As we approach this winter’s festivities, many people are carefully planning their holiday menus and searching for new ways to please families and friends. 
 
Panera Bread has designed a recipe that will delight breakfast eaters of all ages, called Overnight Eggnog French Toast. This tasty recipe is assembled the night before, so the only work to do on a busy holiday morning is to bake it. Featuring eggnog, cinnamon and nutmeg, this recipe is a great addition for holiday meals. It also is highlighted in The Panera Bread Cookbook, which is for sale now in limited quantities at local Panera Bread bakery cafes and is sure to make a great stocking stuffer or gift idea.

Overnight Eggnog French Toast

Serves 6-8

4 cups eggnog
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½  teaspoon ground nutmeg
½  teaspoon vanilla extract
16 slices Sourdough Bread, ½ inch thick
4 tablespoons ( ½ stick) unsalted butter, melted
Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Fresh fruit or fruit compote (optional)

Whisk together eggnog, eggs, cinnamon, nutmeg and vanilla extract in a large bowl. Arrange the bread slices in a single layer in two 9X13-inch glass or ceramic baking pans. Pour the eggnog mixture over the bread to cover all slices equally. Cover with foil and refrigerate at least 6 hours or overnight.

Preheat oven to 450°F. Brush two large rimmed baking sheets with the butter. Carefully transfer the bread slices to the baking sheets using a spatula. Brush the tops of the bread with the remaining melted butter. Bake the bread for 10 minutes, or until lightly golden on one side. Flip the slices and bake until golden brown and crisp on the outside, about 6 minutes more. Serve with a dusting of confectioners’ sugar and top with fresh fruit, fruit compote, or your favorite syrup or preserve.