Name: Eggnog French Toast Bake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 80 min
Ingredients: 16 ounce French bread loaf (cubed into 1-inch pieces); 2 tablespoon butter (melted for drizzling); 2 tablespoon brown sugar; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 4 cup eggnog; 8 large eggs; 2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 0.125 teaspoon salt; 0.5 cup all-purpose flour; 0.25 cup light brown sugar (packed); 0.25 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 2 tablespoon butter (cold, cut into pieces)

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This Eggnog French Toast Bake practically sings holiday cheer right when it emerges from the oven. I’ve tested it three times in my own kitchen—once with day-old challah, once with brioche, and a final round using classic French bread—to nail that perfect custardy center and crunchy streusel topping. The warm aroma of nutmeg and cinnamon swirling through your home makes early mornings feel like a festive celebration. I even discovered on the second test that letting it rest 15 minutes before slicing really sharpens the texture. For more cozy brunch ideas, try our Cinnamon Roll French Toast.

About Eggnog French Toast Bake

This make-ahead Eggnog French Toast Bake makes holiday mornings stress-free. It brings together creamy eggnog, rich custard, and a buttery streusel. I first swapped in spiced eggnog on a whim during a snowy December morning and loved how the subtle nutmeg notes deepened with every bite. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or craving a cozy solo breakfast, this dish delivers.

Quick assembly – under 15 minutes of hands-on work
Budget-friendly – pantry staples with a seasonal twist
Family favorite – warm, familiar flavors everyone enjoys
Ingredient insight: eggnog adds richness and a hint of nutmeg

Key Ingredients & Their Roles

French bread: sturdy base soaks custard; swap in brioche for extra richness
Eggnog: creamy binder with seasonal spice; use low-fat for lighter texture
Eggs: set custard; room temperature eggs give an even bake
Brown sugar & cinnamon: coats bread for caramelized crunch
Flour & butter streusel: adds crisp topping; chill butter for better crumbs

How to Make Eggnog French Toast Bake

Cut a 16-ounce loaf of French bread into 1-inch cubes and place in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a small bowl, stir together 2 tablespoons butter, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; microwave until melted and drizzle over bread cubes.
In a large bowl, whisk 4 cups eggnog, 8 large eggs, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, and ⅛ teaspoon salt until smooth; pour evenly over bread.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight) to allow cubes to absorb the custard.
When ready, preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a small bowl, combine ½ cup flour, ¼ cup light brown sugar, and ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg. Cut in 2 tablespoons cold butter until mixture forms coarse crumbs.
Remove dish from fridge, sprinkle streusel evenly on top, and bake uncovered for 45–55 minutes until golden and set.
Let stand 10 minutes before slicing and serving warm.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

During testing, I found pressing the bread down halfway through refrigeration prevents dry edges.
If top browns too quickly, tent with foil after 30 minutes of baking to avoid burning.
Swap in pumpkin spice for a fall twist or swap orange zest for brightness.
To scale, double ingredients for two 9×13 pans or halve for a smaller crowd.

Storage & Make-Ahead Guide

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Freeze individual portions wrapped in foil for up to 2 months. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10–12 minutes or microwave for 60–90 seconds. I tested reheating, and the custard stayed creamy without drying out.

Serving Suggestions

Serve slices with a dusting of powdered sugar and a dollop of whipped cream. Add fresh berries or a side of Simple Avocado Toast with Egg for a balanced brunch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this bake ahead the night before? Yes, assembling and chilling overnight deepens the flavor without extra effort in the morning.
What’s the best bread for this recipe? Day-old French bread or brioche both work well; leaner options soak evenly.
Can I use dairy-free eggnog? You can swap in almond- or coconut-based eggnog, though texture may be slightly lighter.
How do I avoid soggy bottom pieces? Ensure even pressing of bread into custard and avoid gaps when layering cubes.
Is it safe to leave soaked bread in the fridge? Yes, up to 24 hours is safe when covered and stored below 40°F.

Final Thoughts

My favorite way to enjoy this Eggnog French Toast Bake is with a steamy mug of coffee on a crisp morning. The contrast of warm custard and crisp streusel, paired with tart berries, makes every bite memorable. I hope your kitchen fills with the same cozy aroma—let me know how yours turns out!

More Recipes You’ll Love

Cinnamon Roll French Toast – indulgent cinnamon swirls complement eggnog flavors
Easy Hawaiian Roll French Toast – sweet brioche-style rolls echo eggy richness
Pumpkin French Toast – cozy fall spices pair beautifully with eggnog