If there was ever a breakfast that tasted like Christmas morning, this Eggnog French Toast is it! Every slice is rich, custardy, and infused with warm holiday spices - cinnamon, nutmeg, and that unmistakable creamy eggnog flavor. It's festive, comforting, and so easy to make that it'll quickly become your go-to breakfast during the holiday season. Serve it with a drizzle of maple syrup or a sprinkle of powdered sugar, and you've got the perfect cozy start to the day.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
This festive twist on classic French toast turns simple ingredients into a holiday-worthy breakfast. Here's why this French toast recipe with eggnog will make your mornings extra merry and bright!
Simple ingredients - You only need a few pantry staples and a cup of eggnog to transform everyday bread into something special.
Easy to make - Just whisk, dip, and cook. It's the perfect quick breakfast that still feels indulgent and festive.
Customizable - From your choice of bread to a splash of rum or extra spices, this recipe is easy to tailor to your taste.
Perfect for the holidays - When eggnog hits the shelves, it's your cue to make this seasonally-inspired breakfast a part of your holiday traditions!
Ingredients and Their Part in the Recipe
You don't need anything fancy to make this delicious holiday French toast. Here's what goes into it and why each ingredient matters:
- Bread: Thick white bread is ideal for soaking up the rich custard without falling apart.
- Eggnog: The star of the show! It adds creamy texture, subtle sweetness, and all that classic holiday spice flavor.
- Eggs: Bind the custard together and help the French toast cook up fluffy and tender.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the sweetness and adds a cozy aroma.
- Cinnamon and Nutmeg: The warm spices that make this recipe taste just like a cup of eggnog.
- Salt: Just a pinch brings balance and enhances the other flavors.
- Butter: For cooking and adding that golden, crispy exterior.
- Maple Syrup: The perfect finishing touch for serving.
How to Make Eggnog French Toast
Making this holiday French toast couldn't be easier, and the result is pure breakfast magic. In just a few quick steps, you'll have golden, custardy slices of French toast that are crispy on the edges, soft in the middle, and ready to drizzle with maple syrup. Here's what to do:
- In a wide shallow bowl, whisk eggs, eggnog, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until combined.
- Place each slice into the batter and turn to soak each side.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat with a tablespoon of butter. Place as many slices as will fit comfortably in the skillet and brown each side for about 3-4 minutes. Add additional butter as needed. Repeat with the remaining slices.
Dot with butter and drizzle with maple syrup for a holiday breakfast that is delicious, cozy, and tastes like Christmas morning. Enjoy!
Recipe Tips for Success
Making the perfect French toast is all about a few simple tricks. Here's how to get that golden, custardy finish every time.
Use day-old bread. Slightly stale bread soaks up the custard beautifully without becoming soggy.
Don't oversoak. Dip the bread just long enough for it to absorb the mixture but still hold its shape.
Adjust the heat. If your French toast is browning too quickly, reduce the heat slightly to ensure it cooks through without burning.
Keep it warm. If you're cooking multiple batches, place finished slices on a wire rack set over a baking sheet and keep them in a 250°F oven (or warm setting) until ready to serve.
Variations to Make It Your Own
It's easy to put your own spin on this festive favorite!
- Bread: Try brioche, challah, French, Italian, sourdough, or even panettone for an extra holiday touch.
- Spices: Add ¼ teaspoon of ground ginger or cardamom for a deeper, spiced flavor.
- Brown Sugar: Stir in 1-2 teaspoons into the custard for caramel-like sweetness.
- Rum: Add up to 1 tablespoon of rum or 1 teaspoon of rum extract for a fun, eggnog-inspired kick.
Make Ahead Batter
Want to make breakfast even easier? You can prepare the custard mixture in advance! Mix it as directed, then pour it into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months, just thaw overnight in the fridge before using.
How to Serve French Toast
Traditionally, French toast is topped with powdered sugar and served warm with maple syrup. But there are so many ways to dress it up!
- Add fresh berries or sliced fruit for a bright contrast.
- For a festive holiday look, garnish with a dollop of whipped cream, a sprinkle of nutmeg, and a few cranberries with a sprig of rosemary.
- Try caramel sauce, brown sugar syrup, gingerbread syrup, or fruit syrup for something different.
- Warm nut butters like almond butter or Nutella make an indulgent topping.
- Finish with toasted pecans or chocolate chips for extra flavor.
- For a complete breakfast, serve alongside crispy bacon or sausage.
How to Store, Freeze, and Reheat Leftovers
Let leftovers cool completely before storing. Place slices in an airtight container or wrap tightly in foil, then refrigerate for up to 2-4 days.
To freeze, place cooled slices on a baking sheet and put them in the freezer. Once they're frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, placing parchment paper between slices for easy removal later. They'll keep for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.
To reheat, simply pop slices in a toaster, toaster oven, or bake at 350°F for about 10 minutes.
More French Toast Recipes
There's no such thing as too much French toast! Try one of these other delicious variations for your next breakfast or brunch.
Air Fryer Cannoli Stuffed French Toast: Creamy, sweet, and air-fried for a crispy edge!
Cinnamon Roll French Toast: Gooey cinnamon rolls meet classic French toast - a match made in breakfast heaven.
Crockpot Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole: Warm, comforting, and perfect for lazy weekends.
Overnight Blueberry French Toast: Prep it the night before and bake this fruity version in the morning for an effortless brunch.
Overnight Cinnamon French Toast: All the flavor of cinnamon rolls in an easy make-ahead bake.
Strawberry Stuffed French Toast: Sweet, creamy, fruity, and perfect for special occasions.
Find lots of easy breakfast recipes and Christmas recipes right here on 2CM!
Eggnog French Toast
Ingredients
- 4 slices thick white bread (brioche or Texas toast works great)
- 1 cup eggnog
- 4 large eggs
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 2 Tablespoons butter for cooking
- Serve with maple syrup, whipped cream, ground nutmeg
Instructions
- In a large wide bowl, whisk together the eggnog, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix well.
- 2. Lay each slice of bread in the mixture, turning to coat both sides. Do not oversaturate so the bread falls apart. Allow excess liquid to drip off.
- Preheat a skillet or griddle over medium heat and add some butter.
- Place the soaked bread slices onto the preheated skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown. You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your skillet.
- Serve immediately with maple syrup on the side. For a special occasion, pipe some whipped cream on top and sprinkle a little nutmeg over it.
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