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Easy Lightened-Up Eggnog French Toast Bake Recipe

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A quick and easy eggnog French toast bake that’s perfect for holiday mornings. Made with simple ingredients, this lightened-up version is custardy on the inside with crispy edges and a warm, spiced flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 loaf (about 12 ounces) day-old brioche or challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 6 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 cups eggnog
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter or coconut oil
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar or coconut sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
  2. Cut the bread into 1-inch cubes. If bread is very fresh, spread cubes on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for 5 minutes while it preheats. Let cool.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, eggnog, maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth and well combined.
  4. Place the bread cubes in the greased baking dish in an even layer.
  5. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread. Use a spatula to gently press down on the bread cubes, ensuring every piece gets coated.
  6. Let the dish sit for 10-15 minutes at room temperature to allow the bread to soak up the custard.
  7. While the bread soaks, make the topping: In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until it forms a thick paste. Set aside.
  8. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
  9. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle the topping mixture over the top in small clumps.
  10. Bake uncovered for another 15-20 minutes, until the top is golden brown and slightly crispy and the center is set but still slightly jiggly.
  11. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

For best texture, use day-old bread. If using fresh bread, toast cubes briefly in the oven. The soaking time is crucial—do not skip. Watch the edges; if they brown too quickly, tent with foil. Use room temperature eggs for a smoother custard. Leftovers keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and freeze well for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: eggnog french toast bake, lightened-up french toast, holiday breakfast, easy french toast casserole, eggnog breakfast

Find it online: https://dinadinnertable.com/easy-lightened-up-eggnog-french-toast-bake-recipe/