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Cozy Eggnog French Toast Bake for Christmas Morning

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This Eggnog French Toast Bake is the ultimate make-ahead Christmas breakfast. It features a rich, spiced custard soaked into brioche, baked until golden and caramelized, and is completely stress-free for a memorable holiday morning.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (480 ml) eggnog
  • 4 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 loaf (about 16 oz or 450 g) brioche or challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Bread (5 minutes): Cut the loaf of brioche or challah into 1-inch cubes. If your bread is fresh, spread the cubes on a baking sheet and let them sit out for an hour or two to dry out slightly. This helps them absorb the custard without turning into a total mush. If you’re in a hurry, you can toast them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10 minutes, just until they feel dry to the touch. Let them cool completely.
  2. Make the Custard (10 minutes): In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the 2 cups of eggnog, 4 large eggs, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Whisk until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is completely smooth and a uniform pale color. It should smell like the holidays.
  3. Assemble the Dish (10 minutes): Place the cubed bread into your greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread them out in an even layer. Slowly pour the eggnog custard evenly over the bread cubes. Gently press down on the bread with a spatula or your hands to make sure every piece gets a good soak. Don’t rush this step; it’s the key to that perfect, custardy interior.
  4. Add the Topping (5 minutes): In a small bowl, stir together the 2 tablespoons of melted butter, 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, and 1/4 cup of chopped pecans (if using). Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the soaked bread. This will create a beautiful, crunchy, caramelized crust.
  5. Chill (Overnight or 30 minutes): Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in the refrigerator. For the best results, let it chill for at least 4 hours, or overnight. This allows the bread to fully absorb the custard. If you’re short on time, even a 30-minute rest on the counter will help, but the overnight soak is where the magic really happens.
  6. Bake (45-55 minutes): When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the dish from the fridge and let it sit on the counter while the oven heats up (about 15 minutes). Bake uncovered for 45-55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and puffed up, and the center is set but still slightly jiggly. A knife inserted into the center should come out mostly clean. If the top is browning too quickly, you can tent it loosely with foil for the last 10-15 minutes.
  7. Rest and Serve (10 minutes): Let the baked French toast casserole rest on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before serving. This is a crucial step! It allows the custard to finish setting up, making it easier to cut and serve clean squares. Dust with powdered sugar, drizzle with warm maple syrup, and top with fresh berries. Serve warm.

Notes

Using slightly stale, dry bread is the single most important tip. Fresh, soft bread will soak up the custard and turn into a sad, soggy mess. Day-old brioche is ideal. If you only have fresh bread, cube it and let it sit out uncovered for a few hours, or give it a quick toast in the oven. This little step is the difference between a perfect casserole and a mushy one. Don’t over-bake; the center should be just set with a slight wobble. It will continue to cook from residual heat as it rests.

Nutrition

Keywords: eggnog french toast bake, christmas breakfast, overnight french toast, holiday brunch, brioche french toast, make-ahead breakfast

Find it online: https://cooksyla.com/cozy-eggnog-french-toast-bake-for-christmas-morning/