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Easy Eggnog French Toast Bake for Christmas Morning

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A make-ahead eggnog French toast bake that’s perfect for Christmas morning. Rich, custardy, and topped with a buttery streusel, this dish comes together in 15 minutes of prep and bakes while you enjoy the festivities.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large loaf (about 16 ounces) brioche, challah, or French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 cups (480 ml) high-quality eggnog
  • 6 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 1/2 cup (100 grams) packed light or dark brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg, plus more for topping
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 3 tablespoons (42 grams) unsalted butter, melted, plus more for greasing the dish
  • For the streusel topping (optional):
  • 1/2 cup (60 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup (50 grams) packed brown sugar
  • 4 tablespoons (56 grams) cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup (60 grams) chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cut bread into 1-inch cubes. If fresh, spread on a baking sheet and let dry for 1-2 hours or bake at 300°F for 10 minutes.
  2. Generously butter a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  3. Spread bread cubes evenly in the prepared dish.
  4. In a large bowl, whisk eggs until frothy. Add eggnog, heavy cream, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Whisk until smooth and sugar dissolves.
  5. Pour custard evenly over bread. Gently press down to ensure all pieces are soaked.
  6. For streusel: In a small bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in nuts if using. Refrigerate until ready to use.
  7. Cover dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
  8. Next morning, preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove dish from fridge while oven heats.
  9. If using streusel, sprinkle evenly over soaked bread. Bake uncovered for 45-55 minutes, until top is golden and center is set (knife inserted comes out clean or with moist crumbs).
  10. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving. Cut into squares and serve warm with maple syrup, powdered sugar, or whipped cream.

Notes

For best texture, use day-old bread and let the dish chill overnight. If baking immediately, let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking. Full-fat eggnog is recommended for richest flavor. Streusel topping is optional but highly recommended.

Nutrition

Keywords: eggnog French toast bake, Christmas breakfast, make-ahead French toast, holiday brunch, eggnog casserole

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