There’s something delightfully cozy about the flavors of the holidays in a breakfast, and that’s exactly what this Eggnog French Toast Recipe delivers. Imagine soft, custardy bread soaked in rich, spiced eggnog batter, then fried golden—pure comfort on a plate that feels special enough for any weekend morning or festive brunch.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I’ve found this Eggnog French Toast Recipe to be one of those dishes that turns an ordinary morning into something to look forward to. The flavors are rich and warmly spiced, but it’s still so simple to pull together. Plus, it’s a great way to make the most out of leftover eggnog during the holiday season—or anytime you want a little festive flair.
- Unique Flavor Boost: Using eggnog in place of milk adds a creamy, spiced richness you won’t get with your usual French toast.
- Easy Prep: Few ingredients, straightforward steps, but a luxurious result each time.
- Perfect Texture: The crusty, country-style bread soaks just right, staying soft inside with a crispy exterior.
- Customizable: Whether you like a boozy hint with rum or prefer it alcohol-free, this recipe adapts to you.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient in this Eggnog French Toast Recipe is chosen to complement the others and create that classic, comforting taste with a festive twist. Here’s why I use these specific components—and a tip or two for picking the best versions.
- Crusty Country-Style Bread: Thick slices that absorb batter well without falling apart, plus a sturdy crust to crisp up nicely.
- Eggnog: This is the star—rich, creamy, and spiced already, making the custard extra flavorful without much fuss.
- Dark Rum (optional): Adds depth and warmth. If you don’t want alcohol, rum extract is a great substitute without the kick.
- Eggs: Help thicken the custard and give that classic French toast structure.
- Ground Cinnamon & Nutmeg: Complement the eggnog’s spices and enhance that holiday vibe.
- Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the flavors adding a sweet, cozy aroma.
- Unsalted Butter: Perfect for frying—it browns nicely and lets you control the saltiness in the dish.
- Whipped Cream & Maple Syrup: Classic toppings that add sweetness and creaminess to finish your French toast perfectly.
Make It Your Way
I love shaking up this Eggnog French Toast Recipe depending on the mood and occasion. Sometimes I add a splash of brandy instead of rum, or swap my usual bread for brioche to make it even more indulgent. Don’t be afraid to make it your own!
- Boozy Variation: Adding dark rum really elevates the custard with warmth—perfect for holiday brunch but you can easily omit it for a family-friendly version.
- Different Breads: Besides crusty country bread, challah or brioche work wonders if you like your French toast extra soft and rich.
- Spice It Up: Feel free to boost the cinnamon and nutmeg if you like stronger spice notes, or add a pinch of cloves for a fragrant twist.
- Non-Dairy Option: You can make your own eggnog using coconut or almond milk for a dairy-free spin that’s still creamy and tasty.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Eggnog French Toast Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Bread and Oven
Start by slicing your bread into thick, 1-inch pieces—this thickness is key to get that soft center without it falling apart. If you have time, let the slices sit out for at least 15 minutes to dry out a bit; it helps the batter soak in evenly without the bread getting mushy. When you’re ready to cook, preheat your oven to 250°F and set a wire rack on a baking sheet inside. This setup keeps your cooked toast warm and crisp while you finish the batch.
Step 2: Mix the Eggnog Custard
In a large bowl, whisk together eggnog, eggs, dark rum (or rum extract), cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and uniform in color. This custard is where the magic happens—it’s packed with flavor and spices that make this French toast stand out.
Step 3: Soak and Fry the Bread
Dip two or three slices of bread into your custard, flipping so both sides are well coated but don’t let them soak for too long—especially if the bread is dry, about 20 seconds per side is perfect. Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt a tablespoon of unsalted butter. Place the soaked bread gently in the pan, letting excess drip off before frying. Cook each side for 2 to 3 minutes or until golden brown and crisp on the outside. As you cook, keep adding more slices to soak.
Step 4: Keep Warm and Serve
Once cooked, place your French toast slices on the wire rack in the preheated oven—this keeps them warm and prevents sogginess while you finish the rest. Serve immediately with a generous drizzle of maple syrup and a cloud of whipped cream for a breakfast that feels like a celebration.
Top Tip
After making Eggnog French Toast Recipe dozens of times, I’ve learned a few tricks to keep it from getting soggy or falling apart. These quick tips can really help you get that restaurant-quality texture at home.
- Choose the Right Bread: Always go for day-old or slightly stale bread to prevent it from disintegrating when soaked.
- Don’t Over-Soak: A quick dip is enough—too long and the bread becomes fragile and tears.
- Moderate Heat: Cooking on medium heat lets the toast brown nicely without burning before the inside cooks through.
- Keep Toast Warm in Oven: Using a wire rack in your warm oven avoids steam buildup, keeping the toast crisp.
How to Serve Eggnog French Toast Recipe
Garnishes
I personally love topping my Eggnog French Toast with a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream and a drizzle of real maple syrup—it’s a heavenly combo that amplifies the warmth and richness. Sometimes, I sprinkle a little extra cinnamon or nutmeg on top just before serving for that aromatic finish.
Side Dishes
To balance the richness, I often serve this with a fresh fruit salad—citrus and berries add a bright contrast. Crispy bacon or sausages are also fantastic if you want a savory counterpoint. And don’t forget a hot cup of coffee or spiced chai to complete the cozy vibe.
Creative Ways to Present
For holiday brunches, I like to stack the Eggnog French Toast on a festive platter garnished with fresh cranberries or pomegranate seeds. Sometimes, I dust powdered sugar over the top for a snowy look that wows my guests. It’s fun to get creative and make it feel special when entertaining.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, I recommend letting the French toast cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for up to 2 days, though it’s best enjoyed fresh. When ready to eat, you can reheat the slices to revive their texture.
Freezing
Freezing Eggnog French Toast is totally doable and a great way to prep ahead for busy mornings. Cool the slices fully, then layer parchment paper between each piece in a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep nicely for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
To keep the best texture when reheating, I pop the toast in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. This crisps up the edges while warming through, much better than microwave reheating which can make it soggy.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Yes! Store-bought eggnog works perfectly and makes this recipe super easy. Just pick your favorite brand or flavor to add a personal touch.
A crusty, dense bread like country-style, challah, or brioche works best since it soaks up the eggnog custard without falling apart. Avoid very soft or pre-sliced sandwich bread as it gets too soggy.
Yes! You can make your own dairy-free eggnog using almond, coconut, or soy milk combined with eggs and spices. Use dairy-free butter or oils for frying to keep it fully dairy-free.
Use slightly stale bread to soak up the eggnog without falling apart, avoid soaking the slices for too long, and keep the cooked French toast warm in a wire rack in the oven to maintain crispness.
Final Thoughts
This Eggnog French Toast Recipe has become my go-to cozy breakfast for winter mornings and festive occasions. Making it feels like a little celebration in the kitchen, and the result is always satisfying and delicious. I hope you give it a try and enjoy that perfect blend of creamy, spiced comfort—trust me, it will quickly become a favorite you’ll want to make again and again.
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Eggnog French Toast Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Eggnog French Toast is a delicious holiday twist on classic French toast. Featuring thick slices of crusty country-style bread soaked in a rich eggnog and spice batter, then pan-fried to a golden brown perfection. This festive breakfast treat is perfect for cozy mornings and served with maple syrup and whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Ingredients
Bread
- 1 loaf crusty country-style bread, sliced 1-inch thick
Batter
- 1 ½ cups eggnog, store-bought or homemade
- 2 tablespoons dark rum (optional, can omit or use 2 teaspoons rum extract)
- 4 large eggs
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cooking
- 3 to 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
For Serving
- Whipped cream
- Maple syrup
Instructions
- Slice the bread: Slice the loaf of bread into 1-inch thick pieces and set aside to dry out for at least 15 minutes or up to 48 hours at room temperature.
- Warm the oven: Place a metal wire rack on a rimmed baking sheet and heat the oven to 250 degrees Fahrenheit to keep the French toast warm after cooking.
- Make the batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggnog, dark rum or rum extract (if using), eggs, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and vanilla extract until well combined about uniform in color.
- Soak the bread: Dunk two to three slices of bread into the batter, flipping to coat both sides evenly. Let excess drip off before cooking.
- Fry the toast: Heat 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter in a large skillet or griddle over medium heat until melted. Place the soaked bread slices in the skillet carefully and cook for about 3 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and repeat with remaining bread, adding more butter as needed.
- Keep warm and serve: Transfer cooked French toast to the wire rack in the warm oven to keep hot. Serve immediately with whipped cream and maple syrup.
Notes
- Letting the bread dry out slightly helps it soak up the batter without becoming mushy.
- Using a sturdy crusty bread like country-style or challah works best for soaking and frying.
- Dark rum adds warmth and flavor but can be omitted or substituted with rum extract for non-alcoholic version.
- Keep cooked French toast warm in the low oven while finishing the rest.
- Use a non-stick skillet or well-seasoned pan to prevent sticking during frying.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 190 mg
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