Our holidays are a little different each year depending on which one of us my parents are visiting. When my mother is with us she is always in charge of Christmas morning breakfast. However, this year she is visiting my sibling so I plan to make this Overnight Eggnog French Toast. I love this recipe because it is really easy for me to pull together the night before and pop in the oven on Christmas morning. There is always so much going on during the holidays I need something delicious that comes together fast!
The principle of overnight French toast is that you assemble the casserole the night before and let it soak overnight. This way the bread gets to soak up all of the egg mixture before it is baked. This is what enables it to become truly yummy and custardy. In lieu of drizzling it with tons of maple syrup I add a lovely streusel on top. It adds a little sweetness and crunch to the French toast once it is baked.
When I come down on Christmas morning, I slip this right in the oven and set the table. By the time it is finished baking the kids are awake and the house is humming. The casserole is served hot so you really don’t have to give it too much time to cool off. You can pair it with hot chocolate, juice, or a hot coffee for mom and dad. Everyone gets a nice big slice to start the day off right!
I rarely have any leftovers when I make this for my family. However, if you do, simply wrap it up and pop it in the fridge. This can easily be reheated the next day or served for dessert with whipped cream in the evening.
We hope you and your family have a wonderful and delicious holiday morning!
EGGNOG FRENCH TOAST
This recipe is our go-to on Christmas morning. There is no better way to start off with the flavor of eggnog in the morning!
Makes 8 Servings
Timing: 15 minutes, plus baking and resting.
Equipment needed: baking dish (9’’X13’’)
Ingredients
French Toast:
2 ¼ cups eggnog
1 dozen eggs
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 tbsp vanilla
1 tbsp ground cinnamon
1 stick (8 tablespoons) butter
Crumble Topping:
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
2/3 cup all-purpose flour
½ cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
Slice challah in 1/2'' slices, set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, mix one dozen eggs, vanilla, eggnog, and cinnamon - set aside
Melt the butter in a heatproof bowl and stir in the brown sugar. Pour this mixture into the bottom of a 13x9 baking dish.
Layer the sliced challah on top of brown sugar. You can shingle the bread so it takes up the entire dish.
Carefully pour your egg and milk mixture over the bread and press the bread down so it begins to soak everything up.
Place in refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Prepare the crumble topping by melting the butter in a heatproof bowl. Mix in the flour, sugar, and cinnamon until well-combined and crumbly.
Scatter the crumble topping evenly over the French toast and bake it for 30 minutes covered, and an additional 15 minutes uncovered. The French toast should be golden brown on top and puffed up.
Slice the French toast and serve!
Nikki Glekas is the owner of Nikki Glekas Events, a full-service catering and events company located in Stamford, CT. She is currently operating with COVID-safe procedures and is happy to discuss your event and catering needs with you. To discuss further please contact team@nikkiglekasevents.com or call 203.658.8659.