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.
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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.
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.
- 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.
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
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:
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.
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.
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!
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!
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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
A festive twist on classic French toast made with rich eggnog and warm spices, perfect for holiday breakfasts or brunches. This Eggnog French Toast is soaked in a creamy mixture of eggnog, eggs, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla, pan-fried to golden perfection, and served with maple syrup and whipped cream.
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
For Frying and Serving
- 3 to 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Whipped cream, for serving
- Maple syrup, for serving
Instructions
- Slice the Bread: Slice the loaf into 1-inch thick pieces and set them aside to dry out slightly for at least 15 minutes or up to 48 hours at room temperature; this helps the bread absorb the batter better.
- Warm the Oven: Place a metal wire rack on a rimmed baking sheet and preheat the oven to 250°F to keep the cooked French toast warm.
- Make the Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggnog, eggs, dark rum (if using), ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and uniform in color.
- Soak the Bread: Dip two or three pieces of bread into the batter, flipping to ensure even coating on both sides. Let excess batter drip off before cooking.
- Fry the Toast: Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Once melted, place the soaked bread slices onto the pan carefully. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden brown and crisp. Add more butter as needed for subsequent batches.
- Keep Toast Warm: Transfer cooked French toast slices to the wire rack in the oven to keep warm while frying the remaining pieces. Continue soaking and frying until all bread slices are done.
- Serve: Serve the Eggnog French Toast immediately with maple syrup and whipped cream on top for a delicious and festive breakfast treat.
Notes
- If you prefer not to use alcohol, omit the rum or use rum extract for flavor without the alcohol content.
- Day-old or slightly stale bread works best as it absorbs the batter without falling apart.
- You can prepare the bread slices a day ahead and leave them uncovered to dry out for better texture.
- Use a non-stick skillet or griddle to prevent sticking and reduce the amount of butter needed.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute eggnog with a vegan-friendly version, and use a plant-based butter alternative.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 160 mg
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