Creamy Eggnog French Toast Bake
A cozy and easy holiday breakfast casserole featuring day-old brioche soaked in a creamy eggnog custard with warm spices, topped with a caramelized brown sugar and nut topping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour to 1 hour 5 minutes (plus optional overnight soak)
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 cups cubed day-old brioche or challah bread (about 200g)
- 6 large eggs, room temperature
- 3 cups eggnog (whole or low-fat, 720 ml)
- 1 cup whole milk or half-and-half (240 ml) (can substitute almond or oat milk for dairy-free)
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar (70g)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (50g)
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional, 30g)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (28g)
- Optional garnishes: powdered sugar, maple syrup or warmed caramel sauce, fresh berries or sliced apples
Instructions
- Cube the bread into roughly 1-inch (2.5 cm) cubes. Use day-old bread for best soaking; if fresh, toast lightly for 5 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, eggnog, milk or half-and-half, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined and slightly frothy (3-5 minutes).
- Place cubed bread in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour custard evenly over bread, pressing gently to soak all pieces. Cover tightly with foil if soaking overnight or let sit 15-20 minutes if baking immediately.
- In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, melted butter, and chopped nuts if using. Sprinkle evenly over soaked bread.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes until top is golden brown and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Edges should be slightly crisp and inside creamy.
- Allow to cool for 10 minutes before serving. Dust with powdered sugar and drizzle with maple syrup or caramel sauce if desired. Serve with fresh berries or sliced apples for contrast.
Notes
For best texture, use day-old brioche or challah bread. Toast fresh bread lightly if needed. Soaking overnight in the fridge improves flavor and texture. Tent with foil if edges brown too quickly. Can substitute plant-based milk and eggnog and use flax eggs for a vegan version. Add fruit or chocolate chips for variations.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approximate
- Calories: 375
- Sugar: 20
- Sodium: 250
- Fat: 15
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 12
Keywords: eggnog, French toast bake, holiday breakfast, casserole, cozy breakfast, festive, easy breakfast, Christmas breakfast