As the winter chill sets in, nothing evokes the warmth of the season like the smell of cinnamon and nutmeg wafting through the kitchen. I remember the first time I paired the rich, creamy taste of eggnog with crispy golden French toast—it was a delightful surprise that turned a simple breakfast into a festive feast. This Holiday Eggnog French Toast quickly became a cherished tradition in my home, perfect for lazy family mornings or festive brunch gatherings.
Imagine savoring each slice, the velvety custard melting in your mouth, complemented by the sweet drizzle of maple syrup and a dollop of freshly whipped cream. Not only is it an easy recipe that impresses, but it also opens the door to endless variations—think brioche bread for a richer flavor or adding fresh fruits for a pop of color. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe that’s sure to make your holiday mornings a little brighter!
Why Is Eggnog French Toast a Must-Try?
Indulgence at its finest: This recipe combines the festive flavor of eggnog with the comforting texture of golden French toast, creating a breakfast experience that feels like a warm hug on a chilly morning. Easy to customize: With simple variations like switching to brioche or adding fresh fruit, you can make this dish uniquely yours. Crowd-pleasing: Perfect for holiday gatherings, it’s a dish that everyone loves—young and old alike will be asking for seconds! Quick preparation: In just a few steps, you can whip up this delightful treat, making it ideal for busy mornings. Elevated flavors: The blend of warm spices, rich custard, and sweet toppings provides a truly festive delight—a perfect way to celebrate the season!
Eggnog French Toast Ingredients
For the Custard
• Eggnog – A rich, creamy base that imparts festive flavor; use your favorite brand for convenience or homemade for an extra special touch.
• Eggs – Provide structure and richness to the custard; using room temperature eggs ensures smoother blending.
• Dark Rum – An optional ingredient that adds depth of flavor for a more authentic eggnog taste.
• Vanilla Extract – Enhances sweetness and warmth; opt for pure vanilla for the best flavor profile.
• Ground Cinnamon – Adds essential warm spice notes for a holiday vibe; freshly ground gives a stronger, more aromatic result.
• Ground Nutmeg – Complements the cinnamon beautifully; use it sparingly to avoid overpowering the dish.
For the French Toast
• Crusty Country-Style Bread – Vital for the perfect texture; its sturdy crust allows it to absorb custard without getting soggy. Day-old bread works best for this recipe.
• Unsalted Butter – Essential for frying; it adds richness and helps prevent sticking. Add more butter between batches for an even browning.
For Toppings
• Whipped Cream – Freshly whipped for a light and indulgent topping that elevates each bite.
• Maple Syrup – This sweet drizzle enhances flavor and presentation, making your eggnog French toast irresistible!
How to Make Eggnog French Toast
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Prepare Custard: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggnog, eggs, dark rum, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg until smooth and well combined. The custard should be fragrant and creamy.
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Slice Bread: Cut the crusty country-style bread into 3/4-inch thick slices. This thickness will allow for a creamy center without falling apart during cooking.
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Heat the Pan: Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter and let it melt until foamy, which indicates it’s ready for cooking.
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Soak the Bread: Dip each slice of bread into the custard mixture for just 1-2 seconds on each side, ensuring they are well-coated but not overly soggy.
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Cook the French Toast: Carefully place 3-4 slices in the skillet and cook each side for 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Keep a close eye to avoid burning!
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Keep Warm: Transfer the cooked French toast to a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 250°F while you finish cooking the remaining slices. This keeps them warm and delicious!
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Serve Immediately: Serve the eggnog French toast warm, topped with freshly whipped cream and a generous drizzle of maple syrup for that festive touch.
Optional: Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or fresh fruits for an extra festive flair.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Storage Tips for Eggnog French Toast
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Layer slices with parchment paper to keep them separate and maintain their texture.
Freezer: Freeze individual slices for up to 2 months. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for longer storage.
Reheating: Toast refrigerated slices in a skillet until warm, or directly toast frozen slices. While the microwave is an option, it may affect the delightful texture of your eggnog French toast.
Expert Tips for Eggnog French Toast
• Stay at Medium Heat: Cooking on medium to medium-low heat prevents burnt edges while ensuring a fully cooked center—no one wants a raw French toast!
• Optimal Soaking Time: Dip the bread slices in the custard mixture for just 1-2 seconds per side; overly soaking can lead to a soggy texture.
• Use Day-Old Bread: Selecting day-old crusty bread helps achieve that perfect absorbency, allowing each slice to soak up the custard without falling apart.
• Consistent Butter Application: Add butter between batches to ensure even browning; this simple step keeps the French toast deliciously rich.
• Creative Topping Bar: Consider setting up a topping bar with fruits, nuts, or additional spices, making your eggnog French toast customizable and festive!
Make Ahead Options
These Holiday Eggnog French Toast are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the custard mixture up to 24 hours in advance, whisking together the eggnog, eggs, dark rum, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg, then refrigerating it in an airtight container. Additionally, you can slice the crusty bread and store it in a zip-top bag at room temperature for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply soak the bread slices in the custard mixture and cook them in a skillet as directed. This way, you’ll have a delightful dish that’s just as delicious as if made fresh, allowing you to enjoy a festive breakfast with minimal effort!
What to Serve with Eggnog French Toast?
As you bring the festive flavors of eggnog into your kitchen, consider these delightful pairings to create a balanced and memorable meal.
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Crispy Bacon: The salty crunch of crispy bacon balances the sweetness of the French toast, offering a satisfying contrast in flavors and textures.
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Breakfast Sausage: Savory breakfast sausage adds heartiness to your meal, making it a fulfilling start to the day. Its rich flavor complements the creaminess of the eggnog perfectly.
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Fresh Fruit Salad: A vibrant mix of berries and citrus fruits brightens your plate, adding a refreshing contrast to the richness of French toast.
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Maple Cinnamon Coffee: Enhance the cozy experience with a warm cup of maple cinnamon coffee, echoing the sweet spices in the dish. This drink ties the whole breakfast together beautifully.
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Whipped Cream Topping Bar: Set up a bar with various toppings like nuts, chocolate shavings, and fruits for a fun and interactive brunch experience. It’s a delightful way for everyone to personalize their French toast.
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Orange Juice: A glass of freshly squeezed orange juice brings a zesty, refreshing bite to your meal, balancing the richness of the eggnog and adding a lovely pop of color.
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Nutty Granola: Serve a sprinkle of nutty granola on the side for added crunch and texture, providing a hearty feel that pairs wonderfully with the creaminess of the French toast.
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Chai Spice Tea: The warm spices of chai tea complement the flavors in your eggnog French toast, creating a warm and comforting atmosphere for your holiday brunch.
Feel free to mix and match these options to create your perfect festive spread!
Eggnog French Toast Variations
Feel free to elevate your Eggnog French Toast with these delightful twists that add flavor and personality!
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Brioche Bread: Swap out the crusty bread for brioche; its buttery richness adds a touch of decadence. You’ll love the way it absorbs the custard.
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Almond Milk Addition: For a lighter, dairy-free option, mix in a splash of almond milk with your eggnog. This keeps the custard luscious without being too heavy.
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Flavor Boost: Try replacing dark rum with bourbon for a new flavor dimension that beautifully compliments the spices.
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Fresh Fruits: Top with bright slices of strawberries, ripe bananas, or juicy raspberries. The freshness cuts through the richness and adds a lovely pop of color.
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Nutty Delight: Add a sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts on top for a delightful crunch. The nuttiness enhances the overall texture and flavor.
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Spice It Up: For a little heat, mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of cardamom into the custard. Just a hint can transform the flavor profile.
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Candied Nuts: Caramelize some nuts in a bit of sugar and sea salt, then sprinkle on top for an indulgent sweet-and-salty experience.
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Chocolate Swirl: Drizzle melted chocolate or sprinkle mini chocolate chips on top for a festive and indulgent treat. Because who wouldn’t love chocolate with their eggnog?
Eggnog French Toast Recipe FAQs
What type of eggnog should I use?
Absolutely! You can use store-bought eggnog for convenience, but I often recommend making your own for a gourmet touch. Fresh homemade eggnog not only tastes better but allows you to control the sweetness and spices—perfect for achieving that festive flavor!
How do I store leftover eggnog French toast?
Very simply! Place your leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the slices from sticking together, layer them with parchment paper. This will help maintain the lovely texture when you reheat them!
Can I freeze eggnog French toast?
Of course! To freeze, lay the cooked French toast slices in a single layer on a baking sheet and clarify that they aren’t touching. Freeze until solid—about 1-2 hours—then transfer to a freezer bag. These will keep well for up to 2 months, allowing you to enjoy this festive treat whenever you like!
What should I do if my French toast is soggy?
Great question! If your French toast ends up soggy, it might be because the bread was soaked for too long. Ideally, you want to dip each slice for just 1-2 seconds on each side into the custard. If you find that you’re still struggling, try using day-old bread—it absorbs the custard better without getting overly soggy.
Is this recipe suitable for people with allergies?
Definitely consider substitutions if there are allergies present! For individuals allergic to eggs, a vegan egg substitute can be used. If dairy is an issue, try almond or oat milk eggnog in combination with a thickener like cornstarch to replicate the creaminess. It’s a fun way to ensure everyone can enjoy this eggnog French toast!
How can I add variety to my eggnog French toast?
The more the merrier! There are so many fun ways to customize your eggnog French toast. Try substituting dark rum with bourbon for a different flavor, or switch up the bread type—brioche or challah adds a wonderfully rich taste. You can even add fresh fruits like strawberries or bananas on top for a deliciously colorful twist!
Irresistible Eggnog French Toast for a Cozy Holiday Brunch
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggnog, eggs, dark rum, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg until smooth and well combined.
- Cut the crusty country-style bread into 3/4-inch thick slices.
- Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter and let it melt until foamy.
- Dip each slice of bread into the custard mixture for 1-2 seconds on each side.
- Carefully place 3-4 slices in the skillet and cook each side for 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Transfer the cooked French toast to a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 250°F to keep warm.
- Serve the eggnog French toast warm, topped with freshly whipped cream and a drizzle of maple syrup.