Baked French Toast with Eggnog

This Baked French Toast with Eggnog is rich, custardy and spiced just right for a seasonal festive breakfast. Soft cubes of brioche soak overnight in a cozy eggnog custard, then bake until golden with caramelized brown sugar edges and a warm, spiced center.

Perfect for holiday brunches, chilly mornings or Christmas breakfast, it’s a make-ahead dish that brings big comfort with minimal effort.

Jump to:

• Why You Will Love This Eggnog French Toast Bake
• Ingredients
• Substitutions and Variations
• How to Make Baked French Toast with Eggnog
• More Breakfast Recipes You Will Love
• How to Store Eggnog French Toast Bake
• What to Serve with Eggnog French Toast Bake
• Top Tips
• Frequently Asked Questions About Eggnog French Toast Bake
• More Recipes You Will Love
• Baked French Toast with Eggnog

This eggnog French toast casserole inspired by easy breakfast recipes, like my Crispy Fluffy Pancakes, Banana French Toast Bake or Bacon Wrapped Sausages.

Why You Will Love This Eggnog French Toast Bake

• Make-Ahead Magic: Prep it the night before for the most stress-free next morning bake with this make-ahead breakfast casserole.
• Holiday Flavor: Made with real eggnog, maple syrup and warm spices like nutmeg and allspice.
• Caramelized Edges: Melted brown sugar and butter form a sticky-sweet layer on top and bottom.
• Feeds a Crowd: Great for holiday brunch tables or overnight guests.
• Easy but Elevated: Simple ingredients and method, but the result feels special and festive.

Ingredients

This baked French toast comes together with a handful of rich, seasonal ingredients found at just about any grocery store, that turn simple brioche into a cozy holiday breakfast.

See the recipe card below for the exact quantities of each ingredient.

• Brown Sugar (Light or Dark): Light brown sugar has a less molasses based flavor but use whichever you prefer.
• Brioche Bread: Soft and buttery, this is the perfect bread for soaking up all the liquids in the dish.
• Eggnog: Keep it festive by swapping milk with eggnog.
• Large Eggs: A binding ingredient for your custard mix.
• Ground Nutmeg: Gives a warm nutty flavor, with a slight sweetness.

For this make ahead recipe, you'll want to have a 9x13 baking dish, medium saucepan, large mixing bowl, measuring cups, measuring spoons, whisk and tinfoil.

Substitutions and Variations

There’s plenty of flexibility in this recipe. Here are a few easy swaps and additions to make it your own or use what you have on hand.

• Use Challah or French Bread: If brioche isn’t available, another soft bread will still soak up the custard beautifully.
• Finish with Toppings: Add crunch with chopped pecans, or sprinkle powdered or cinnamon sugar for sweetness and visual flair.
• No Eggnog?: If you can’t find eggnog yet in the stores, you can make this recipe with regular milk instead.
• Old Bread: A great way to get rid of some old bread. Slightly stale bread will absorb the egg mixture more easily.

How to Make Baked French Toast with Eggnog

This baked French toast is simple to assemble and perfect for prepping the night before. Just layer, whisk, soak and bake.

Prepare a 9x13 baking dish with non-stick spray. Set aside.

Melt brown sugar and butter over low heat. Pour half of the brown sugar mixture into baking dish and reserve the rest.

Place bread cubes in the dish, then pour remaining sugar mixture over top.

In a large bowl, whisk together eggnog, eggs, maple syrup, vanilla, ground nutmeg, sea salt, ground cinnamon and all-spice.

Pour mixture all over bread and lightly press down with a spatula to ensure all the bread is wet.

Cover with tinfoil and place in the fridge for at least 8 hours.

When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 325F.

Leaving the foil on, bake 45 minutes, then remove the foil. With the dish still in the oven, increase the temperature to 375F bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the top is golden.

Hint: Slightly dried-out brioche absorbs the custard more effectively; if time permits, leave your bread cubes out on a large sheet pan during the day and assemble in the evening.

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How to Store Eggnog French Toast Bake

While this is an amazingly delicious dish, you may manage to have leftovers. It keeps well in the fridge.

• Refrigerator: Once cooled, place in an airtight container and store for 3 to 4 days.
• Freezer: Wrap portions in plastic wrap and freeze in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Note that the texture may change slightly.
• Reheating: Bring to room temperature and reheat in the microwave or bake in the oven on low heat to warm back up.

What to Serve with Eggnog French Toast Bake

• Breakfast Recipes: Sheet pan banana pancakes, blueberry pancakes, croissant French toast.
• More Eggnog Recipes: Baileys and eggnog, Instant Pot eggnog cheesecake, eggnog martini cocktail, eggnog espresso martini or our spiked eggnog with rum.

Top Tips

A few small touches can make a big difference. These tips will help you get the best texture, flavor and finish every time.

• Don’t Skip the Overnight Soak: It gives the best texture and allows the flavors to fully absorb.
• Check Doneness: Insert a butter knife into the center, it should come out mostly clean.
• Let it Rest Before Serving: Allows the custard to set by resting the French toast bake prior to serving.
• Add Toppings Just Before Serving: A splash of maple syrup or powdered sugar finishes it off perfectly, but you can add fresh fruit for a fresh addition.

Frequently Asked Questions About Eggnog French Toast Bake

Do you have questions about eggnog French toast bake? Here are some of the most commonly asked questions.

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