Magical Overnight Eggnog French Toast Bake for Christmas

Christmas morning in our house isn’t complete without the sweet, spiced aroma of my Overnight Eggnog French Toast Bake wafting through the kitchen. I can still remember the first time I made this for my family – my husband took one bite and declared it our new holiday tradition. The best part? You prep it the night before while wrapping presents or sipping cocoa, then just pop it in the oven Christmas morning while the kids open stockings.

This isn’t your average French toast. The rich custard made with real eggnog (none of that light stuff) gives it incredible depth of flavor, while the nutmeg and cinnamon make your whole house smell like holiday cheer. Trust me, your guests will think you slaved over this fancy breakfast – but our little secret is how effortless it really is.

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Why You’ll Love This Overnight Eggnog French Toast Bake

This recipe is my holiday morning lifesaver, and here’s why you’ll adore it too:

• Prep it and forget it – Mix everything the night before (perfect for busy holidays)
• Rich, festive flavors – Real eggnog makes it taste like Christmas in every bite
• Feeds a crowd – No cooking batches at the stove while guests wait
• Golden, custardy perfection – The bread soaks up all that eggnog goodness
• Makes the house smell amazing – Cinnamon and nutmeg will have everyone gathering in the kitchen

Trust me, this will become your new holiday tradition – just like it did for my family.

Ingredients for Overnight Eggnog French Toast Bake

Here’s what you’ll need for that perfect holiday breakfast (and yes, every single ingredient matters):

• 6 cups French bread – cubed (day-old is best – trust me, fresh bread gets mushy)
• 4 large eggs – the richer, the better
• 2 cups eggnog – go for the full-fat version, it makes all the difference
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar – just enough sweetness to balance the spices
• 1 tsp vanilla extract – the real stuff, not imitation
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg – plus extra for dusting if you’re feeling fancy
• 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon – my secret is using Vietnamese cinnamon for extra warmth
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter – melted, for that golden top
• Powdered sugar – for that beautiful snowy finish

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

Here’s my cheat sheet for when you need to improvise:

Out of eggnog? Mix 2 cups whole milk with 2 tsp vanilla and extra nutmeg. Dairy-free? Almond milk eggnog works surprisingly well. Want deeper flavor? Swap white sugar for dark brown sugar. Not a nutmeg fan? Reduce to 1/4 tsp – but don’t skip it completely, it’s part of the magic. And if you forgot to buy French bread, challah or brioche make delicious alternatives.

How to Make Overnight Eggnog French Toast Bake

Here’s my foolproof method for creating the most magical holiday breakfast – it’s so simple, you’ll wonder why you ever made French toast the old-fashioned way.

Step 1: Prepare the Bread Mixture

First, grab your favorite 9×13-inch baking dish (I use my grandmother’s vintage Pyrex) and give it a good buttering – don’t skip this or you’ll regret it later. Spread your bread cubes evenly in the dish – no need to be perfect, but try to avoid big gaps. Now, whisk together those eggs, eggnog, sugar, and spices until it’s silky smooth. Here’s my trick: pour the mixture slowly over the bread while gently pressing down with a spatula. You want every cube to get soaked, but don’t go crazy or you’ll end up with soggy bread pudding instead of perfect French toast bake.

Step 2: Bake to Perfection

After its overnight beauty sleep in the fridge, take your baking dish out while the oven preheats to 350°F – this 30-minute rest helps it bake evenly. Drizzle that melted butter over the top (this is what gives it that gorgeous golden crust). Bake for 40-45 minutes – you’ll know it’s done when the edges are crispy and the center springs back when lightly pressed. If it starts browning too fast, just tent it with foil. The smell will have your whole family gathered in the kitchen before you can say “Merry Christmas”

Tips for the Best Overnight Eggnog French Toast Bake

After making this for years, I’ve learned all the tricks for perfect results every time:

• Chill it right – At least 8 hours (but no more than 24) lets the bread soak up all that eggnog goodness
• Use sturdy bread – Day-old French bread or challah holds up best – fresh bread turns to mush
• Press down gently – After pouring the custard, I give the bread a light pat-down to ensure even soaking
• Check your oven – Mine runs hot, so I start checking at 35 minutes – every oven is different.
• Let it rest – 5 minutes out of the oven lets it set up perfectly for slicing

Follow these tips and you’ll get that magical custardy center with a lightly crisp top every single time.

Serving Suggestions for Overnight Eggnog French Toast Bake

Oh, the fun part – dressing up this already amazing dish. I love dusting mine with powdered sugar (it looks like fresh snow) and serving with warm maple syrup on the side. For special occasions, I’ll add a dollop of whipped cream and fresh raspberries – the tartness cuts through the richness perfectly. At our holiday brunch, I’ll arrange it next to crispy bacon, mimosas, and a fruit salad for the ultimate festive spread. Pro tip: Let everyone drizzle their own syrup so the French toast stays gloriously crisp.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Leftovers? No problem – this French toast bake keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just cover it tightly with foil. When you’re ready for round two, I recommend reheating slices in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes to bring back that perfect crispness. The microwave works in a pinch, but trust me, the oven method keeps the texture just right.

Nutritional Information

Here’s the scoop on what’s in each delicious serving (but remember – nutrition varies based on your specific ingredients): Each slice has about 280 calories, 12g fat, and that wonderful holiday spirit we can’t measure. Keep in mind these are estimates – your results might differ slightly based on the eggnog brand or bread type you use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Share Your Holiday Breakfast Creations

I’d love to see your festive twist on my Overnight Eggnog French Toast Bake. Snap a pic and tag me – nothing makes me happier than seeing your holiday breakfast spreads. Don’t forget to rate the recipe below if you loved it as much as we do. You can also follow us on Facebook for more delicious recipes.

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