There’s something magical about waking up on a chilly winter morning to the comforting aroma of warm spices and buttery toast sizzling on the griddle. Eggnog French Toast is the perfect way to embrace the holiday season, transforming a simple breakfast into a festive treat.
This dish brings together the rich, creamy flavors of eggnog with the crisp, golden goodness of French toast. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family breakfast or serving it at a holiday brunch, this recipe is sure to bring joy to the table. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make!
Let’s dive into this festive French toast recipe that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Festive & Cozy – The warm spices of eggnog create a comforting holiday breakfast.
- Quick & Easy – With just a few simple ingredients, you can have a decadent meal in no time.
- Crowd-Pleaser – Perfect for Christmas morning or any winter brunch gathering.
- Make-Ahead Friendly – Prep the batter ahead of time for an effortless morning.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup eggnog
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 8 slices thick-cut bread (such as brioche or challah)
- 2 tablespoons butter (for cooking)
- Maple syrup, for serving
- Powdered sugar, for garnish (optional)
How to Make Eggnog French Toast
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, eggnog, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg. The mixture should be smooth and well combined, with no streaks of egg. The eggnog adds a rich creaminess, while the spices infuse every bite with warm holiday flavors.
Step 2: Soak the Bread
Dip each slice of bread into the eggnog mixture, letting it soak for about 10–15 seconds per side. Be careful not to let the bread sit too long, or it may become too soggy and difficult to handle. Brioche and challah work wonderfully for French toast because they’re sturdy and soak up just the right amount of liquid.
Step 3: Cook to Perfection
Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Once the butter is sizzling, place the soaked bread onto the skillet. Cook each slice for about 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and slightly crisp on the edges. If cooking in batches, add more butter as needed.
Step 4: Serve & Enjoy
Once all slices are cooked, transfer them to a serving plate. Drizzle with warm maple syrup, dust with powdered sugar if desired, and enjoy immediately! Pair with a hot cup of coffee or a festive drink like spiced cider for the ultimate holiday breakfast.
Helpful Tips
- Use Stale Bread – Slightly stale bread works best because it absorbs the custard mixture without falling apart.
- Don’t Skimp on the Spices – Cinnamon and nutmeg enhance the holiday flavors, so feel free to adjust them to your taste.
- Cook Over Medium Heat – Too high, and the toast burns before the inside cooks; too low, and it won’t get that perfect golden crust.
- Keep Warm for a Crowd – If making a large batch, keep finished slices warm in a 200°F oven while you cook the rest.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Notes
- Bread Choice Matters – Using thick-cut bread like brioche or challah gives the best texture. If using regular sandwich bread, let it dry out slightly before soaking to prevent sogginess.
- Adjust the Spices – If you love extra spice, add a pinch more cinnamon or nutmeg. A dash of allspice or cloves can also enhance the holiday flavors.
- Don’t Over-Soak – Let the bread absorb the eggnog mixture, but don’t leave it in too long, or it may fall apart. About 10–15 seconds per side is ideal.
- Cooking Temperature is Key – Medium heat is perfect for getting that golden brown crust without burning the toast. Too high, and the outside will cook too fast; too low, and it will turn out soggy.
- Make it Extra Special – Serve with a dollop of whipped cream, caramel drizzle, or even a sprinkle of crushed pecans for a decadent holiday treat.
- Batch Cooking Tip – If making for a crowd, keep cooked slices warm in a 200°F oven while you finish the rest. This keeps everything hot and fresh for serving.
- Eggnog Alternatives – If you don’t have eggnog, you can use half-and-half or milk with a bit of cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla to create a similar effect.
- Freezer-Friendly – Make a big batch and freeze leftovers for quick breakfasts. Just reheat in the oven or toaster for a crispy texture.
Storage Instructions
If you have leftovers (which isn’t likely because this French toast disappears fast!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm slices in a toaster oven or on a skillet over low heat until heated through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them soggy.
For longer storage, freeze individual slices by placing them on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transferring them to a freezer bag. Reheat straight from frozen in a toaster or oven at 350°F until warm and crispy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the eggnog batter the night before and store it in the fridge. In the morning, simply dip and cook the bread for a quick and easy breakfast.
What kind of bread is best for French toast?
Brioche, challah, or Texas toast work best because they are thick and absorb the egg mixture without falling apart.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Use a dairy-free eggnog alternative and swap the butter for a plant-based option.
What toppings go well with Eggnog French Toast?
Besides maple syrup, try whipped cream, fresh berries, chopped nuts, or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar for extra holiday flair.
Related Recipes
If you loved this Eggnog French Toast, you might also enjoy:
- Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Cubes
- Torrijas (Spanish-Style French Toast)
- Hong Kong-Style French Toast
- Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins: A Cozy Breakfast in Every Bite
Conclusion
Eggnog French Toast is the ultimate holiday breakfast that’s easy to make, packed with festive flavors, and guaranteed to put a smile on everyone’s face. Whether you’re serving it on Christmas morning or just indulging in a cozy winter breakfast, this recipe is sure to become a seasonal favorite.
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Eggnog French Toast
Description
There’s something magical about waking up on a chilly winter morning to the comforting aroma of warm spices and buttery toast sizzling on the griddle. Eggnog French Toast is the perfect way to embrace the holiday season, transforming a simple breakfast into a festive treat.
This dish brings together the rich, creamy flavors of eggnog with the crisp, golden goodness of French toast. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family breakfast or serving it at a holiday brunch, this recipe is sure to bring joy to the table. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make!
Let’s dive into this festive French toast recipe that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup eggnog
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 8 slices thick-cut bread (such as brioche or challah)
- 2 tablespoons butter (for cooking)
- Maple syrup, for serving
- Powdered sugar, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, eggnog, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg. The mixture should be smooth and well combined, with no streaks of egg. The eggnog adds a rich creaminess, while the spices infuse every bite with warm holiday flavors.
Dip each slice of bread into the eggnog mixture, letting it soak for about 10–15 seconds per side. Be careful not to let the bread sit too long, or it may become too soggy and difficult to handle. Brioche and challah work wonderfully for French toast because they’re sturdy and soak up just the right amount of liquid.
Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Once the butter is sizzling, place the soaked bread onto the skillet. Cook each slice for about 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and slightly crisp on the edges. If cooking in batches, add more butter as needed.
Once all slices are cooked, transfer them to a serving plate. Drizzle with warm maple syrup, dust with powdered sugar if desired, and enjoy immediately! Pair with a hot cup of coffee or a festive drink like spiced cider for the ultimate holiday breakfast.
Notes
- Bread Choice Matters – Using thick-cut bread like brioche or challah gives the best texture. If using regular sandwich bread, let it dry out slightly before soaking to prevent sogginess.
- Adjust the Spices – If you love extra spice, add a pinch more cinnamon or nutmeg. A dash of allspice or cloves can also enhance the holiday flavors.
- Don’t Over-Soak – Let the bread absorb the eggnog mixture, but don’t leave it in too long, or it may fall apart. About 10–15 seconds per side is ideal.
- Cooking Temperature is Key – Medium heat is perfect for getting that golden brown crust without burning the toast. Too high, and the outside will cook too fast; too low, and it will turn out soggy.
- Make it Extra Special – Serve with a dollop of whipped cream, caramel drizzle, or even a sprinkle of crushed pecans for a decadent holiday treat.
- Batch Cooking Tip – If making for a crowd, keep cooked slices warm in a 200°F oven while you finish the rest. This keeps everything hot and fresh for serving.
- Eggnog Alternatives – If you don’t have eggnog, you can use half-and-half or milk with a bit of cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla to create a similar effect.
- Freezer-Friendly – Make a big batch and freeze leftovers for quick breakfasts. Just reheat in the oven or toaster for a crispy texture.