Eggnog Bread Pudding: 5 Irresistible Holiday Delights

If you’ve been craving a dessert that tastes like a warm hug on a chilly evening, Eggnog Bread Pudding is about to become your new holiday hero. Whether you’re juggling a busy family schedule, prepping for Christmas dinner, or simply trying to rescue that stale brioche loaf sitting on your counter (no judgment—we’ve all been there), this recipe delivers comfort, simplicity, and serious festive flavor.

And because I’m all about making cooking approachable and joyful here at Chicken Magic Recipes, this Eggnog Bread Pudding is every bit as easy as it is delicious. We’re talking pantry basics, minimal prep, and a short list of ingredients—perfect for anyone short on time but high on appetite.

So pour yourself a cup of something warm (bonus points if it’s eggnog), and let’s dive in.

Why You’ll Love This Eggnog Bread Pudding

If you ask me, Eggnog Bread Pudding is the dessert equivalent of sitting by a crackling fireplace wrapped in your coziest blanket. Here’s why it deserves a spot on your table:

• It saves stale bread — No more guilt trips about that forgotten brioche.
• The flavor is peak holiday nostalgia — Cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla… your kitchen will smell like Santa’s workshop.
• Perfect for busy cooks — You can toss this together in minutes and even prep it the night before.
• Crowd-pleasing — Whether it’s a family dinner or a potluck, this pudding never disappoints.

Honestly? This recipe has become my go-to for December gatherings. One year I served it for brunch, and my family practically licked the pan clean. Since then, it’s stayed firmly in the “must-make” rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

In true Chicken Magic fashion, this Eggnog Bread Pudding keeps things simple and satisfying.

• Bread: Brioche or challah are best—soft, buttery, and perfect for soaking up custard. You’ll need 13–14 cups of day-old cubes.
• Eggnog: The star! Use a store-bought brand you love or even homemade eggnog if you’re feeling fancy.
• Eggs: To give the custard structure.
• Sugar: Just a touch of granulated sugar for sweetness.
• Vanilla extract: Hello, cozy flavor.
• Cinnamon + nutmeg: These warming spices basically define the holiday season.
• Salt: Because every sweet needs a tiny bit of balance.
• Eggnog sauce: Optional but highly recommended. It’s like giving your pudding a plush velvet coat.

SCROLL DOWN to the recipe card below for precise ingredient measurements and complete nutritional details.

How to Make Eggnog Bread Pudding (Step-by-Step)

You’re about to see why I adore this recipe: it’s quick, simple, and nearly impossible to mess up. Even if your holiday to-do list is bursting at the seams, this dessert will slide right in without stress.

1. Mix the Custard

In a large bowl, stir together your sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Whisk in the eggs until smooth. Slowly pour in the eggnog and whisk again. It should look creamy with flecks of cinnamon—absolutely dreamy.

2. Assemble the Bread Pudding

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. (A quick spritz of baking spray makes cleanup a breeze.) Add your bread cubes to the pan and pour the custard mixture over the top. Gently toss everything together so each cube gets a moment in the spotlight.

3. Let It Rest

Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to press the bread down so it absorbs the custard. Cover with foil and let it sit for 30 minutes.
This resting period is where the magic happens—the bread relaxes, softens, and soaks up every drop of custardy goodness.

4. Bake

Remove the foil and bake at 350°F for 45–55 minutes. When the top is golden brown and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean, it’s ready to come out of the oven.

Let it cool for 20–30 minutes before serving. (I know it’s hard to wait, but your taste buds will thank you.)

Serve warm with a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of eggnog sauce, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a mountain of whipped cream. Or all of them—no judgment here.

Tips for the Best Eggnog Bread Pudding

Because every recipe deserves a sprinkle of extra love:

• Use good-quality eggnog. The flavor shines through. If you wouldn’t drink it, don’t put it in your pudding.
• Brioche > everything. Trust me. It absorbs custard like a dream.
• Don’t skip the rest period. This is the secret to avoiding dry spots.
• If the top browns too fast: Loosely cover with foil during baking.
• Want a stronger spice profile? Add an extra pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg. It’s your pudding—make it bold.

And hey, if the custard looks a little bubbly or uneven when it goes into the oven… don’t stress. It’s all part of the magic.

A Little Story From My Kitchen

The first time I made Eggnog Bread Pudding, it was actually a happy accident. I had a massive loaf of challah left over from a brunch, and my kids were begging for “something sweet.” I spotted a half-empty carton of eggnog in the fridge (you know, the one you promise you’ll finish but never do), and the rest was history.

That moment—standing in the kitchen, waiting for the pudding to bake, breathing in the cinnamon-nutmeg aroma—still makes me smile. It’s one of those recipes that just creates memories, whether you mean to or not.

FAQs About Eggnog Bread Pudding

Bringing It All Together

There’s something magical about Eggnog Bread Pudding—it’s nostalgic, comforting, and wonderfully simple. Whether you serve it as a Christmas dessert, a cozy Sunday breakfast, or a sweet treat just because, this dish brings warmth to the table and joy to the people around it.

And as someone who believes that food should bring people together, this recipe feels like a gift you give to your home. So grab that stale loaf, pour the eggnog, and let your kitchen fill with the flavors of the season.

Happy cooking, my friend—and may your holidays be as warm and sweet as this Eggnog Bread Pudding.

More Festive Favorites You’ll Love

If you’re in the mood to keep the holiday magic going, here are a few cozy, cheerful treats your family and friends will adore. Each one pairs beautifully with your Eggnog Bread Pudding and adds even more joy to your seasonal table:

• Warm up your holiday dessert spread with the ultra-comforting Christmas Eve Cinnamon Vanilla Custard Pie — perfect for custard lovers and cozy nights in.
• For something fun, colorful, and totally sharable, try these delightful Christmas Bars that always bring smiles to the table.
• Add a touch of whimsy with crunchy, kid-approved Reindeer Food — a playful treat that disappears faster than holiday cookies.
• And if you want a sweet snack that your guests won’t stop talking about, whip up a batch of Christmas Crack Recipe — it’s irresistibly addictive in the best way.

These festive recipes are the perfect next stop on your holiday cooking adventure. Enjoy every delicious moment!

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