If you’re looking for a holiday breakfast that’s both indulgent and easy to prepare, this Eggnog French Toast Bake is the perfect choice. Imagine waking up to the aroma of cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla wafting through your kitchen as this rich, custardy dish bakes to golden perfection.

Made with thick slices of bread soaked in a creamy eggnog mixture, it’s a festive twist on classic French toast that’s sure to impress your family or guests. Whether you’re hosting a holiday brunch or simply craving something cozy, this make-ahead recipe has you covered.

Why You’ll Love This Eggnog French Toast Bak

This dish stands out for several reasons:

Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare it the night before and pop it in the oven the next morning no last-minute stress.
Rich Holiday Flavor: The combination of eggnog, cinnamon, and nutmeg gives it a warm, festive taste that’s perfect for the season.
Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: It serves a group effortlessly, making it ideal for family gatherings or holiday mornings.
Customizable: Add toppings like powdered sugar, maple syrup, or fresh fruit to suit your preferences.

Have you ever tried combining eggnog with French toast? If not, this recipe will show you how magical it can be.

Ingredients for Eggnog French Toast Bake

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

1 loaf of Texas toast-style bread (or French bread), cut into 2-inch cubes – About 5 cups of bread ensures a hearty base.
2 ½ cups eggnog – The star ingredient that adds creaminess and flavor.
6 large eggs – Binds the mixture together and creates a custard-like texture.
1/3 cup brown sugar – Adds sweetness and a hint of molasses flavor.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – Provides warmth and a festive touch.
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg – Enhances the eggnog flavor for an authentic taste.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Boosts the overall flavor profile.
Optional toppings: Powdered sugar, maple syrup, whipped cream, or fresh berries.

These ingredients are simple, wholesome, and easy to find. Do you prefer using homemade eggnog instead of store-bought? That works too just adjust the sweetness if needed!

Instructions for Eggnog French Toast Bake

Follow these steps to make your Eggnog French Toast Bake:

Step 1: Prepare the Bread

Cut the bread into 2-inch cubes and arrange them evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 2: Make the Custard Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggnog, eggs, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Soak the Bread

Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes, ensuring all pieces are coated. Press down gently with a spatula to help the bread absorb the liquid.

Step 4: Chill Overnight (Optional)

Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. This step allows the flavors to meld and the bread to soak up the custard fully.

Step 5: Preheat and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the dish from the fridge while the oven heats up.
Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Let the dish cool slightly before slicing. Top with powdered sugar, maple syrup, or fresh fruit, and serve warm.

How does your kitchen smell while baking? Does it remind you of holiday mornings?

Expert Tips and Tricks

To ensure your Eggnog French Toast Bake turns out perfectly every time, here are some expert tips:

Use Stale Bread: Slightly stale bread absorbs the custard better without falling apart.
Don’t Skip the Nutmeg: It’s a key ingredient that enhances the eggnog flavor don’t leave it out!
Press the Bread Down: Gently press the bread into the custard mixture to ensure even soaking.
Add a Crumble Topping: For extra texture, sprinkle a mix of flour, butter, and brown sugar on top before baking.
Adjust Sweetness: Taste the custard mixture before pouring it over the bread. Add more sugar if your eggnog isn’t very sweet.

What step do you think might be trickiest? Don’t worry we’ll cover troubleshooting later!

Recipe Variations & Possible Substitution

This recipe is versatile, so feel free to experiment based on your preferences:

Bread Options: Swap Texas toast for brioche, challah, or sourdough for a different texture.
Dairy-Free Version: Use plant-based eggnog and dairy-free bread to make this recipe vegan-friendly.
Add Mix-Ins: Fold in chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or chopped nuts for added flavor and texture.
Alcohol Twist: Stir in a splash of rum or bourbon for an adult-friendly version.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free bread to accommodate dietary restrictions.

Which variation sounds most appealing to you? Try one and let us know how it turns out!

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

This Eggnog French Toast Bake shines as a standalone dish, but pairing it with complementary foods takes it to the next level:

Toppings: Dust with powdered sugar, drizzle with maple syrup, or add a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Side Dishes: Serve with crispy bacon, sausage links, or scrambled eggs for a complete breakfast spread.
Beverages: Pair with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or spiced cider for a cozy holiday meal.
Fruit Pairings: Add fresh berries, sliced bananas, or pomegranate seeds for a pop of color and freshness.

How would you serve this dish? Get creative and make it your own!

Storage and Reheating Tips

Proper storage keeps your Eggnog French Toast Bake fresh and enjoyable:

Room Temperature: Consume within 2 hours to avoid spoilage.
Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 30–45 seconds.
Freezing: Wrap portions tightly in foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reviving Leftovers: Place slices in a toaster oven or skillet for a crispy texture.

Do you prefer eating this dish fresh or reheating leftovers? Both options work!

Recipe FAQs

Here are answers to common questions about making Eggnog French Toast Bake:

Q: Can I use regular milk instead of eggnog?
Yes! While it won’t have the same rich flavor, whole milk works as a substitute. Add extra cinnamon and nutmeg to mimic eggnog’s taste.

Q: Can I skip the chilling step?
Yes, but chilling helps the bread absorb the custard fully, resulting in a creamier texture.

Q: Why is my French toast bake soggy?
Ensure the bread is evenly coated and pressed into the custard. Overcrowding the dish can also lead to sogginess.

Q: Can I prep this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the dish the night before, cover it, and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Q: Is this dish kid-friendly?
Definitely! Kids love the sweet, custardy flavor and soft texture.

Which question surprised you the most? Share your thoughts!

Troubleshooting Tips

Even experienced cooks run into issues sometimes. Here’s how to fix common problems:

Dry Texture: Add more eggnog or milk to the custard mixture before baking.
Uneven Browning: Tent the edges of the dish with foil if they’re browning too quickly.
Too Sweet: Reduce the amount of brown sugar or choose unsweetened eggnog.
Blender Struggles: Ensure liquids are added first and break large chunks of fruit into smaller pieces before blending.
Separation After Sitting: Stir or shake well before serving it’s normal for ingredients to separate over time.

What issue have you encountered while making similar recipes? These tips should help you overcome any hurdles.