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Eggnog French Toast Bake Recipe

4.6 from 84 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Instructions

  1. 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).
  2. Assemble the bread: Cut the bread into bite-sized cubes and place them evenly into the prepared casserole dish, ensuring full coverage.
  3. Mix custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, eggnog, 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. Apply topping: Evenly crumble the topping over the soaked bread, spreading it to cover the entire surface for a crunchy finish.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. 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