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, for serving; Maple syrup, for serving

There’s something incredibly cozy about this time of year, and nothing says festive mornings quite like my favorite Eggnog French Toast Recipe. Imagine golden, custardy slices soaked in rich eggnog, warmly spiced, and pan-fried to perfection. Trust me, it turns an ordinary breakfast into a special occasion treat everyone will talk about.

Two thick slices of golden brown French toast are stacked on a white plate with a lace-like texture. The top slice is shiny with syrup that drips down the sides and pools at the bottom, creating a wet, glistening look. Behind the plate, there is a clear glass bowl filled with white, fluffy whipped cream and a clear glass mug filled with dark syrupy liquid, all set on 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

This Eggnog French Toast Recipe is one of those classic holiday breakfasts that always brings people together. It’s rich without being over-the-top, and the hint of rum (if you choose to add it) adds a lovely warmth that’s just perfect for chilly winter mornings.

Festive Flavor Boost: Using eggnog instead of regular milk takes ordinary French toast to the next level with creamy holiday spice notes.
Customizable Richness: You can add a splash of rum for adults or omit for a kid-friendly version that’s just as delicious.
Great Texture: Thick slices of crusty country bread soak up the batter beautifully without falling apart — that’s the secret to perfect French toast.
Make-Ahead Ease: You can slice your bread ahead of time and let it dry out — it soaks the batter better and makes prep super simple.

The image shows three pieces of golden brown French toast stacked on a white plate with a delicate embossed pattern. The top two layers are thick slices of bread with a crispy crust and a soft, slightly bumpy texture on the sides, while the bottom layer looks thinner and has a more uneven, lightly browned surface. The toast is lightly dusted with fine white powdered sugar. In the background, there is a small white bowl filled with bright red pomegranate seeds and a glass of amber-colored syrup. The setting is on a white marbled surface with a red folded napkin and silver fork off to the side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This combination of ingredients creates the perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and richness without being cloying. Plus, most ingredients are likely already in your fridge or pantry this season, which makes this recipe that much easier to pull off.

Flat lay of a few thick slices of crusty country-style bread, a small white bowl of creamy eggnog, four whole uncracked brown eggs, a small white bowl of dark amber rum, a small white bowl of ground cinnamon, a small white bowl of ground nutmeg, a small white bowl of clear vanilla extract, a few tablespoons of unsalted butter in a simple white ceramic dish, a small white bowl of fluffy whipped cream, a small white bowl of golden maple syrup, all arranged with perfect symmetry and balanced 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

Country-Style Bread: Thick slices hold up well when soaked; avoid super soft sandwich bread to prevent sogginess.
Eggnog: This brings the festive, creamy flavor; homemade or store-bought both work beautifully.
Dark Rum (Optional): Adds warmth and depth; if you prefer no alcohol, rum extract or skipping it works fine.
Eggs: The protein binds the batter and gives the French toast its custard-like texture.
Ground Cinnamon and Nutmeg: Classic spices give that nostalgic holiday warmth.
Vanilla Extract: Elevates the sweetness and pairs perfectly with eggnog.
Unsalted Butter: For frying — brings richness without overpowering the batter flavors.
Whipped Cream and Maple Syrup: Optional but highly recommended toppings for serving.

📝

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 tweaking this Eggnog French Toast Recipe depending on the occasion. Sometimes I throw in a handful of chopped pecans into the batter for extra crunch, or top it with fresh berries to brighten things up on a chilly day.

Rum-Free Version: When serving kids or avoiding alcohol, swap dark rum for 2 teaspoons rum extract to keep the flavor without the booze — I do this all the time and no one notices!
Spiced Up: Feel free to add a pinch of ground cloves or allspice if you want a bolder holiday punch.
Gluten-Free Swap: Use sturdy gluten-free bread, but be extra gentle soaking and frying since GF bread tends to be more delicate.
Savory Twist: For a savory-savory style, omit the sugar and spices and top with crispy bacon — it’s surprisingly good!

Step-by-Step: How I Make Eggnog French Toast Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Bread

Start by slicing your country-style bread into 1-inch thick pieces. This thickness is key—it soaks up just the right amount of batter without falling apart. I like to let the slices sit on the counter for 15 minutes or even overnight; this drying out step helps the bread absorb the eggnog custard perfectly. It’s an easy trick that really pays off in texture!

Step 2: Whisk the Batter

In a large bowl, combine the eggnog, rum (if using), eggs, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract. Whisk everything together until smooth and evenly blended. The spices and vanilla really make the batter sing here, so don’t rush this part. If you have time, I also like to taste and adjust the spices slightly before dunking the bread.

Step 3: Soak & Fry the Bread

Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt about 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter. Working in batches, dip 2-3 slices of bread into the batter, flipping to coat both sides well. Let excess drip off gently — especially if your bread soaked overnight, it’ll be delicate. Place the slices in the buttered pan and cook until golden brown, around 2 to 3 minutes per side. Keep the cooked pieces warm on a wire rack in a 250°F oven while you finish the rest.

Step 4: Serve & Enjoy Warm

Serve your gorgeous golden Eggnog French Toast immediately with a dollop of whipped cream and a drizzle of real maple syrup. The combination is pure magic.

Top Tip

After making this a dozen times through the holidays, I’ve learned a few tricks that really help this Eggnog French Toast Recipe shine every time:

Bread Drying Time: Let your bread dry out for at least 15 minutes before soaking—it soaks up the batter better and prevents soggy toast.
Gentle Soaking: Don’t rush dunking; let the bread sit in the batter for 20-30 seconds per side if you want a custardy center.
Butter vs. Oil: I prefer butter for flavor, but a combo of butter and oil helps prevent burning on the pan.
Keep Warm Strategy: Use a wire rack inside the oven rather than stacking the cooked slices—this keeps them crispy and warm without steaming.

How to Serve Eggnog French Toast Recipe

Eggnog French Toast - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually top mine with a generous swirl of real whipped cream and pure maple syrup — the classic finishing touches. Sometimes I add a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a dusting of cinnamon to make it look extra festive. Fresh fruit like sliced strawberries or a handful of pomegranate seeds give a nice pop of color and freshness, too.

Side Dishes

I love pairing this rich Eggnog French Toast with crispy breakfast bacon or sausage links. A simple fruit salad or roasted winter fruits also complement the creamy, spiced notes perfectly. For a heartier brunch, serve alongside scrambled eggs or a light green salad with citrus vinaigrette.

Creative Ways to Present

For special holiday mornings, I arrange slices in a circular pattern on a large festive platter, garnished with fresh rosemary sprigs and cranberries. It doubles as a centerpiece! You can also skewer bite-sized French toast cubes with fruit chunks for a playful, portable option at brunch gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (which sometimes happens if you’re lucky), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. I find leftover Eggnog French Toast still tastes great the next day for a quick breakfast or snack.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked French toast slices by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer bag. They keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, just pop them in the toaster or oven to reheat.

Reheating

To reheat, I like to use a toaster oven or bake at 350°F for about 10 minutes until warmed through and slightly crisp again. Avoid the microwave if possible to keep the best texture.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use any type of bread for this recipe?

While you can technically use any bread, a sturdy country-style loaf or brioche works best because it soaks up the eggnog batter without becoming too soggy or falling apart. Thinner, soft sandwich bread isn’t ideal.

How important is letting the bread dry out before soaking?

Letting the bread dry for at least 15 minutes helps it absorb the batter better and makes for better texture when cooked. If you soak very fresh bread, it can become mushy and fall apart easily. If you plan ahead, even overnight drying works wonderfully.

Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?

For a vegan or dairy-free version, swap the eggnog with a plant-based eggnog or a mixture of almond milk, a little maple syrup, and spices. Use a vegan egg replacer instead of eggs and vegan butter or oil for frying. The flavor won’t be identical but still delicious!

What’s the best way to avoid soggy French toast?

Use thick, sturdy bread and let it dry before soaking. Don’t soak the bread too long—just enough to absorb the batter. When frying, cook in batches without overcrowding the pan, and keep finished toast warm on a wire rack to prevent steaming and sogginess.

Final Thoughts

This Eggnog French Toast Recipe has been my go-to for holiday mornings and special weekend breakfasts for years. It’s warm, comforting, and just the right amount of indulgent without being overwhelming. If you want to wow your family or guests with something sweet, festive, and utterly delicious, give this recipe a try — I can’t wait to hear how much you love it!