This keeps your bake fluffy and delicious. Pro Tips Use Day-Old Bread: For the best texture, use slightly stale challah or brioche. This helps the bread absorb the eggnog mixture without becoming mushy. Enhance Flavor Overnight: Allowing the mixture to soak overnight in the refrigerator intensifies the flavors and gives you a custardy, delicious result. Experiment with Spices: Don’t hesitate to add additional spices such as ginger or cloves for a unique twist on traditional eggnog flavors. Serve Freshly Baked: This dish is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven. Serve it warm for that perfect cozy breakfast or brunch experience. {{image_4}} You can make Eggnog French Toast Bake even tastier with a few fun touches. - Adding chocolate chips: Mix in some chocolate chips for a sweet twist. They melt and create pockets of gooey goodness. I love using semi-sweet or dark chocolate for a nice contrast to the eggnog flavor. - Incorporating citrus zest: Grate some orange or lemon zest into the eggnog mixture. This adds a bright, fresh taste. It pairs well with the warm spices and makes each bite feel festive. You can easily adjust this recipe to fit your dietary needs. - Gluten-free bread options: Use gluten-free bread instead of challah or brioche. Look for a good quality loaf that holds up well when soaked. - Vegan substitutes for eggs: Replace eggs with a flaxseed mixture. Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg. Let it sit until it thickens. This keeps your bake fluffy and moist. How you serve this dish can change the whole experience. - Breakfast vs. dessert presentation: For breakfast, serve warm slices on plates with a drizzle of maple syrup. For dessert, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. The warm bake with cold ice cream is delightful! - Accompaniments like fresh fruit: Pair your bake with fresh fruit like berries or sliced bananas. They add color and a healthy crunch to your plate. Plus, they balance the richness of the eggnog. To keep your Eggnog French Toast Bake fresh, store leftovers in the fridge. Place them in an airtight container. This helps prevent drying out. Use parchment paper between layers if you stack slices. You can freeze leftovers too. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. This way, they stay tasty for up to three months. When you want to enjoy your French toast bake again, use the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the slices on a baking sheet. Cover them with foil to retain moisture. Heat for about 15-20 minutes. You can also use a microwave. Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate. Cover it with a damp paper towel, then heat for about 30 seconds. This method works well but can make the texture softer. In the refrigerator, your Eggnog French Toast Bake lasts about three days. Check for changes in smell or texture. If it smells sour or feels slimy, it’s best to toss it. For frozen leftovers, they last up to three months. After that, they may lose flavor and texture. Always inspect before eating. If it looks or smells odd, do not eat it. Enjoy your holiday treat safely! Yes, you can prepare this dish the night before. After mixing the bread with the eggnog mixture, place it in the fridge. Cover the dish tightly with foil to prevent drying out. This soaking time helps the bread absorb all the flavors. For best results, let it sit overnight. This makes the bake moist and rich when you cook it. I recommend using challah or brioche bread. These breads have a soft texture and a slightly sweet flavor. They soak up the eggnog mixture well. You can also use other types of bread, but avoid dense varieties. They may not absorb the liquid as nicely, leading to a less creamy texture. Yes, you can swap eggnog for other milk options. Almond milk and oat milk work well. However, the flavor will change slightly. If you want a similar taste, try adding vanilla and a pinch of nutmeg to the mix. This keeps some of that holiday essence in your dish. This Eggnog French Toast Bake combines rich ingredients like challah and eggnog. The step-by-step guide helps you create a dish perfect for breakfast or dessert. Remember to soak the bread overnight for the best texture. Feel free to mix in chocolate chips or citrus zest for extra flavor. Store leftovers properly to maintain freshness. With these tips, you can enjoy this delicious bake any time. Explore the variations and let your flavors shine!$

Eggnog Bliss French Toast Bake

A delightful and festive French toast bake infused with rich eggnog flavors, perfect for holiday gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 35

Total Time 50

Course Breakfast

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Ingredients

1 loaf challah or brioche bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
3 cups eggnog
6 large eggs
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
0.5 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg or ground nutmeg
0.25 cup packed brown sugar
0.25 cup pure maple syrup plus extra for serving
0.5 cup chopped pecans (optional)
to taste powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or a non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggnog, eggs, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, brown sugar, and maple syrup until the mixture is well-blended and smooth.
Carefully fold the cubed bread into the eggnog mixture, tossing gently to coat each piece thoroughly. If you’re including pecans, this is the time to gently fold them in for added texture.
Transfer the coated bread mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Use a spatula to press down lightly on the bread, ensuring all pieces are submerged in the eggnog mixture.
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes. For best results, let it soak overnight to enhance flavor absorption.
When you're ready to bake, remove the foil. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is perfectly golden brown and the center feels set to the touch.
Once baked, allow the French toast bake to cool for about 5 minutes. Before serving, gently dust the top with powdered sugar for an elegant finish. Serve warm with a generous drizzle of maple syrup.

Notes

For best results, let the mixture soak overnight to enhance flavor absorption.

Keyword eggnog, French toast, holiday breakfast