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

There's something undeniably cozy about the holidays, and this Eggnog French Toast Recipe perfectly captures that warm, festive feeling. Imagine thick slices of bread soaked in rich eggnog, spiced just right, then browned to golden perfection—it's like breakfast and a holiday party in one bite.

Two thick slices of golden brown French toast are stacked on a white plate with a lace-like texture. The top slice is shiny with syrup that drips down the sides and pools at the bottom, creating a wet, glistening look. Behind the plate, there is a clear glass bowl filled with white, fluffy whipped cream and a clear glass mug filled with dark syrupy liquid, all set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Eggnog French Toast Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Eggnog French Toast Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Eggnog French Toast Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

From the first time I whipped up this Eggnog French Toast Recipe, it became an instant favorite in my kitchen. It's not just about a tasty breakfast; it's about the comforting aromas and the festive spices that fill your home. Trust me, once you try it, this will be your go-to for holiday mornings or any chilly weekend.

Festive Flavor: Using eggnog instead of regular milk adds a deliciously seasonal twist that turns ordinary French toast into something special.
Easy to Make: No complicated steps here—just whisk, soak, and cook. Even beginners can nail this one and impress family or guests.
Versatile: You can customize it with rum, spices, or even toppings to suit your taste and occasion.
Perfect Texture: Thanks to the crusty country-style bread, the toast holds up beautifully without getting soggy.

The image shows three pieces of golden brown French toast stacked on a white plate with a delicate embossed pattern. The top two layers are thick slices of bread with a crispy crust and a soft, slightly bumpy texture on the sides, while the bottom layer looks thinner and has a more uneven, lightly browned surface. The toast is lightly dusted with fine white powdered sugar. In the background, there is a small white bowl filled with bright red pomegranate seeds and a glass of amber-colored syrup. The setting is on a white marbled surface with a red folded napkin and silver fork off to the side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Eggnog French Toast Recipe is chosen for a reason, balancing flavor and texture. Using quality bread and good eggnog really makes all the difference.

Flat lay of a few thick slices of crusty country-style bread, a small white bowl of creamy eggnog, four whole uncracked brown eggs, a small white bowl of dark amber rum, a small white bowl of ground cinnamon, a small white bowl of ground nutmeg, a small white bowl of clear vanilla extract, a few tablespoons of unsalted butter in a simple white ceramic dish, a small white bowl of fluffy whipped cream, a small white bowl of golden maple syrup, all arranged with perfect symmetry and balanced proportions, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Country-style bread: Its sturdiness helps it soak up the eggnog mixture without falling apart, giving you a perfect crisp exterior.
Eggnog: This is where the magic happens—the rich sweetness and spices add depth and holiday flair.
Dark rum: Optional but recommended, it enhances flavor complexity without overpowering the dish.
Eggs: They bind everything together and add that classic custardy texture.
Cinnamon: A warm spice that pairs beautifully with nutmeg and eggnog.
Nutmeg: Adds subtle earthy warmth, complementing the cinnamon perfectly.
Vanilla extract: Gives a gentle sweet fragrance, elevating the batter flavor.
Unsalted butter: For frying—the unsalted kind lets you control the saltiness and get a wonderful golden crust.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love experimenting with this Eggnog French Toast Recipe depending on the season or who I’m cooking for. It’s my canvas for more flavors or a simpler approach if I’m pressed for time.

Variation: Adding a splash of bourbon instead of rum has given this dish a smoky depth that my friends rave about during holiday brunch.
Dietary Tip: For a dairy-free version, you can use almond milk eggnog or make your own coconut-based eggnog, though it alters the richness slightly.
Sweeteners: If you like it sweeter, a pinch of brown sugar in the batter works wonders, especially if you’re using less sweet store-bought eggnog.
Spice twist: Sometimes I add a dash of ground cloves or allspice for an extra holiday punch.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Eggnog French Toast Recipe

Step 1: Slice and Dry the Bread

I slice the country-style bread into thick 1-inch slices and then let them sit out to dry for at least 15 minutes. Drying the bread a bit helps it soak up the eggnog batter without falling apart, which is key to getting that perfect custardy inside and crispy outside.

Step 2: Whisk the Eggnog Batter

Next, I combine the eggnog, eggs, rum (if I’m using it), cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract in a big bowl and whisk until smooth. It looks like a creamy holiday dream. Make sure everything is well mixed so every slice gets a consistent flavor.

Step 3: Soak the Bread

I gently dunk the bread slices into the batter, turning to cover both sides. I usually do two or three slices at a time to keep the batter fresh and avoid soggy bread. If you soak too long, especially with thinner bread, it might get too fragile—something I learned the hard way!

Step 4: Cook the French Toast

Heating a tablespoon of unsalted butter in a skillet over medium heat, I fry the soaked bread for about 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden brown. It helps to let any excess batter drip off before cooking. Once cooked, I transfer the slices to a wire rack set in a low oven to keep warm and crisp.

Top Tip

Having made this Eggnog French Toast Recipe countless times, I've picked up some handy tips that really help nail the perfect texture and flavor every time.

Use thick, sturdy bread: It handles soaking well and stays intact during cooking—thin bread often turns mushy.
Don’t over-soak: Soaking each slice just long enough to absorb the batter makes for tender but not soggy toast.
Keep cooked slices warm on a wire rack: This lets steam escape and keeps your toast crisp instead of soggy while you finish the batch.
Use unsalted butter for frying: It gives better control over salt and browns beautifully.

How to Serve Eggnog French Toast Recipe

Eggnog French Toast - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I’m a sucker for a dollop of freshly whipped cream and a generous drizzle of real maple syrup—pure bliss. Sometimes I sprinkle a little extra cinnamon or add toasted pecans for crunch. Fresh berries can brighten things up too if you want a pop of color and tartness.

Side Dishes

To round out the meal, I like serving this with crispy bacon or sausage links—the savory saltiness contrasts beautifully with the sweet, spiced toast. A fresh fruit salad or warm spiced apples also make lovely sides that feel festive and fresh.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday brunches, I like stacking the French toast slices in a pyramid on a wooden board, topping with whipped cream, a dusting of powdered sugar, and some cranberries or rosemary sprigs for a festive look. It’s so inviting when guests arrive!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Eggnog French Toast can be kept refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days. I find placing parchment paper between slices helps prevent sticking and sogginess.

Freezing

Freezing works surprisingly well! I flash freeze cooked slices on a baking sheet, then transfer them to freezer bags. That way, you can pop a frozen slice into the toaster or oven for a quick treat later.

Reheating

To keep that crisp edge, I prefer reheating in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes rather than the microwave. Trust me, it makes a big texture difference.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Eggnog French Toast Recipe without alcohol?

Absolutely! You can omit the rum or replace it with rum extract for flavor without the alcohol. It still tastes amazing and festive.

What’s the best bread to use for Eggnog French Toast Recipe?

I recommend crusty, dense bread like country-style or brioche sliced thick. These hold up to soaking and cook to a nice texture without turning mushy.

How long should I soak the bread in the eggnog mixture?

About 30 seconds per side is perfect—enough to absorb flavor without becoming fragile. If you soak too long, the bread might fall apart during cooking.

Can I prepare the batter the night before?

Yes, you can prepare the eggnog batter the night before and refrigerate it. Give it a good whisk before using. Keep the bread separate to prevent it from getting soggy ahead of time.

Final Thoughts

This Eggnog French Toast Recipe brings me back to those chilly mornings filled with laughter and holiday cheer. It's more than just breakfast—it's a little celebration you can make any time you want to feel cozy and festive. I hope you enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do—trust me, it’s a game-changer for your brunch table.