This Overnight Eggnog Baked French Toast makes brunch a breeze. Perfect for a festive gathering, it soaks up delicious flavors overnight, saving you time and effort the next day. Pair with crispy bacon or sausages for a memorable morning meal.
- Cuisine: American
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 8 hours 40 minutes (includes overnight refrigeration)
- Servings: 6
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No morning rush — prepare it the night before.
- Rich, festive flavors that capture the holiday spirit.
- Effortlessly scales up for large gatherings.
- Minimal active cooking time.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup butter, melted: Adds richness and a golden finish. Margarine can work as a substitute.
- 7 large eggs: Provides structure and custardy texture.
- 2 cups eggnog: Distinctive holiday flavor; use a dairy-free version if needed.
- 1 1/2 ounces rum (optional): Adds depth; omit if preferred for a non-alcoholic version.
- 1/3 cup sugar: Sweetens the custard mixture.
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg: Classic seasonal spice; enhances the eggnog flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon: Provides warmth and complexity.
- Salt: Balances and enhances the sweetness.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla: Adds aromatic depth.
- 1 French bread, cut into 1-inch slices: Soaks up the custard. Opt for day-old bread for best absorption.
- Icing sugar: For a final dusting, adding a touch of sweetness and elegance.
How to Make It
Step 1: Prepare the Custard
In a large mixing bowl, beat together eggs, eggnog, rum, sugar, nutmeg, cinnamon, salt, and vanilla until smooth. This will create a rich custard base that infuses the bread with festive flavor.
Step 2: Soak the Bread
Dip both sides of each slice of bread in the custard mixture, ensuring thorough absorption. Lay them side by side in a greased oven-proof dish. Pour over any remaining custard mix, ensuring maximum coverage for a moist, flavorful end result.
Step 3: Refrigeration
Cover the dish and refrigerate overnight. This step allows the bread to fully absorb the custard flavors, setting the stage for a perfectly baked French toast.
Step 4: Bake
Preheat your oven to 450°F. Place the dish on the bottom rack and bake for 20-25 minutes, watching closely to prevent excessive browning on the bottom. The top should be golden brown, and the custard set.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Allow the dish to cool slightly on a rack. Dust with icing sugar and serve with Canadian Maple syrup and the melted butter, adding a luxurious touch to each serving.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use a different type of bread?
While French bread is recommended for its texture and ability to soak up the custard, a sturdy loaf such as challah or brioche can also work well, providing a slightly richer flavor and softer texture.
How far in advance can I prepare this dish?
You can prepare the dish up to one day in advance. If you plan to prep ahead, ensure to refrigerate promptly to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage.
What if I don’t have rum?
No problem! Simply omit the rum or replace it with a non-alcoholic alternative like a splash of extra vanilla extract if you prefer to keep it kid-friendly.
