If you’re dreaming of a breakfast that feels like a festive hug, this Eggnog French Toast Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s the perfect blend of creamy, spiced eggnog with the crisp, golden edges of perfectly cooked French toast. Imagine the tender crumb of thick bread soaked in rich eggnog custard, kissed with cinnamon and nutmeg, then pan-fried to a beautiful glow—this recipe makes every bite sing with holiday magic and cozy comfort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity; each ingredient plays a crucial role in delivering that luscious flavor and comforting texture. From the rich eggnog that infuses the bread with festive warmth to the spices that add depth and aroma, you’ll find these staples easy to gather and delightful to combine.
- 8 thick slices bread: Choose Sara Lee Artesana or brioche for a soft, absorbent base that crisps nicely.
- 4 large eggs: Room temperature eggs ensure even mixing and a smooth custard.
- 2/3 cup eggnog: Whether store-bought or homemade, it’s the star that imparts a creamy holiday flavor.
- 1 Tablespoon light brown sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness and a bit of caramel undertone.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Brings warm, inviting spice to every bite.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Complements the cinnamon with a cozy, nutty depth.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances sweetness and rounds out the flavor profile.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: Provides just enough structure to the custard for a perfect coating.
How to Make Eggnog French Toast Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Cooking Surface
Start by getting your griddle or skillet ready—heat it to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or set the stove to medium heat. This temperature is just right to achieve that golden crust without burning the delicate eggnog batter.
Step 2: Whisk Up the Eggnog Batter
Combine everything except the bread—eggs, eggnog, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and flour—in a blender or a shallow dish. If you’re whisking by hand, don’t worry if the flour doesn’t dissolve perfectly; the batter will still coat beautifully and cook up just right.
Step 3: Prepare the Bread for Batter Bath
Grease your skillet with butter or a light spray to prevent sticking and add flavor. Now, dip each slice of bread into your eggnog custard, making sure both sides are generously soaked. This step is where the magic happens—letting the bread absorb all those rich flavors.
Step 4: Cook to Golden Perfection
Place the coated bread slices onto the hot skillet. Let them cook undisturbed for a few minutes until the bottoms turn a beautiful golden brown. Then flip carefully and cook the other side until it matches in color and crispness. This slow, patient cooking ensures a tender inside with just the right crunch on the outside.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your Eggnog French Toast warm with a drizzle of cinnamon syrup or your favorite regular syrup, and don’t forget to dust an extra sprinkle of cinnamon on top for that final holiday touch. This dish is best enjoyed fresh to fully appreciate its comforting richness.
How to Serve Eggnog French Toast Recipe
Garnishes
Adding the right garnishes elevates the Eggnog French Toast Recipe from simple to spectacular. Fresh berries like raspberries or cranberries add a burst of color and tartness. A dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar works beautifully too, giving a light sweetness that contrasts with the warm spices.
Side Dishes
For a balanced breakfast or brunch, pair this French toast with crispy bacon or sausage links for a savory counterpoint. Fresh fruit salad or a simple green salad with vinaigrette can also refresh the palate alongside the indulgent toast.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Eggnog French Toast Recipe into a feast by stacking slices tall, layering with cream cheese frosting or mascarpone between them, and topping with nuts or caramel drizzle. For a brunch crowd, serve it buffet style with multiple syrups and toppings, letting everyone customize their plate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The French toast will keep its flavor but may soften slightly, so be sure to reheat properly to bring back some crispness.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked Eggnog French Toast in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer bag. It freezes well for up to two months, making it perfect for prep-ahead holiday mornings or a quick breakfast treat.
Reheating
Reheat frozen or refrigerated slices in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed and slightly crisp again. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it tends to make the toast soggy.
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of eggnog in this recipe?
While you can substitute milk, using eggnog is what gives this recipe its signature festive flavor. Milk will result in a more traditional French toast taste without the seasonal spices and richness.
What is the best bread type for Eggnog French Toast Recipe?
Thick, soft breads like brioche or Sara Lee Artesana work best because they soak up the custard without falling apart, creating that perfect texture balance between soft inside and crispy outside.
Can I make the eggnog batter the night before?
It’s best to make the batter fresh to ensure the flavors and texture are spot-on. However, you can prepare the mixture the night before and store it covered in the fridge, just give it a good whisk before dipping the bread.
How do I prevent the French toast from becoming soggy?
Make sure your skillet is properly heated before adding the bread, and don’t overcrowd the pan. Cooking the slices slowly until golden brown will help develop a crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender.
Can this recipe be made dairy-free?
Yes! Use a dairy-free eggnog alternative and non-dairy milk to replace the eggnog, and substitute butter with a plant-based oil or spread for cooking. The spices and vanilla will still make it deliciously festive.
Final Thoughts
This Eggnog French Toast Recipe is a magical way to bring holiday cheer to your breakfast table any day of the season. The combination of creamy eggnog spices infused in golden toast is simply irresistible. Grab your favorite bread and whisk up this crowd-pleaser for a cozy morning your family and friends will adore. Trust me, once you try it, this recipe will become a cherished tradition in your home too!
Print
Eggnog French Toast Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Eggnog French Toast is a festive and rich breakfast treat, featuring thick slices of bread soaked in a creamy eggnog batter with warm spices. Perfect for holiday mornings, this recipe combines the comforting flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla in a quick and easy skillet-cooked delight.
Ingredients
Bread
- 8 thick slices bread (Sara Lee Artesana or brioche recommended)
Batter
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 2/3 cup eggnog (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 Tablespoon light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Preheat the Cooking Surface: Preheat your griddle to 350 degrees F or heat a skillet over medium heat, ensuring it’s well warmed to cook the French toast evenly.
- Prepare the Batter: Combine all the ingredients except the bread — eggs, eggnog, light brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and flour — in a blender or whisk in a shallow dish. It’s okay if the flour doesn’t blend perfectly smooth when whisking by hand.
- Coat the Bread: Grease your skillet or griddle with butter or non-stick spray. Dip each slice of bread into the batter, turning to fully and generously coat both sides to absorb the flavors.
- Cook the French Toast: Place each coated slice on the hot cooking surface. Cook for a few minutes until the bottom turns golden brown. Flip and cook the other side until similarly golden and cooked through.
- Serve: Serve your Eggnog French Toast hot with cinnamon syrup, regular syrup, and a dusting of extra cinnamon to enhance the warm, festive flavors.
Notes
- Using thick slices of sturdy bread like brioche or Sara Lee Artesana helps the toast hold the batter and prevents sogginess.
- Room temperature eggs ensure a smoother batter and better mixing.
- If you prefer a stronger eggnog flavor, consider slightly reducing the flour to allow more liquid absorption.
- Adjust the cooking temperature if your French toast browns too quickly before cooking through.
- This recipe serves 8 slices, perfect for a family brunch or festive gathering.
