Introduction
Get ready to indulge in a delightful and festive treat with this Eggnog Baked French Toast recipe. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy brunch, this dish is made with rich brioche or challah bread, soaked in a creamy eggnog custard, and baked to perfection. Topped with bourbon whipped cream and pomegranate arils, it’s a showstopper that will impress your family and friends.
Ingredients
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 loaf brioche or challah bread, sliced into 1-inch thick pieces
5 large eggs
1 1/2 cups eggnog
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 tablespoons light corn syrup
2 cups cold heavy whipping cream
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
1 tablespoon bourbon
1 tablespoon orange liqueur (such as Grand Marnier)
1/2 cup pomegranate arils (for garnish)
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
35-40 minutes
Total Time
Overnight chilling + 35-40 minutes baking
Yield
Serves 8-10
Directions
1. Prepare the Caramel Base: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the packed brown sugar and light corn syrup, stirring until the mixture is smooth and the sugar has dissolved. Pour this caramel mixture evenly into a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Arrange the Bread: Place the slices of brioche or challah bread over the caramel layer in the baking dish, arranging them in a single layer.
3. Prepare the Eggnog Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, eggnog, vanilla extract, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg until well combined.
4. Assemble and Refrigerate: Pour the eggnog mixture over the bread slices, ensuring each piece is thoroughly soaked. Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight to allow the bread to absorb the custard.
5. Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the baking dish from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
6. Prepare the Bourbon Whipped Cream: While the French toast is baking, in a chilled mixing bowl, combine the cold heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, bourbon, and orange liqueur. Whip the mixture until soft peaks form.
7. Serve: Once baked, remove the French toast from the oven and let it cool slightly. Serve warm, topped with a dollop of bourbon whipped cream and a sprinkle of pomegranate arils for garnish.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Caramel Base
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the packed brown sugar and light corn syrup, stirring until the mixture is smooth and the sugar has dissolved. Pour this caramel mixture evenly into a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Arrange the Bread
Place the slices of brioche or challah bread over the caramel layer in the baking dish, arranging them in a single layer.
Prepare the Eggnog Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, eggnog, vanilla extract, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg until well combined.
Assemble and Refrigerate
Pour the eggnog mixture over the bread slices, ensuring each piece is thoroughly soaked. Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight to allow the bread to absorb the custard.
Bake
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the baking dish from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
Prepare the Bourbon Whipped Cream
While the French toast is baking, in a chilled mixing bowl, combine the cold heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, bourbon, and orange liqueur. Whip the mixture until soft peaks form.
Serve
Once baked, remove the French toast from the oven and let it cool slightly. Serve warm, topped with a dollop of bourbon whipped cream and a sprinkle of pomegranate arils for garnish.
Notes
Caramel Preparation
Ensure the butter is fully melted before adding the brown sugar and corn syrup to achieve a smooth caramel sauce.
Overnight Soaking
Allowing the bread to soak overnight is crucial for the best texture, as it ensures that the custard is absorbed evenly.
Baking Time Adjustment
Keep an eye on the casserole towards the end of the baking time; baking times may vary depending on your oven.
Whipped Cream Variations
Feel free to adjust the bourbon and orange liqueur amounts in the whipped cream to suit your taste preferences.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs well with fresh fruits or additional spices if desired.
Cook techniques
Melting Butter
Melt unsalted butter over medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent burning. This technique creates a smooth base for the caramel.
Making Caramel
Combine melted butter with brown sugar and light corn syrup, stirring until you achieve a smooth texture. This mixture should bubble slightly as it heats, indicating that the sugar is dissolving properly.
Arranging Bread
Layer sliced brioche or challah bread evenly in a single layer over the caramel base, ensuring each piece has contact with the mixture for optimal flavor absorption.
Whisking Egg Mixture
Use a whisk to combine eggs, eggnog, vanilla extract, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg in a large bowl, ensuring all ingredients are well incorporated for a uniform custard.
Overnight Soaking
Cover the assembled dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. This soaking process allows the bread to absorb the eggnog mixture, enhancing flavor and texture.
Oven Temperature Awareness
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking. This ensures even cooking and helps achieve the desired golden crust.
Baking Uncovered
Bake the French toast uncovered to allow the top to brown and crisp up while the custard sets beneath, creating a delightful contrast in texture.
Whipping Cream
In a chilled mixing bowl, combine heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, bourbon, and orange liqueur. Whip until soft peaks form, creating a light and fluffy topping for the dish.
Garnishing
Add pomegranate arils as a garnish just before serving. This adds a pop of color and a burst of freshness to the dish.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of bread?
Yes, you can substitute brioche or challah with other types of bread like French bread or even sourdough, but the texture and flavor may vary.
How long should I bake the French toast?
Bake the French toast for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the French toast the night before and refrigerate it. Just bake it the next day for a warm breakfast.
What can I use instead of bourbon in the whipped cream?
You can replace bourbon with another type of whiskey or omit it entirely for a non-alcoholic version.
Is it necessary to use eggnog?
Eggnog provides a unique flavor, but you can substitute it with a egg custard mixture made from milk and egg for a similar result.
Conclusion
This indulgent baked French toast with eggnog and bourbon whipped cream is the perfect centerpiece for festive gatherings. The rich caramelized base combined with the spiced custard creates a delightful dish that captures the essence of the holiday season. Topped with a luscious whipped cream and garnished with fresh pomegranate arils, it transforms breakfast into a luxurious experience.
Festive Cranberry Compote
Serve the French toast with a homemade cranberry compote made from fresh cranberries cooked down with sugar and orange zest for a tart and sweet contrast.
Chocolate Drizzle
Add a drizzle of melted dark or white chocolate over the whipped cream for a decadent twist that will satisfy any chocolate lover.
Maple Syrup Infusion
Incorporate maple syrup directly into the eggnog mixture for an extra touch of sweetness and a rich maple flavor.
Nutty Topping
Sprinkle toasted pecans or walnuts on top before serving for added crunch and a nutty richness that complements the dish.
Spiced Apple Slices
Top the French toast with sautéed spiced apples simmered in butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon for a cozy autumnal touch.
Gourmet Ice Cream
For an unexpected dessert twist, serve slices of French toast warm alongside a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream.
Fruit Medley
Pair the French toast with a refreshing fruit medley, featuring seasonal fruits such as apples, pears, and citrus for a bright contrast to the rich custard.
