Eggnog French Toast Recipe: Festive Holiday Brunch Idea

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This easy Homemade Eggnog French Toast is the festive breakfast you’ve been craving. It’s essentially classic French toast with a seasonal twist: slices of bread soaked in rich eggnog, pan-fried until golden, then finished with a dollop of chantilly cream, a drizzle of syrup, and a dusting of powdered sugar. Light, buttery, and tender inside with a slightly crisp exterior, this version captures warm holiday spices and is a cozy addition to winter mornings. It’s perfect piled high on a plate and shared with friends and family, and it even doubles as a dessert when topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Best of all, this recipe is quick to prepare and a great way to use leftover eggnog.

About the Recipe

Holiday leftovers are inevitable, and eggnog is often one of them. Because eggnog is rich and filling, a small glass goes a long way. Rather than letting the remaining eggnog sit unused, transform it into a delicious custard for French toast. Eggnog’s cream, sugar, eggs, and warm spices make an ideal soaking base for bread.

If you’re unsure about eggnog, give this a try — it may convert you. The finished French toast is sweet, soft in the center, crisp at the edges, and perfectly spiced. It comes together quickly: no overnight soaking required. Simply heat your pan, dip the bread into eggnog, and fry until golden.

This recipe is a crowd-pleaser, so plan for hungry family and friends. Keep an assortment of toppings on hand so everyone can customize their plate.

Ingredients

• 1 quart eggnog (non-alcoholic or your preferred variety)
• 8 slices thick-cut bread or sandwich bread
• Ground nutmeg, for sprinkling
• Chantilly cream, for topping
• Powdered sugar, for dusting
• Syrup or other sauces for serving

Instructions

1. Preheat a nonstick skillet over low to medium-low heat and lightly grease it.

2. Pour about 1 cup of eggnog into a shallow dish. Place one slice of bread into the eggnog and allow it to soak for about 1 minute, then flip and soak the other side briefly. Make sure the bread is thoroughly coated but not falling apart.

3. Sprinkle the soaked side of each slice with a little ground nutmeg. Place the slice in the preheated skillet with the nutmeg side down. Sprinkle nutmeg on the side facing up while it cooks.

4. Cook 1–2 minutes per side, until each side is golden brown and slightly crisp. Adjust the heat as needed to prevent burning.

5. Remove the French toast to a plate and serve immediately with chantilly cream, a dusting of powdered sugar, and a glass of eggnog or your favorite syrup.

What to Serve With Eggnog French Toast

To round out a holiday breakfast or brunch, offer a selection of toppings and side dishes so guests can assemble their plates.

Suggested toppings

• Powdered sugar
• Chantilly cream
• Chocolate sauce
• Caramel sauce
• Vanilla ice cream (for an indulgent dessert-style serving)

Suggested sides

• Ham and cheese croissant casserole
• Sweet rolls or pastries
• Cranberry muffins or other breakfast muffins
• Beignets or other sweet fried treats
• Fruit or granola for contrast
• Buttermilk biscuits

Storage

This French toast is best eaten fresh. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container and reheated, but they may become soggy and lose their crispness. For best results, prepare and serve the French toast the same day. If you must prepare ahead, keep components separate and assemble and reheat just before serving.

Substitutions

• Use store-bought eggnog if you prefer.
• Any sturdy bread will work; brioche or challah are excellent alternatives.
• If you’d rather, substitute cinnamon for nutmeg or use a mix of both spices.

Expert Tips

• Use a nonstick skillet for easy flipping and even browning.
• If using homemade eggnog, skip whipping extra cream; add whole milk instead of alcohol and a splash of vanilla for balance.
• Keep the pan at moderate heat to avoid burning the bread or cooking fat.
• Make sure the bread soaks long enough to absorb the eggnog but not so long that it falls apart.
• This recipe is intended to be enjoyed immediately for the best texture and flavor.

When you make this Homemade Eggnog French Toast, feel free to leave a comment and share your experience. We love hearing from readers and seeing your photos—tag on social media if you’d like to share!

Homemade Eggnog French Toast

The best winter treat! This Eggnog French Toast is easy to make and incredibly delicious—your new favorite holiday breakfast.

Prep Time: 10 mins

Cook Time: 20 mins

Total Time: 30 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 1 quart eggnog
• 8 slices thick-cut bread
• Ground nutmeg

Instructions

1. Spray a nonstick skillet with cooking spray and place over low heat.
2. Pour 1 cup of eggnog into a shallow dish.
3. Place one piece of bread in the eggnog and allow to sit 1 minute, then turn over and soak the other side.
4. Sprinkle the soaked side with nutmeg and place in the preheated skillet, nutmeg side down.
5. Sprinkle nutmeg on the top side once in the pan.
6. Cook 1–2 minutes per side, until golden brown.
7. Flip using a thin spatula and cook the other side 1–2 minutes until golden.
8. Remove to a plate and serve immediately.

Notes + Tips

Substitutions:

• Use store-bought eggnog if preferred.
• Any sturdy bread works well.
• Swap cinnamon for nutmeg if desired.

Expert Tips:

• Use a non-stick pan and moderate heat.
• If using homemade eggnog, don’t over-whip cream — add whole milk instead of alcohol and a touch of vanilla.
• Serve fresh for best texture.

– Still Hungry? –

Here are a few recipes you might enjoy:

• Apple Bourbon Coffee Cake

• Quick & Easy Pumpkin Butter French Toast Bake

• Cinnamon Apple Butter Puff Pastry Tarts