Name: Eggnog French Toast Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 loaf crusty country-style bread, sliced 1-inch thick; 1 1/2 cups eggnog, store-bought or homemade; 2 tablespoons dark rum (optional, can omit or use 2 teaspoons rum extract); 4 large eggs; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 3 to 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; Whipped cream; Maple syrup

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.

Two thick slices of golden-brown French toast are stacked on a white plate with a decorative edge. The toast is shiny with amber syrup dripping over the sides and pooling on the plate. The top slice shows a crispy texture with some darker browned spots. Behind the plate, there is a clear glass bowl filled with white whipped cream, and next to it, a clear glass mug holds dark brown coffee. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Eggnog French Toast Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Eggnog French Toast Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Eggnog French Toast Recipe

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.

The image shows two slices of toasted bread stacked slightly on a white plate with a detailed, embossed pattern. The top slice is golden brown with a rough, crispy texture, while the bottom slice looks a little darker and more cooked. Both slices have a dusting of white powdered sugar. Behind the plate are small bowls filled with bright red pomegranate seeds and a halved pomegranate with shiny, jewel-like seeds. There is also a glass of amber-colored liquid and a silver fork wrapped in a red cloth napkin on a white marbled surface. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

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.

Flat lay of a few thick slices of crusty country-style bread, a small white bowl of creamy eggnog, four whole uncracked brown eggs with clean shells, a small white bowl filled with dark golden unsalted butter chunks, a small white bowl containing ground cinnamon powder, a small white bowl with ground nutmeg, a small white bowl of clear vanilla extract, a small white bowl of smooth maple syrup, and a dollop of fresh whipped cream on a simple white ceramic plate, all arranged in perfect symmetry and natural proportions, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

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.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

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

Eggnog French Toast - Serving Suggestion

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:

Can I use store-bought eggnog for this recipe?

Yes! Store-bought eggnog works perfectly and makes this recipe super easy. Just pick your favorite brand or flavor to add a personal touch.

What’s the best bread to use for Eggnog French Toast Recipe?

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.

Can I make this Eggnog French Toast Recipe dairy-free?

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.

How do I prevent the French toast from getting soggy?

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.