There’s something magical about waking up on a chilly December morning and catching that first whiff of cinnamon, nutmeg, and sweet, creamy eggnog drifting from the kitchen. The lights twinkle on the tree, carols hum softly in the background, and the house feels wrapped in warmth and anticipation. That’s the essence of my family’s favorite holiday dish—Eggnog Sourdough French Toast Bake.

Eggnog Sourdough French Toast Bake | Cozy Overnight Holiday Breakfast

The tradition started a few years ago when I wanted to serve something festive and comforting without spending the entire morning standing over the stove. Regular French toast was always a hit, but it meant batch after batch, keeping some warm while others cooled. Then came the idea: what if I turned that classic into a rich, custardy Eggnog French Toast casserole that could soak overnight and bake to golden perfection in the morning?

From that very first bite—crispy edges, pillowy center, and the unmistakable holiday flavor of eggnog—it became an instant favorite. Now, every Christmas Eve, I whisk together the creamy eggnog custard, pour it over cubes of tangy sourdough, and tuck it into the fridge. By morning, the bread has absorbed every bit of holiday magic, ready to pop straight into the oven while the coffee brews and gifts are still waiting to be unwrapped.

There’s pure joy in watching the family gather around the table, plates steaming, syrup pouring, and laughter filling the air. This Overnight French Toast has become more than just breakfast—it’s part of the tradition, a cozy and heartwarming start to our favorite season.

Why This Overnight French Toast Bake Is Perfect for Christmas Brunch

The holidays have a way of filling up fast—shopping, decorating, wrapping, hosting. By the time Christmas morning arrives, most of us crave something simple yet special to serve our loved ones. That’s where this Eggnog French Toast Casserole shines. It captures all the nostalgic flavors of the season with minimal effort, making it a true lifesaver for busy holiday mornings.

Just imagine slicing into layers of buttery sourdough soaked in a velvety eggnog custard, each bite infused with hints of cinnamon and nutmeg. As it bakes, the kitchen fills with that irresistible aroma—warm spice, toasted bread, and creamy sweetness all mingling together. The texture is pure perfection: crisp on top, soft and custardy inside. It’s everything you want from a Baked Eggnog French Toast, without the last-minute fuss.

The best part? You can prepare the entire dish the night before. Simply assemble, cover, and refrigerate. On Christmas morning, slide it into the oven and let the magic happen while you enjoy the quiet excitement of the day. Served with a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of warm maple syrup, or a spoonful of whipped cream, it feels indulgent yet timeless—a Holiday Breakfast that feels straight out of a storybook.

Whether you’re hosting brunch, feeding a crowd, or just treating your family to something extra cozy, this Eggnog Sourdough French Toast Bake is more than a recipe. It’s an experience—one that makes every Christmas morning a little brighter, warmer, and far more delicious.

The Recipe Details – Ingredients, Tools & Prep Steps

Ingredients for the Creamy Eggnog Custard and Sourdough Base

A big part of what makes this Eggnog Sourdough French Toast Bake so irresistible is the balance between a chewy, structured bread and a velvety eggnog custard. Below is a handy table outlining everything you’ll need to create your own holiday masterpiece.

Ingredient	Amount	Purpose & Notes
Day-old sourdough bread	1 loaf (about 14–16 oz)	Provides hearty texture and structure, perfect for holding the custard.
Eggnog	2 cups	The heart of the recipe—rich, creamy, and laced with holiday spice. Use high-quality or homemade for best flavor.
Whole milk	½ cup	Lightens the custard while keeping it smooth.
Large eggs	6	Give structure and silkiness to the baked custard.
Granulated sugar	¼ cup	Adds balanced sweetness without overpowering.
Pure vanilla extract	1 tsp	Enhances the warmth of the eggnog and spices.
Ground cinnamon	1 tsp	A cozy holiday spice that boosts aroma.
Ground nutmeg	½ tsp	Echoes the eggnog’s signature flavor.
Salted butter	2 tbsp, melted	Adds golden richness and helps crisp the top layer.
Optional: bourbon or rum	1–2 tbsp	For a festive twist (omit for non-alcoholic option).
Optional toppings	To taste	Powdered sugar, maple syrup, whipped cream, or fresh berries for extra indulgence.

When choosing eggnog, aim for one that tastes rich and buttery, with a smooth mouthfeel—this will be the custard’s backbone. Homemade eggnog or small-batch versions often have a fresher, creamier profile that shines in baked desserts. The sourdough holds up beautifully under the custard, ensuring your Baked Eggnog French Toast comes out soft on the inside with crisp, caramelized peaks.

Step-by-Step Method: Making Your Eggnog Overnight French Toast Bake

Prepare the Bread Base: Slice or cube day-old sourdough into 1–1.5-inch pieces. Lightly butter a 9×13-inch baking dish and layer half the bread across the bottom.
Whisk Together the Eggnog Custard: In a large bowl, whisk eggs, eggnog, milk, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and melted butter until smooth. Add optional bourbon or rum for extra holiday depth.
Assemble the Casserole: Pour half of the custard over the first bread layer. Add remaining cubes and pour the rest on top, pressing gently to soak evenly.
Soak Overnight: Cover tightly and refrigerate at least 6 hours. Overnight soaking lets every piece absorb the spiced eggnog custard completely.
Bake to Golden Perfection: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bring casserole to room temp for 30 minutes, then bake uncovered for 45–55 minutes until puffed and golden. If browning too quickly, tent with foil.
Add Toppings & Serve: Rest 10 minutes before slicing. Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with maple syrup and top with fruit or whipped cream.

Your kitchen will smell like pure Christmas cheer—cinnamon, eggnog, and butter blending together. Every bite delivers a dreamy mix of textures: soft custard below, golden crisp edges above.

Pro Tip: For a crowd, double the recipe and bake two pans. You can serve one hot while the second stays warm in the oven, ensuring everyone gets a fresh serving of this Holiday Breakfast classic.

Tips, Tricks & Flavor Variations

Secrets for the Best Texture and Flavor in Eggnog Sourdough French Toast

When crafting the ultimate Eggnog Sourdough French Toast Bake, details matter. The right bread, soaking time, and baking technique each contribute to that ideal blend of crisp and creamy holiday perfection.

Use Day-Old Bread: Slightly stale sourdough absorbs custard beautifully without falling apart. If yours is fresh, let cubes sit out or toast briefly before assembly.
Let It Soak Overnight: Extended soaking means even flavor and a tender, pudding-like texture that defines a true Overnight French Toast Bake.
Bake Until Just Set: Bake until golden and gently puffed, but still with a touch of jiggle. Overbaking leads to dryness; underbaking, sogginess.
Infuse Aroma: Sprinkle extra cinnamon or nutmeg on top before baking for that holiday scent. A butter–brown sugar drizzle adds a delicate caramelized crust.
Balance Sweetness: Because eggnog is naturally sweet, limit added sugar and focus on spices and vanilla for richness without heaviness.

Variations to Try for Your Own Holiday Breakfast Twist

Festive Flavor Swaps: Add bourbon, extra vanilla, or fold in cranberries or chopped apples for a bright, seasonal touch. Toasted nuts add a pleasant crunch.
Make It Dairy-Free or Gluten-Free: Use coconut or oat-based eggnog for a dairy-free version, or substitute gluten-free loaf for those avoiding wheat.
Adjust Sweetness: Reduce sugar if serving with syrup, or drizzle caramel before baking for an ultra-indulgent dessert breakfast.
Add Streusel Topping: Combine brown sugar, melted butter, flour, and cinnamon for a crumbly crust worthy of a bakery showcase.
Mini Muffin Bakes: Scoop mixture into muffin tins for individual Baked Eggnog French Toast cups—perfect for brunch buffets or gifts.

No matter which direction you take, each version keeps the heart of the recipe alive—simple, make-ahead comfort with unmistakable holiday warmth.

Frequently Asked Questions about Eggnog French Toast Bake

How long can you store leftovers?
Refrigerate leftovers up to 3–4 days in an airtight container. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or larger ones in a 325°F oven until hot.

Can you make this Overnight French Toast without eggnog?
Yes. Replace eggnog with a mix of milk and heavy cream, add a bit of vanilla and nutmeg, and you’ll have the same cozy flavor all year.

What’s the best bread to use?
Sourdough offers structure and tang, but challah, brioche, or French bread all work beautifully—just avoid very soft sandwich loaves.

Can it be frozen and reheated?
You can freeze before or after baking—just wrap tightly. Thaw overnight and reheat or bake as usual for a convenient make-ahead treat.

How do I prevent sogginess?
Use sturdy, day-old bread, ensure a full bake, and let rest before cutting. These steps deliver that perfect creamy-soft interior without sogginess.

A Cozy Conclusion: Making Holiday Mornings Brighter

When all is said and done, this Eggnog Sourdough French Toast Bake captures the true essence of the holidays—warmth, comfort, and effortless joy. It’s more than a meal; it’s a moment shared with loved ones, the scent of cinnamon filling the kitchen as snow falls outside.

With its golden crust, creamy middle, and festive spice, this Overnight French Toast Bake transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary. It invites connection, conversation, and that feeling of cozy satisfaction that defines the season.

Make it once, and it’s sure to become a yearly ritual—a Holiday Breakfast tradition that fills hearts as much as plates. So mix, bake, and enjoy the comfort of a Eggnog French Toast Casserole that makes every winter morning glow a little brighter.