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 about that cozy, creamy richness in a classic holiday favorite that just beckons you to slow down and savor the moment. This Eggnog French Toast Recipe transforms your ordinary breakfast into a festive occasion that fills your kitchen with warm spices and sweet nostalgia.

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

I can’t get enough of how this Eggnog French Toast Recipe brings festive cheer to a simple morning. It’s like the holidays on a plate—rich, warmly spiced, and utterly comforting. Plus, it’s easier than you think to make it taste like something out of a fancy brunch!

Holiday-Inspired Flavor: Using eggnog instead of plain milk adds a depth of nostalgia and warmth that’s perfect for the season.
Simple Ingredients: You likely have everything on hand already, which makes it a no-stress way to impress your family or guests.
Customizable: You can easily tweak the rum amount or spices to suit your taste or dietary needs.
Perfect Texture: The crusty country bread soaks up that custardy batter beautifully without falling apart.

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

The magic in this Eggnog French Toast Recipe lies in the harmony of spices, richness, and the bread’s texture. Each ingredient pulls its weight, giving you that perfect balance of flavor and soakability.

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

Crusty country-style bread: Thick slices hold up well when dunked, preventing sogginess and giving a satisfying chew.
Eggnog: The star here—either store-bought or homemade works, lending sweetness and spice right into the batter.
Dark rum: Adds a subtle warmth and depth; if you skip it, rum extract is a great fallback for flavor without the alcohol.
Large eggs: Essential for that custard texture which binds the batter and makes the toast fluffy.
Ground cinnamon & nutmeg: Classic warming spices that complement the eggnog’s flavor—and make your kitchen smell divine!
Vanilla extract: Rounds out the mix with a touch of sweetness and aroma.
Unsalted butter: For that golden, buttery crust when frying—it makes all the difference.
Whipped cream & maple syrup: Serve these on the side to add a luscious finish and the perfect balance of sweet and creamy.

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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

Honestly, I love tweaking this Eggnog French Toast Recipe depending on who's joining me at the table. Feel free to adjust spices or even try different breads to find what hits your sweet spot.

Variation: Once, I swapped out the cinnamon and nutmeg for pumpkin pie spice, which gave the French toast a lovely autumn vibe that everyone raved about.
Dairy-Free: You can use a plant-based eggnog and vegan butter for a dairy-free spin that’s still deliciously rich.
Alcohol-Free: Skip the rum or use rum extract for that boozy flavor without the alcohol—perfect for kids or those avoiding booze.
Bread Swap: Brioche or challah also soak up the batter beautifully and bring a lovely tenderness.

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

Step 1: Slice and Dry Your Bread

I like to slice my country loaf about an inch thick. Then I leave it out to dry for around 15 minutes or longer if I have time—this helps the bread soak up the eggnog batter perfectly without falling apart. If you're prepping ahead, you can even let it sit uncovered for up to 48 hours. Trust me, this extra step is key for that custardy interior and crisp edges!

Step 2: Warm Your Oven and Prep the Rack

While you're working on the batter, pop a metal wire rack inside a rimmed baking sheet and warm your oven to 250°F. This setup is your toasty holding station where cooked slices stay warm without getting soggy or overcooked as you finish the rest.

Step 3: Whisk Together the Magic Batter

In a large bowl, combine your eggnog, eggs, rum (or rum extract), cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla. Whisk it all until the color is uniform—this is when you know the spices are evenly spread. I find whisking well really makes a difference in how the flavors marry and how smooth the custard feels.

Step 4: Soak and Sizzle

Dunk two or three bread slices into the batter, flipping to coat both sides fully. Then heat a tablespoon of butter in your skillet over medium heat. Once melted and bubbling, transfer the soaked bread carefully—excess batter should drip off to avoid soggy edges. Cook each side for 2 to 3 minutes until golden brown and slightly crisp. Use tongs or a spatula to flip gently so the bread stays intact. Keep dipping additional slices while these cook.

Step 5: Keep Warm and Serve

Place each finished piece on the wire rack in the oven to keep warm as you complete the batch. Serve immediately with a generous drizzle of maple syrup and a cloud of whipped cream. For me, this final touch turns it into a breakfast experience that feels like a celebration.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned some little tricks that consistently make my eggnog French toast stand out, and I want to share them so you get the best results without any guesswork.

Use Day-Old Bread: Fresher bread tends to get mushy fast—letting it dry out slightly helps it soak the batter without falling apart.
Control Soaking Time: Don’t leave slices in the batter too long or they’ll become fragile. About 20–30 seconds per side is perfect.
Medium Heat Searing: Cook on medium so the bread cooks through and crisps up without burning.
Keep Toast Warm in the Oven: This is a neat trick I picked up to keep your breakfast hot and ready without stacking slices on each other.

How to Serve Eggnog French Toast Recipe

Eggnog French Toast - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I adore topping mine with freshly whipped cream spiked with a pinch of cinnamon, plus a drizzle of real maple syrup. Sometimes, I sprinkle a few chopped toasted pecans or a dusting of powdered sugar for that extra touch of festiveness and crunch.

Side Dishes

To round out the meal, I usually pair this French toast with a side of crispy bacon or sausage links and some fresh fruit like sliced oranges or berries. The savory and fresh contrasts balance all that creamy sweetness beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday brunches, I like stacking several slices layered with a little mascarpone or cream cheese between them, topped with a dusting of nutmeg and a sprig of fresh rosemary. It looks stunning and feels super inviting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you end up with any leftovers, I let the French toast cool completely and then store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They keep well for up to 2 days—just make sure they aren’t stacked so they don’t get too soggy.

Freezing

Freeze leftover slices in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. This way, you can enjoy your Eggnog French Toast Recipe anytime for up to a month. When you’re ready, pop them straight into the toaster or oven to reheat.

Reheating

I prefer reheating leftovers in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through. This keeps that crust nice and crisp instead of soggy like microwaving often does.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use any type of bread for this Eggnog French Toast Recipe?

While crusty country bread works best for soaking and holding texture, you can also use brioche, challah, or even a sturdy sourdough. Avoid very soft or pre-sliced sandwich bread as it tends to get too soggy.

Do I have to use rum in the eggnog batter?

Nope! The rum adds a warm, adult flavor but is entirely optional. You can omit it or substitute with rum extract if you want the flavor without alcohol. For kids or those avoiding alcohol, skipping it works just fine.

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

About 20 to 30 seconds per side is plenty. You want the bread soaked through but still sturdy enough to flip without falling apart. If your bread is extra thick or stale, you can soak a bit longer, but be careful during flipping.

Can I make this Eggnog French Toast Recipe ahead of time?

You can slice and dry the bread a day or two ahead and keep it uncovered at room temperature. The batter is best made fresh, but you can mix it a few hours beforehand and refrigerate. For cooked leftovers, store in the fridge and reheat in the oven.

Final Thoughts

This Eggnog French Toast Recipe is one of those special treats I look forward to every winter. It’s rich, festive, and somehow manages to feel both indulgent and homey at the same time. I really hope you give it a try and that it brings as much joy to your breakfast table as it does to mine. Cozy up, pour yourself a cup of coffee, and let this recipe turn your morning into a celebration.