100 minutes
A warm and comforting breakfast dish featuring bread soaked in a sweet eggnog mixture, then baked to perfection with a golden-brown, crispy crust and a soft custard center.
Day-Old Country Bread, trimmed and sliced
0 oz
Large Eggs, beaten
each
Granulated Sugar, none
cups
Heavy Cream, none
cups
Unsalted Butter, melted
tablespoons
Dark Rum, none
tablespoons
Pure Vanilla Extract, none
teaspoons
Coarse Kosher Salt, none
teaspoons
Nutmeg, freshly grated
to taste
Confectioners’ Sugar, sifted for dusting
to taste
1. Prepare Bread
Trim the crusty ends off the loaf of bread, creating a clean base for the eggnog mixture to cling to. Choose a rimmed dish or pan that's just the right size to lay your bread in later.
2. Make Eggnog Mixture
In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, heavy cream, melted butter, your choice of alcohol (dark rum), vanilla extract, and salt. Continue to whisk until the mixture is homogenous and frothy.
3. Soak the Bread
Pour the eggnog mixture over the bread, ensuring it's fully submerged. Let it soak for 30 minutes at room temperature or cover and refrigerate overnight.
4. Bake the French Toast
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spoon any excess batter back onto the bread. Bake for about one hour, until the crust is golden-brown and the center is set.
5. Finish and Serve
Remove from the oven, grate fresh nutmeg over the top, and dust with confectioners’ sugar. Serve immediately.
Opt for a sturdy, slightly stale bread like brioche, challah, or a rich sourdough. These types of bread are ideal because they absorb the eggnog custard well without disintegrating.
Allow the bread to soak in the custard overnight in the refrigerator. Overnight ensures optimal absorption and flavor development.
Enhance the custard with freshly grated nutmeg and a pinch of cinnamon for warmth and depth. A splash of vanilla extract or a dash of bourbon or rum can add complexity to the flavor profile.
Aim for 1-inch thick slices. This allows the bread to absorb the custard fully while maintaining its structural integrity.
Use a high-quality, full-fat eggnog for the richest flavor and texture. Consider making your own eggnog for less sweetness or to highlight other flavors.
Comments (0)