The first crisp mornings of winter always have me dreaming of festive feasts and cozy gatherings. One dish that perfectly captures this holiday spirit is my easy-to-make Eggnog French Toast. Infused with warm notes of cinnamon and nutmeg, this luxurious breakfast transforms ordinary bread into a celebration on your plate. Whether you’re bringing a special touch to Christmas morning or simply treating yourself on a chilly weekend, this recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that puts a seasonal twist on a classic. Not only is it simple to whip up, but it also elevates the breakfast experience in just a few easy steps. Curious how to bring this delightful dish to your table? Let’s dive into the details!

Why is This Eggnog French Toast Special?

Indulging in nostalgia: This Eggnog French Toast brings the flavors of your childhood holiday memories to life with every bite.
Quick and easy preparation: With straightforward steps, you can create a gourmet breakfast in no time—perfect for any busy morning!
Festive spice blend: Infused with aromatic cinnamon and nutmeg, this dish adds a cozy warmth to your chilly mornings.
Crowd-pleaser appeal: Serve it at your holiday brunch or a cozy family gathering, and watch it disappear in minutes! Don’t forget to try it with some cranberries on the side for a pop of color, or pair it with a delightful Cheesy Egg Toast for a varied spread.
Versatile toppings: Customize your Eggnog French Toast with whipped cream, fresh fruit, or a drizzle of maple syrup—the options are endless!

Eggnog French Toast Ingredients

• The perfect ingredients to create this festive dish await you!

For the Custard

Eggnog – A rich, creamy base for the custard; feel free to use dairy-free eggnog for a non-dairy version.
Eggs – Provides structure and that luscious richness; using room temperature eggs helps ensure a smooth blend.
Dark Rum (optional) – Adds depth and a traditional eggnog flavor; omit for a delicious non-alcoholic version.
Vanilla Extract – Enhances the sweetness and overall flavor complexity; pure vanilla extract is recommended for the best results.
Ground Cinnamon – Adds warm spice to every bite; for a more robust flavor, opt for freshly ground cinnamon.
Ground Nutmeg – Infuses the dish with that classic holiday aroma; freshly grated nutmeg truly elevates the experience.

For the Bread

Country-Style Bread – Perfect for soaking without getting mushy; stale or French bread works best—avoid soft sandwich bread for this treat.
Unsalted Butter – For cooking, granting a delicious crispy texture; using a high-fat butter, like Kerrygold, will enhance the flavor.

For Serving

Whipped Cream – For serving, it adds a luxurious richness; freshly whipped cream provides the best texture and taste.
Maple Syrup – A sweet drizzle that complements the dish wonderfully; experiment with flavored syrups or honey for a unique twist.

With these carefully selected ingredients, you’re just a few steps away from serving up a plateful of unforgettable Eggnog French Toast that will brighten any morning!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Eggnog French Toast

Step 1: Prepare the Batter
In a shallow bowl, whisk together 1 cup of eggnog, 2 large eggs, 1 tablespoon of dark rum (if using), 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg until smooth and well combined. The mixture should be creamy and fully blended, creating a rich custard that will soak into the bread.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven
While preparing the batter, preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C) to keep the cooked Eggnog French Toast warm while you finish the remaining slices. This step ensures that each piece stays toasty and inviting, ready for serving—but not so hot that the whipped cream will melt away.

Step 3: Slice the Bread
Take your country-style bread and slice it into thick pieces, about 3/4-inch each. This thickness is ideal as it allows the bread to soak up plenty of the eggnog mixture without becoming overly soggy. The golden color and crispy edges will give each slice a delightful texture when cooked.

Step 4: Heat the Skillet
In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium-high heat. Allow the butter to heat until it becomes foamy and slightly golden, signaling that it’s at the perfect temperature for cooking. Your skillet should be hot enough that a few drops of batter will sizzle upon contact.

Step 5: Dip Bread Slices
Carefully dip each slice of bread into the eggnog custard, letting it soak for just 1-2 seconds on each side. Make sure both sides are well-coated but don’t let the bread sit too long, or it might fall apart. The goal is a nice, even coating that will cook beautifully.

Step 6: Cook Toast
Place the soaked bread slices in the hot skillet, making sure not to overcrowd them. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until you see a lovely golden-brown crust forming. Watch for crispy edges and a slightly puffed center, indicating it’s cooked to perfection.

Step 7: Keep Warm
As each batch of Eggnog French Toast is done, gently transfer them to your preheated oven on a baking sheet to keep warm. This ensures that all your delicious slices will be served at the same temperature, softening the wait time while you finish cooking the remaining bread.

Step 8: Serve
Once all slices are cooked, plate them while warm and top generously with freshly whipped cream and a drizzle of maple syrup. Consider adding seasonal fruits or a sprinkle of extra cinnamon for a beautiful presentation. Your decadent Eggnog French Toast is now ready to be enjoyed!

Expert Tips for Eggnog French Toast

Soak Time Matters: Don’t let the bread sit too long in the custard. A quick 1-2 seconds per side is best to avoid mushiness while ensuring optimal flavor.
Skillet Temperature: Medium to medium-low heat is ideal for cooking your Eggnog French Toast. This ensures the inside cooks through while preventing burnt exteriors.
Layering for Warmth: Keep finished slices warm in the oven on a baking sheet to maintain that just-cooked texture while you finish the rest of the batch.
Butter Between Batches: Don’t forget to butter the skillet between cooking each batch. This helps prevent sticking and ensures even browning for each slice.
Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality eggnog and butter for a richer flavor in your Eggnog French Toast. Pure ingredients elevate the overall experience!

What to Serve with Holiday Eggnog French Toast

Delight in creating a complete breakfast feast that beautifully complements the rich, festive flavors of your French toast.

Crispy Bacon: The salty crunch of crispy bacon balances the sweetness of the eggnog, creating a perfectly satisfying meal.
Breakfast Sausage: Flavorful sausage links add a hearty touch, enhancing your brunch spread with their savory goodness.
Fresh Berries: A burst of bright berries like strawberries and blueberries brings freshness and a hint of tartness to your plate.
Maple-Glazed Pecans: These nutty bites add a delightful crunch and sweetness, perfectly enhancing the eggnog flavors.
Cinnamon Apples: Sautéed cinnamon apples offer a warm and comforting side, with their natural sweetness harmonizing beautifully.
Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits lightens the meal, providing a colorful and nutritious contrast.
Whipped Cream and Maple Syrup: Finish with a dollop of whipped cream and a drizzle of real maple syrup for an indulgent touch!
Warm Spiced Apple Cider: A cozy beverage, the spiced cider’s warmth mirrors the flavors of your French toast and sets a festive mood.

Make Ahead Options

These Eggnog French Toasts are perfect for busy mornings, allowing you to savor the joys of homemade breakfast without the rush! You can prepare the custard mixture (eggnog, eggs, and spices) up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it in an airtight container. Simply slice the bread on the morning you plan to serve, dip it in the pre-prepared mixture, and cook as directed. To maintain the quality, ensure the bread is not soaked too long before cooking—just a few seconds per side will do. Once cooked, if you have leftovers, they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; simply reheat in a skillet for that freshly made taste. Enjoy a delightful breakfast without the last-minute scramble!

Eggnog French Toast Variations

Get ready to personalize your Eggnog French Toast with these fun and delicious twists!

Dairy-Free: Substitute regular eggnog with coconut or almond-based eggnog for a creamy, non-dairy delight. You’ll still enjoy that smooth custard texture without any guilt!
Spiced Rum: For a flavor boost, add a splash of spiced rum instead of dark rum. The warm, aromatic spices will elevate your breakfast experience, giving it an extra festive flair.
Flavorful Syrups: Drizzle flavored syrups like chocolate or caramel over your French toast for a decadent, sweet surprise. Imagine the rich flavors melding perfectly with the eggnog base—pure bliss!
Granny’s Toppings: Create a toppings bar with beloved family favorites like whipped cream, pecans, and sautéed bananas. This idea invites creativity while allowing everyone to customize their perfect plate.
French Toast Bake: Transform the recipe into a baked version! Layer soaked bread slices in a casserole dish and bake at 350°F for 30-35 minutes. This method is perfect for serving a crowd during holiday gatherings.
Fruit Frenzy: Add seasonal fruits, such as sliced strawberries, peaches, or apples, on top to brighten the dish. The burst of freshness complements the rich custard beautifully.
Cinnamon Sugar Delight: Mix cinnamon and sugar to sprinkle over the cooked French toast. This simple touch adds sweetness and an appealing finish to your morning treat.
Cranberry Compote: Serve your Eggnog French Toast with a side of warm cranberry compote. The tartness cuts through the richness, providing a delightful balance.

No matter how you choose to vary your Eggnog French Toast, each option promises to add a touch of festive joy. Don’t forget to check out this delightful French Apple Custard for another scrumptious inspiration!

How to Store and Freeze Eggnog French Toast

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Layer parchment paper between slices to keep them from sticking together.

Freezer: To freeze, lay the cooked Eggnog French Toast in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months.

Reheating: To reheat, warm slices in a toaster or oven until heated through, about 5-10 minutes at 350°F. This will ensure your French toast stays crispy and delicious!

Best Practices: Always cool the French toast completely before refrigerating or freezing to maintain the best texture and flavor.

Eggnog French Toast Recipe FAQs

What type of bread should I use for Eggnog French Toast?
The best choice is country-style bread, which can soak up the custard without becoming soggy. Stale bread or French bread works great too—just avoid soft sandwich bread as it will fall apart during cooking. A thicker slice, about 3/4-inch, is ideal for achieving that perfect texture.

How should I store leftover Eggnog French Toast?
Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To prevent sticking, layer parchment paper between slices. This way, you can enjoy your delicious French toast without it clumping together!

Can I freeze Eggnog French Toast?
Absolutely! To freeze, lay the cooked slices in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm. Once firm, transfer them to a freezer bag where they can be stored for up to 2 months. This method makes thawing and reheating easy, so you can enjoy your festive breakfast any time!

What can I do if the Eggnog French Toast is too soggy or burnt?
If your toast is soggy, try reducing the soaking time. Just a quick 1-2 seconds per side in the custard is enough—any longer and the bread may absorb too much liquid. For burnt edges, ensure your skillet is on medium to medium-low heat, allowing the inside to cook thoroughly without the outside burning.

Are there any dietary considerations for Eggnog French Toast?
Certainly! If you need a dairy-free option, use dairy-free eggnog to replace traditional eggnog. Additionally, you can omit the dark rum for a non-alcoholic version. Always check labels for any allergies related to the ingredients you choose.

What toppings can I add to my Eggnog French Toast?
There are countless tasty options! Consider adding a dollop of freshly whipped cream, a drizzle of maple syrup, or seasonal fruits like berries or bananas. For an extra festive touch, sprinkle some cranberries or nuts on top—they also add a beautiful pop of color!