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, for serving; Maple syrup, for serving

There’s something utterly magical about breakfast when it’s dressed up a little — warm, cozy, and a little bit indulgent. That’s exactly why I adore sharing this Eggnog French Toast Recipe with you. It’s a festive twist that turns an ordinary morning into a celebration, with rich flavors that remind me of holiday cheer, no matter the season.

Two thick slices of golden-brown French toast are stacked on a white plate with a decorative edge. The toast is shiny with amber syrup dripping over the sides and pooling on the plate. The top slice shows a crispy texture with some darker browned spots. Behind the plate, there is a clear glass bowl filled with white whipped cream, and next to it, a clear glass mug holds dark brown coffee. The background is 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

I have a soft spot for French toast, but swapping regular milk for eggnog instantly transports the dish to the next level. It’s creamy, spiced just right, and so nostalgic — like that comforting holiday drink transformed into breakfast. I promise, once you try this Eggnog French Toast Recipe, you’ll want to make it part of your seasonal and weekend routine.

Festive Flavor Boost: The eggnog adds a luscious depth with cinnamon and nutmeg that makes every bite feel special.
Perfectly Crispy Outside, Soft Inside: Toasted just right, it’s golden brown but tender and custardy on the inside — my favorite texture combo.
Easy to Prep Ahead: You can let the bread dry out or soak up the batter overnight, which makes mornings smoother (and less stressful!).
Customizable & Versatile: Whether you add a splash of rum or stick with vanilla extract, you can tailor it to your taste or dietary needs.

The image shows two slices of toasted bread stacked slightly on a white plate with a detailed, embossed pattern. The top slice is golden brown with a rough, crispy texture, while the bottom slice looks a little darker and more cooked. Both slices have a dusting of white powdered sugar. Behind the plate are small bowls filled with bright red pomegranate seeds and a halved pomegranate with shiny, jewel-like seeds. There is also a glass of amber-colored liquid and a silver fork wrapped in a red cloth napkin on a white marbled surface. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Eggnog French Toast Recipe is about layering flavor and texture. Choosing the right bread and fresh spices really makes a difference, and you’ll find some practical tips to get the perfect custardy soak without sogginess.

Flat lay of a few thick slices of crusty country-style bread, a small white bowl of creamy eggnog, four whole uncracked brown eggs with clean shells, a small white bowl filled with dark golden unsalted butter chunks, a small white bowl containing ground cinnamon powder, a small white bowl with ground nutmeg, a small white bowl of clear vanilla extract, a small white bowl of smooth maple syrup, and a dollop of fresh whipped cream on a simple white ceramic plate, all arranged in perfect symmetry and natural 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: Thick slices with a crusty exterior hold up well without turning to mush and soak up the eggnog batter beautifully.
Eggnog: This is the star — its creamy richness and spiced notes make ordinary French toast something truly cozy and special.
Dark rum (optional): Adds warmth and depth, but it’s easy to skip or swap with rum extract for a non-alcoholic version.
Eggs: They bind everything together, helping you get that custardy texture inside the crisp exterior.
Cinnamon and nutmeg: Classic spices that complement the eggnog’s holiday vibes perfectly.
Vanilla extract: Just a touch to brighten and soften the overall flavor.
Unsalted butter: For that golden brown pan-fried crust without any unwanted saltiness – plus it adds richness.
Whipped cream and maple syrup: Essential finishing touches to elevate every bite and make the flavors sing.

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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

This Eggnog French Toast Recipe is a great canvas for your creativity. I love experimenting with flavors and add-ins — you can easily adjust the sweetness, spice, or even bread type to suit your mood and pantry.

Variation: One of my favorite tweaks is using challah bread instead of the country loaf for an even richer, softer texture. It feels ultra-luxurious, especially combined with the eggnog soak.
Dairy-Free Version: Try using a plant-based eggnog and vegan butter — it’s still deliciously spiced and creamy, though slightly lighter.
Extra Spices: For a bolder twist, add a pinch of ground cloves or ginger to the batter. It really wakes up the flavors and makes the toast smell irresistible.
Make It Boozy: The dark rum is optional, but I like it for a festive brunch vibe — just a little splash goes a long way.

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

Step 1: Slice and Dry Your Bread

I always slice my loaf into thick, 1-inch pieces — thick enough to soak up the batter without falling apart. Then, I let the slices dry out on the countertop for at least 15 minutes. Drying is key! It helps the bread soak up the custard without getting soggy, making your toast perfectly tender inside and beautifully crisp outside.

Step 2: Whisk Up the Eggnog Batter

In a large bowl, I whisk together eggnog, eggs, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and that optional splash of dark rum. Getting a smooth, uniform color means the flavors are well mixed. When your batter smells warm and cozy, you know you’re on the right track!

Step 3: Soak the Bread Just Right

Dip your bread slices into the batter carefully — I usually do two or three at a time. Flip to coat both sides, allowing the bread to absorb just enough but not so much it falls apart. If you soak them too long, especially if they’ve dried out overnight, they get super fragile, so handle with care.

Step 4: Fry Until Golden and Crisp

Heat butter on medium in a large skillet or griddle until melted and shimmering. Place your soaked slices in the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes per side. You want a deep golden crust but don’t rush — medium heat gives the inside time to cook through without burning the outside. Keep the finished toast on a wire rack in a warm 250°F oven so they stay ready and crisp.

Top Tip

Over the years, I've realized that the secret to perfect Eggnog French Toast Recipe lies in balancing soak time and cooking temperature. I've seen plenty of folks end up with soggy or undercooked slices, so here are my foolproof tips to get it just right every time.

Dry Your Bread First: Leaving your bread out for 15-30 minutes—or even overnight—helps it soak up the eggnog batter without falling apart.
Medium Heat Works Best: Too hot and the toast burns outside before cooking inside; too low and it won’t crisp. Patience pays off!
Use a Wire Rack to Keep Warm: Placing finished slices on a wire rack in a low oven keeps them crisp while you cook the rest.
Be Gentle When Flipping: Especially if bread soaked overnight, handle slices carefully with tongs or spatula to avoid tearing.

How to Serve Eggnog French Toast Recipe

Eggnog French Toast - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I’m a simple fan of whipped cream piled high with a generous drizzle of real maple syrup. Sometimes I add a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top for that little extra sparkle. Fresh berries also add a lovely pop of color and brightness that cuts through the richness perfectly.

Side Dishes

This Eggnog French Toast Recipe pairs beautifully with crispy breakfast sausages or a side of roasted apples. If you want something lighter, a fresh green salad with citrus dressing can balance the decadence nicely.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday brunches, I like stacking the toast on a festive platter with cinnamon sticks and a dusting of powdered sugar. You can even shape the slices with cookie cutters before soaking for fun holiday shapes that delight kids and guests alike.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I store leftover Eggnog French Toast in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Reheating carefully helps keep that crispy-chewy texture intact.

Freezing

I also freeze leftovers by laying slices flat on a baking sheet until firm, then transferring them to a zip-top bag. This way, I can grab a slice or two for a quick breakfast anytime.

Reheating

To reheat, I use a toaster oven or regular oven to crisp it back up — around 350°F for 8-10 minutes works like a charm. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that golden crust.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use store-bought eggnog for this recipe?

Absolutely! Store-bought eggnog works wonderfully here, especially if you choose a high-quality brand with good spice balance. Homemade eggnog is lovely too if you want that fresh, made-from-scratch touch.

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

A crusty, country-style loaf is ideal because it soaks up the custard without falling apart. Thick slices maintain structure and give that satisfying bite. Challah or brioche are also delicious choices if you want a softer, richer texture.

Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?

Yes, you can swap traditional eggnog with a plant-based version like almond or soy eggnog, and use a vegan butter substitute. Just ensure your bread fits your dietary needs too. The flavor will be just as comforting with these tweaks!

How do I keep the toast from getting soggy?

The key is to dry your bread before soaking and not to oversoak it in the batter. Also, cooking over medium heat ensures the bread cooks through evenly without falling apart. Using a wire rack to keep cooked slices warm helps maintain crispness.

Final Thoughts

This Eggnog French Toast Recipe is one of those dishes that warms the heart as much as the belly. It’s become a cozy tradition around my kitchen table — simple enough for a weekday treat yet festive enough for special occasions. I hope you find as much joy in making and eating it as I do. Trust me, your mornings are about to get a little sweeter and a whole lot more fun!