Eggnog French Toast Bake Recipe
A rich and comforting Eggnog French Toast Bake featuring a custardy bread base soaked in eggnog and spices, topped with a crunchy cinnamon-nutmeg crumble. Perfect for a festive breakfast or holiday brunch, this make-ahead casserole bakes to a golden finish and is served warm with whipped cream and syrup.
- Author: Ruby
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
French Toast Base
- 1 large loaf (15oz-18oz) white bread, (brioche or French bread work well), cut into bite-sized squares
- 5 large eggs
- 1 3/4 cups eggnog
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Crumb Topping
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons white sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/3 cup butter, melted
- Prepare the casserole dish: Grease a 9×13 inch (3-quart) casserole dish thoroughly to prevent sticking. If you plan to bake immediately, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Assemble the bread: Cut the bread into bite-sized cubes and place them evenly into the prepared casserole dish, ensuring full coverage.
- Mix custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, eggnog, 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
- Soak the bread: Pour the eggnog mixture evenly over the bread cubes in the casserole, gently stirring if necessary so all pieces are lightly coated and soaking up the custard.
- Make crumb topping: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, white sugar, 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, and ground cinnamon. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand and can clump together when squeezed.
- Apply topping: Evenly crumble the topping over the soaked bread, spreading it to cover the entire surface for a crunchy finish.
- Bake the casserole: If baking immediately, place the dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 32-37 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is set.
- Make ahead option: If preparing ahead, cover the unbaked dish with aluminum foil and refrigerate overnight. When ready to bake the next day, remove from fridge, preheat the oven to 350°F, and bake uncovered for 32-37 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Finishing touch: Let the French Toast Bake cool for 5-10 minutes to firm up, then slice into portions and serve warm topped with whipped cream and maple syrup, if desired.
Notes
- Use brioche or French bread for best texture – stale bread works well as it absorbs custard better.
- Make-ahead option allows for overnight soaking to deepen flavors and ease morning prep.
- Adjust nutmeg and cinnamon to taste for personalized spice intensity.
- Serve with fresh fruit and powdered sugar for extra indulgence.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute eggnog and butter with non-dairy alternatives.
Keywords: Eggnog French Toast Bake, holiday breakfast casserole, baked French toast, brunch recipe, Christmas breakfast, eggnog recipe