Name: Eggnog French Toast Bake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: PT-490804H28M30S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter; 1 cup packed brown sugar; 2 tablespoons maple syrup; 1 loaf French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes; Cinnamon, to taste; Nutmeg, to taste; 8 eggs; 2 cups prepared eggnog; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

If you’re looking for a cozy, crowd-pleasing breakfast to make during the holidays (or any chilly morning, really!) you’ve got to try this Eggnog French Toast Bake Recipe. It’s that perfect balance of custardy, sweet, and warmly spiced flavors soaked into tender pieces of French bread — and the best part? You prep it the night before so it’s ready to bake first thing in the morning. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll be your new go-to Christmas morning delight.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Make-Ahead Convenience: The overnight soak frees up your morning and makes breakfast effortless.
Rich Holiday Flavors: Eggnog, cinnamon, and nutmeg bring that festive vibe you crave in winter.
Crowd-Pleaser: It’s perfect for feeding a group, and everyone always asks for seconds.
Simple Ingredients: You likely have everything in your pantry or fridge already.

A close-up of a white plate with a single slice of bread pudding. The bread pudding has a thick base layer that is soft yellow and creamy, topped with a chunkier, golden-brown toasted bread layer with a rough texture. Scattered on and around the bread pudding slice are fresh red raspberries and deep blue blueberries that add bright, fresh color. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with a red cloth blurred in the background, giving a cozy feeling. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Eggnog French Toast Bake, Holiday Eggnog Breakfast, Christmas French Toast, Festive Breakfast Recipes, Make-Ahead Eggnog casserole

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Eggnog French Toast Bake Recipe works together to create that classic French toast flavor, dialed up with festive spices and the creaminess of eggnog. Using a sturdy French bread helps soak up the custard without turning soggy, and a good quality eggnog really makes a difference here.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of melted golden butter, a small pile of packed brown sugar, a small white ceramic bowl of amber maple syrup, a loaf of French bread cut into 1-inch cubes, a small white ceramic bowl of ground cinnamon, a small white ceramic bowl of ground nutmeg, eight whole uncracked brown eggs, a small white ceramic bowl filled with creamy prepared eggnog, a small white ceramic bowl containing clear vanilla extract, all arranged with perfect symmetry and realistic proportions, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Eggnog French Toast Bake, Holiday Eggnog Breakfast, Christmas French Toast, Festive Breakfast Recipes, Make-Ahead Eggnog casserole

Butter: I always use real butter to melt with the brown sugar for that rich, caramel-like base layer.
Brown sugar: Adds a lovely molasses note that pairs perfectly with maple syrup.
Maple syrup: Use pure maple syrup for the best depth of sweetness and flavor.
French bread: Choose a sturdy loaf, preferably a day or two old — it soaks up the custard without falling apart.
Cinnamon: This spice brings warmth and that unmistakable holiday feel.
Nutmeg: Just a pinch enhances the eggnog flavor beautifully.
Eggs: Eggs are the magic that sets the custard, so don’t skimp on freshness.
Prepared eggnog: The star ingredient—adds creaminess and classic seasonal flavor.
Vanilla extract: A splash lifts and rounds out the custard’s flavor.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love making this Eggnog French Toast Bake Recipe my own depending on what I have on hand or extra flavors I want to introduce. It’s such a flexible recipe and really, any tweaks just add fun twists.

Add-ins: Sometimes I toss in dried cranberries or chopped pecans for a nice texture contrast. The family goes crazy for the crunch!
Non-dairy substitute: I’ve made this with almond milk eggnog when someone in the family preferred dairy-free, and it worked beautifully.
Spice it up: Try a splash of rum extract or sprinkle some ground cloves for an elevated warming spice profile.
Sweet topping: Instead of straight maple syrup on top, I’ve drizzled caramel sauce or dolloped a bit of whipped cream for extra indulgence.

How to Make Eggnog French Toast Bake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the caramel base and bread

Start by greasing your baking dish well—use butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking. Then melt the butter on medium heat and stir in the brown sugar and maple syrup. Once it comes to a boil, pull it off the heat and pour that sticky, sweet mixture into the bottom of your pan. Next, scatter your cubed French bread evenly over the top. Don’t rush through this part—the brown sugar base caramelizes beautifully and adds a subtle crunch later, so be gentle when layering the bread.

Step 2: Spice it up and whisk the custard

Sprinkle cinnamon and nutmeg over the bread cubes—not too heavy, just enough to get those warm holiday smells going. Now grab a big bowl and whisk together the eggs, eggnog, and vanilla extract until smooth. Pour this custard evenly over the bread cubes and press down lightly to help the bread soak up all that goodness. This soaking is key—it transforms the bread into custardy heaven.

Step 3: Chill overnight

Cover your baking dish tightly with foil and pop it in the fridge overnight—or at least 8 hours. I discovered this trick years ago, and it totally changes the texture for the better. The bread soaks in all that eggnog custard, and when baked, it comes out perfectly tender but holds its shape.

Step 4: Bake until golden and bubbly

The next morning, take the casserole out of the fridge while you preheat the oven to 325°F. Bake it covered with foil for about 40 minutes. Then crank the heat up to 375°F, remove the foil, and bake another 5 to 10 minutes until the top is golden and puffy, and a knife inserted in the middle comes out clean. I like to watch carefully here—over-baking can dry it out, but under-baking leaves it too wet. This two-step bake ensures it’s just right every time.

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Pro Tips for Making Eggnog French Toast Bake Recipe

Use Day-Old Bread: Fresher bread won’t absorb the custard as well, so I always go for day-old or slightly stale French bread.
Don’t Skip the Overnight Soak: I learned the hard way—letting it soak overnight makes all the difference in texture and flavor infusion.
Cover While Baking: Keeping it covered for most of the baking locks in moisture, then uncovering crisps up the top perfectly.
Watch the Final Minutes Closely: The last 5–10 minutes can go from perfect to dry, so keep an eye and pull it out when golden and set.

How to Serve Eggnog French Toast Bake Recipe

A square slice of golden brown baked bread pudding sits on a white plate with a thin gold rim, showing a soft, custard-soaked texture inside and a lightly crisp top layer. The bread pudding is topped and surrounded by bright red raspberries and deep blue blueberries that add pops of color and freshness. In the background, there is a clear glass baking dish holding the remaining pudding, also golden and studded with berries. The whole scene is set on a white marbled surface with a blurred green pine branch for a cozy feel. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Eggnog French Toast Bake, Holiday Eggnog Breakfast, Christmas French Toast, Festive Breakfast Recipes, Make-Ahead Eggnog casserole

Garnishes

I’m a fan of keeping it simple and letting the bake shine—some powdered sugar dusted on top or a drizzle of warm maple syrup is all I need. But for special occasions, fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream really elevate it. I once added candied pecans on top, and it was a total hit with my guests!

Side Dishes

I usually pair this with crispy bacon or sausage links for a salty contrast, and sometimes fresh fruit salad to lighten things up. A cup of strong coffee or a spiced hot cocoa on the side makes it feel extra cozy too.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday brunches, I like to bake this in individual ramekins so everyone gets their own perfectly portioned serving. Another idea is to plate it with a sprig of fresh rosemary and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar — it looks so festive and inviting on the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers store nicely covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. I keep mine in an airtight container or simply cover the dish tightly with foil. The texture softens a bit, but it still reheats well.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this bake successfully by wrapping it tightly in plastic before foil and storing in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed. It’s a great way to prep ahead for hectic holiday mornings.

Reheating

To reheat, cover the bake with foil and warm it in a 350°F oven for about 15–20 minutes until heated through. Removing the foil for the last 5 minutes crisps the top back up nicely, so it tastes almost freshly baked.

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of eggnog in this Eggnog French Toast Bake Recipe?

Absolutely! Though using eggnog adds that signature sweetness and spice, you can substitute regular milk mixed with a bit of vanilla and a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg to approximate the flavor. Keep in mind the unique richness will be a bit less pronounced.
How far ahead can I assemble the Eggnog French Toast Bake Recipe?

This casserole works best when soaked overnight, ideally 8 to 12 hours in the fridge. You can prepare it up to 24 hours in advance if needed, but I wouldn’t recommend longer than that to keep the texture optimal and fresh.
What kind of bread works best for this recipe?

Day-old French bread or a sturdy brioche loaf are both excellent choices. They hold up well during soaking and baking without turning mushy. Avoid very soft sandwich bread as it can get too soggy.
Can I make mini Eggnog French Toast bakes for individual servings?

Yes, using ramekins or a muffin tin is a fun way to make individual portions. Just adjust baking times slightly—mini bakes will cook faster, usually around 20 to 25 minutes covered, then a few minutes uncovered to brown the tops.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Eggnog French Toast Bake Recipe turns a simple breakfast into a festive celebration without any extra stress. The night-before prep, the dreamy custard soaked bread, and that cozy holiday flavor combo always make mornings feel special around my house. I hope you’ll enjoy making it your own and sharing it with your favorite people—I promise it’s as comforting and delicious as it sounds.