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; Maple syrup

If you’re searching for a festive treat that takes your breakfast or brunch to the next level, look no further than this cozy Eggnog French Toast Recipe. It’s a beautiful marriage of creamy, spiced eggnog with golden, crisp French toast that feels like a warm holiday hug in every bite. Perfectly soft inside with just the right amount of crunch outside, this recipe brings a seasonal twist to a beloved classic that’s sure to delight family and friends alike.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A golden-brown loaf of bread rests on a wooden cutting board with a grainy texture. The loaf features a crusty surface with several shallow slashes along the top. Four slices are cut from one side, revealing a soft, white inside with airy holes. A serrated knife with a black handle lies beside the sliced end of the loaf. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients might look simple, but they create a magic combination that brings flavor, texture, and holiday spirit to your breakfast table. Each component plays a vital role, whether it’s the richness of the eggs, the aromatic spices, or the nostalgic sweetness of eggnog.

1 loaf crusty country-style bread, sliced 1-inch thick: The sturdy bread soaks up the batter without falling apart, providing a perfect base.
1 1/2 cups eggnog, store-bought or homemade: This creamy, spiced liquid infuses the toast with festive flavor and moisture.
2 tablespoons dark rum (optional): Adds warmth and depth; can be replaced with 2 teaspoons rum extract or omitted.
4 large eggs: Bind the batter together and create that luscious custardy texture inside.
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Brings that classic holiday spice aroma.
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds subtle warmth and a hint of aromatic complexity.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances sweetness and balances the spices beautifully.
3 to 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: For frying, adding richness and creating a golden crust.
Whipped cream and maple syrup, for serving: The perfect finishing touches to amplify flavor and indulgence.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Eggnog French Toast Recipe

Step 1: Slice the Bread

Start by slicing your country-style bread into 1-inch thick pieces. Letting the bread dry out for about 15 minutes to a couple of days helps it absorb the custard batter better without turning soggy. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect texture, tender inside while crispy on the outside.

Step 2: Warm the Oven

Preheat your oven to 250°F and place a metal wire rack on a rimmed baking sheet. This will be your “warming station” to keep the French toast perfectly warm and crispy while you finish cooking all the slices.

Step 3: Mix the Batter

Whisk together the eggnog, dark rum (if using), eggs, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and evenly combined. This spiced custard is the heart of your Eggnog French Toast Recipe, imparting richness, warmth, and that festive flair.

Step 4: Soak the Bread

Dunk two or three slices of bread into the batter, making sure to coat both sides well. If you prefer a more custard-like center, soak your bread overnight in the refrigerator covered with plastic wrap—just handle the soaked slices gently as they will be quite delicate.

Step 5: Fry the French Toast

Heat about a tablespoon of unsalted butter in a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Once melted and sizzling, place the soaked bread slices in the pan, letting excess batter drip off before frying. Cook each side for 2 to 3 minutes until beautifully golden brown and crispy. Repeat soaking and frying with remaining slices.

Step 6: Keep Warm and Serve

Move cooked French toast slices to the prepared wire rack in the warm oven to keep them cozy while you finish the batch. This keeps your Eggnog French Toast Recipe at an ideal temperature and crispness, ready to serve with your favorite toppings.

How to Serve Eggnog French Toast Recipe

Three slices of light golden brown bread with soft, holey texture are frying in a black pan with bubbling melted butter. A woman's hand is holding silver and blue tongs, flipping one slice. The pan’s dark surface contrasts with the light bread, showing the heat and cooking process. The background has a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Nothing complements this Eggnog French Toast Recipe better than a dollop of whipped cream and a generous drizzle of real maple syrup. Feel free to sprinkle a little extra cinnamon or nutmeg on top for added flair and festive scent.

Side Dishes

Serve with crispy bacon or breakfast sausage for savory contrast, or add a fresh fruit salad to brighten the plate. The balance of sweet and savory on your plate makes each bite exciting and satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack your slices high and intersperse layers of seasonal fruits like sliced pears, cranberries, or pomegranate arils. You could even dust powdered sugar on top or drizzle with caramel sauce to impress any brunch guest at your table!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Eggnog French Toast Recipe leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Place parchment paper between slices so they don’t stick together and preserve that crispy crust as much as possible.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze cooked slices individually on a baking sheet before transferring to a resealable freezer bag. Frozen French toast lasts up to one month and can be reheated quickly for a fast breakfast.

Reheating

Reheat slices gently in a toaster oven or regular oven at 325°F until warmed through and crisp again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the toast soggy and lose its delightful texture.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the eggnog with a dairy-free version such as almond or coconut milk eggnog, which you can find in many stores or make at home. Just make sure your bread and other ingredients are dairy-free to keep it consistent.

What kind of bread works best?

Sturdy, crusty bread is best for soaking up the eggnog custard without falling apart. Country-style or sourdough bread sliced at least 1-inch thick works beautifully for this recipe.

Can I omit the rum?

Yes, you can omit the dark rum or substitute with rum extract for flavor without alcohol. The dish still tastes festive and delicious with just the spices and eggnog.

How long can I soak the bread?

Soaking time can range from 15 minutes to overnight. For a richer, custardy texture, soaking overnight in the fridge is fantastic, but handle soaked bread gently as it becomes quite fragile.

Can I prepare this recipe for a large group?

Definitely! Simply multiply the ingredients as needed and keep finished batches warm in the oven until ready to serve. This recipe scales well for holiday gatherings and brunch parties.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about the cozy flavors and comforting textures captured in this Eggnog French Toast Recipe. It’s a festive way to start any holiday morning or a weekend when you want to feel a bit pampered with a homemade treat. I encourage you to whip this up and share the joy—and don’t forget to make enough for seconds!

Eggnog French Toast Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need