Get ready to transform your holiday mornings with the ultimate Eggnog French Toast recipe. This isn’t just breakfast; it’s a festive experience. We infuse thick slices of rich bread with a perfectly spiced eggnog custard, creating a dish that’s wonderfully crisp on the outside and unbelievably custardy on the inside. It’s the perfect way to use up leftover eggnog and create a memorable meal that will have everyone asking for seconds. Forget boring breakfasts; this is the recipe that will become your new holiday tradition.
Why This Eggnog French Toast Recipe is a Holiday Favorite
This recipe stands out for its simplicity and its spectacular results. We focus on the perfect ratio of eggnog to eggs, ensuring the custard is rich but not so heavy that it makes the bread soggy. A warm blend of cinnamon and nutmeg enhances the festive spices already in the eggnog, creating layers of flavor in every single bite.
What truly makes this the best Eggnog French Toast is the technique. We guide you on how to achieve that perfect golden-brown crust while keeping the center soft and decadent. It’s a foolproof method for a truly special Christmas morning breakfast.
The Key Ingredients
The magic of this dish lies in its simple, high-quality ingredients. You don’t need much to create something truly spectacular.
- Thick-Cut Bread: The star of the show. Stale, thick-cut challah or brioche is ideal as it absorbs the custard without falling apart.
- Eggnog: Full-fat, good-quality store-bought or homemade eggnog provides the signature flavor and richness.
- Eggs: They bind the custard and help create the classic French toast texture.
- Spices: A dash of cinnamon and freshly grated nutmeg complements the eggnog perfectly.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of pure vanilla extract enhances the sweet, creamy flavors.
- Butter: For cooking. Use unsalted butter for the richest flavor and best browning.
How to Make Eggnog French Toast Step-by-Step
Follow these simple steps for a flawless holiday breakfast. This easy Eggnog French Toast comes together in minutes, making your morning stress-free and delicious.
- Prepare the Custard: In a shallow dish wide enough to fit a slice of bread, whisk together the eggnog, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg until smooth and well combined.
- Soak the Bread: Working one slice at a time, briefly dip the bread into the eggnog mixture. Let it soak for about 15-20 seconds per side. The key is to let it absorb the custard without becoming completely saturated.
- Cook to Perfection: Melt a tablespoon of butter on a large non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place the soaked bread on the hot skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crisp.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the French toast hot, fresh from the skillet, with your favorite toppings.
The Secret to French Toast That Isn’t Soggy
The most common pitfall with any French toast is a soggy center. Achieving a crisp exterior with a creamy, custard-like interior is an art, but it’s one you can easily master with a couple of key principles.
Choosing the Right Bread
The foundation of great French toast is the bread. You need something sturdy and absorbent. Day-old (or even two-day-old) bread is perfect because it’s drier and can soak up more custard without turning to mush. For an incredibly rich and decadent breakfast, consider using slices of Cranberry Orange Bread.
Don’t Oversoak!
This is the most critical step. A quick dip is all you need. Soaking the bread for too long allows it to absorb too much liquid, which steams the inside instead of cooking it into a custard. Aim for 15-20 seconds per side for thick-cut bread. The center should still have some firmness before it hits the pan.
Creative Topping and Serving Ideas
While classic maple syrup is always a winner, this Eggnog French Toast pairs beautifully with a variety of toppings that enhance its festive flavors.
- Spiced Whipped Cream: Whip heavy cream with a pinch of cinnamon and a teaspoon of powdered sugar.
- Caramelized Pears: Sauté sliced pears in butter and a little brown sugar until tender.
- Toasted Pecans: Add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
- A Dusting of Powdered Sugar: For a simple, elegant finish.
- Fresh Berries: Cranberries or raspberries add a nice tart contrast.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
Want to prep for a stress-free holiday morning? You can make this Eggnog French Toast ahead of time!
- To Make Ahead: Cook the French toast as directed and let it cool completely. Place the slices in a single layer on a baking sheet and flash-freeze for 30 minutes. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be stored for up to 2 months.
- To Reheat: Reheat the frozen slices in a toaster, toaster oven, or in a single layer on a baking sheet in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until hot and re-crisped.
- To Store Leftovers: Store any leftover French toast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Frequently Asked Questions About Eggnog French Toast
Yes! You can cook the French toast completely, let it cool, and then freeze it in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. Reheat from frozen in a toaster or oven for a quick and easy breakfast.
Absolutely! Homemade eggnog works wonderfully and can add even richer flavor. Just ensure it has a similar thickness to store-bought eggnog. If it’s very thick, you may want to thin it with a splash of milk.
The two most important tips are to use day-old, thick-cut bread and to avoid oversoaking. A quick dip of 15-20 seconds per side is all you need. Also, make sure your pan is preheated and hot enough to create a golden crust quickly.
Beyond classic maple syrup, try a dusting of powdered sugar, spiced whipped cream, toasted pecans, caramelized pears, or fresh cranberries for a festive touch that complements the eggnog flavor.
The best breads are thick-cut, sturdy, and slightly stale. Brioche and challah are top choices because their rich, tender crumb soaks up the custard beautifully without becoming mushy. Day-old bread is ideal as it is drier and prevents sogginess.
The Best Eggnog French Toast Recipe
Eggnog French Toast (The Only Recipe You’ll Need This Holiday)
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- In a shallow dish wide enough to fit a slice of bread, whisk together the eggnog, eggs, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
- Dip each slice of bread into the eggnog custard, allowing it to soak for about 15-20 seconds per side. The bread should be saturated but not falling apart.
- Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a large non-stick skillet or on a griddle over medium heat. Place 2-3 slices of the soaked bread onto the hot surface, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until each slice is golden brown and crispy.
- Repeat with the remaining bread, adding more butter as needed. Serve the Eggnog French Toast immediately, topped with powdered sugar, maple syrup, or fresh berries.
Notes
Don't have the heat too high. Medium heat is perfect for cooking the custard all the way through without burning the outside.
Feel free to add a splash of rum or bourbon to the custard for a more traditional eggnog flavor.
More Holiday Breakfast Ideas
If you loved this festive recipe, you might also enjoy our make-ahead Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats or these savory Ham and Cheese Croissant Bakes. They are perfect for feeding a crowd during the holidays!
We hope this Eggnog French Toast makes your holiday season extra special. It’s a recipe born from festive cheer, perfect for sharing with those you love. If you try it, let us know how it turned out in the comments below. For more delicious inspiration, be sure to follow us on Pinterest!
