Eggnog French Toast takes your traditional French toast to the next level by infusing it with the rich, creamy, and spiced flavor of eggnog. This holiday-inspired version of the beloved breakfast dish is perfect for special occasions like Christmas morning, New Year’s Day brunch, or any time you want to add a little seasonal cheer to your meal. The warm, custardy texture of the eggnog-soaked bread, paired with a dusting of powdered sugar and a drizzle of maple syrup, creates a satisfying and indulgent treat that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
What makes this recipe so special is the combination of the eggnog’s sweetness and spice, which beautifully enhances the flavors of the bread. Whether you’re using thick slices of brioche or rustic country bread, the eggnog adds a layer of richness that elevates the dish. Top it off with a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg, and you’ve got a cozy, festive breakfast that’s perfect for any winter morning.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
1. Perfect for the Holidays
Eggnog French Toast is an excellent way to bring the flavors of the season to your breakfast table. It’s a great dish for holiday mornings or special occasions.
2. Rich and Creamy Flavor
Infusing eggnog into your French toast batter creates a rich, creamy texture and a flavorful spice that regular milk or cream can’t replicate.
3. Quick and Easy to Make
Despite the festive twist, this recipe is simple and quick, taking just a few steps to create a delicious breakfast.
4. Customizable
You can easily adjust the recipe by using different types of bread or adding your favorite toppings like whipped cream, fresh berries, or a drizzle of chocolate syrup.
5. A Crowd-Pleaser
Whether you’re serving it to family or guests, Eggnog French Toast is sure to impress. It’s a dish that looks as good as it tastes, perfect for entertaining.
Ingredients
- Eggs
- Eggnog
- Ground cinnamon
- Ground nutmeg
- Vanilla extract
- Salt
- Thick slices of bread (such as brioche, challah, or French bread)
- Butter (for cooking)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
- Maple syrup (for serving)
Variations
1. Add Fruit
Top your Eggnog French Toast with fresh fruit like strawberries, bananas, or berries for a fruity twist.
2. Make it Dairy-Free
Use a dairy-free eggnog alternative and non-dairy milk to make this recipe vegan-friendly.
3. Spiked Eggnog French Toast
For an adults-only version, add a splash of rum or bourbon to the eggnog mixture to create a festive, spiked twist.
4. Stuffed French Toast
For a decadent upgrade, stuff the bread slices with cream cheese or Nutella before dipping them in the eggnog mixture and cooking.
5. Cinnamon Roll French Toast
For a fun variation, use cinnamon rolls in place of regular bread for a cinnamon-flavored French toast.
How to Make the Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Eggnog Mixture
In a shallow bowl or pie dish, whisk together the eggs, eggnog, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth and well combined.
Step 2: Heat the Pan
Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a small amount of butter to coat the surface.
Step 3: Dip the Bread
Dip each slice of bread into the eggnog mixture, making sure both sides are coated. Allow any excess to drip off before placing the bread in the skillet.
Step 4: Cook the French Toast
Cook the dipped bread slices in the skillet for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Add more butter to the pan as needed to prevent sticking.
Step 5: Serve
Serve the Eggnog French Toast warm, dusted with powdered sugar and topped with maple syrup. Add any additional toppings you like, such as whipped cream or fresh fruit.
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Use Stale Bread: Slightly stale or day-old bread works best for French toast, as it soaks up the eggnog mixture without becoming too soggy.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the French toast in batches to ensure each slice gets evenly golden brown and crisp.
- Add Extra Spice: For an extra burst of holiday flavor, sprinkle some cinnamon or nutmeg directly onto the French toast while it’s cooking.
- Serve Immediately: French toast is best served right after cooking while it’s still warm and crispy.
How to Serve
Eggnog French Toast is perfect for a festive breakfast or brunch. Serve it with a side of crispy bacon or sausage for a savory balance to the rich sweetness. Pair it with a hot cup of coffee, spiced latte, or a warm mug of hot chocolate for the ultimate holiday breakfast experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the Eggnog French Toast in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Reheating
Reheat the French toast in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes to maintain its crispy texture. You can also microwave individual slices for 20-30 seconds if you’re in a rush, though the texture won’t be as crispy.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap or foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen by baking in the oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes.
FAQs
1. Can I use regular milk instead of eggnog?
While regular milk can be used, eggnog adds a unique richness and flavor to the French toast, making it a key ingredient for this recipe.
2. Can I use a different type of bread?
Yes, any thick bread such as challah, French bread, or even a sturdy whole wheat bread works well for this recipe.
3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the French toast ahead of time and reheat it. It’s best enjoyed fresh, but reheating works well for leftovers.
4. Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Yes, Eggnog French Toast is a kid-friendly recipe. Just be sure to use a non-alcoholic eggnog if you have younger children.
5. Can I use store-bought eggnog?
Yes, store-bought eggnog works just fine, especially if you’re short on time. Just make sure it’s a good quality eggnog for the best flavor.
6. Can I make this recipe vegan?
To make this recipe vegan, use a plant-based eggnog alternative, non-dairy milk, and flax eggs as a substitute for the eggs.
7. Can I add toppings to the French toast?
Absolutely! Top your Eggnog French Toast with whipped cream, fresh berries, a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce.
8. How can I add more spice to this recipe?
If you love spices, add extra cinnamon, nutmeg, or even cloves to the eggnog mixture for more intense flavor.
9. Can I make a double batch of this?
Yes, you can double or even triple the recipe depending on how many servings you need. Just make sure you have a large enough skillet or cook in batches.
10. How do I make sure my French toast stays crispy?
To keep your French toast crispy, avoid overcrowding the pan and make sure to cook it on medium heat, allowing it to get golden brown without being too soft.
Conclusion
Eggnog French Toast is the ultimate breakfast indulgence for the holiday season. With its creamy, spiced batter and perfectly golden, crispy exterior, it’s a dish that brings comfort and festive joy to your table. Whether you’re making it for a holiday brunch or simply treating yourself to a cozy morning, this recipe will quickly become a favorite. Serve it with your favorite toppings, and enjoy the delicious flavors of the season in every bite.
PrintEggnog French Toast: A Festive Twist on a Classic Breakfast
- Total Time: 15-17 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (2 slices per serving) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Celebrate the holiday season with this rich and festive Eggnog French Toast! Fluffy and golden-brown, this twist on a classic French toast recipe uses creamy eggnog for a deliciously warm, spiced flavor. Perfect for breakfast or brunch during the holidays!
Ingredients
- 4 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups eggnog
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 8 slices of thick-cut bread (brioche, challah, or Texas toast work great)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (for frying)
- Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)
- Maple syrup (for serving)
- Whipped cream (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the eggnog mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, eggnog, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Heat the pan: Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add a little butter to coat the surface.
- Dip the bread: Dip each slice of bread into the eggnog mixture, making sure both sides are fully coated. Let any excess mixture drip off.
- Cook the French toast: Place the dipped bread slices in the heated skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Serve: Remove the French toast from the skillet and place it on serving plates. Dust with powdered sugar if desired and top with maple syrup and whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Notes
- For extra holiday flair, you can add a splash of rum or bourbon to the eggnog mixture (optional).
- If you’re making a large batch, keep the cooked French toast warm in the oven at 200°F (93°C) while you finish cooking the rest.
- Try using day-old bread or thicker slices for a better texture when soaking up the eggnog mixture.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Pan-frying
- Cuisine: American, Holiday
Keywords: Eggnog, French toast, holiday breakfast, festive, brunch, cinnamon, nutmeg