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Cozy Eggnog French Toast Bake

eggnog French toast bake - featured image

A warm, custardy holiday brunch staple that balances rich eggnog with sturdy bread, featuring a crispy nut topping and simple preparation.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large loaf French bread or Brioche, sliced into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 cups eggnog (store-bought or homemade)
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 3 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup walnuts or pecans, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice bread into 1-inch cubes and let them dry out for an hour if fresh.
  2. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Arrange bread cubes in the dish.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, heavy cream, eggnog, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg until uniform.
  4. Pour custard over bread, pressing down gently to submerge. Let sit for at least 15 minutes.
  5. Mix melted butter, brown sugar, and chopped nuts. Sprinkle evenly over the soaked bread.
  6. Bake for 45-55 minutes until golden brown and puffed. Center should be set but slightly jiggly.
  7. Cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving warm.

Notes

Use day-old or slightly stale bread to prevent sogginess. If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil. For dairy-free, swap eggnog for coconut milk alternative and butter for coconut oil. For gluten-free, use certified gluten-free bread and eggnog.

Nutrition

Keywords: eggnog, french toast bake, holiday brunch, christmas breakfast, custard, easy recipe, make ahead