Eggnog French Toast: A Festive Twist on a Classic Breakfast

Nothing says the holidays like the rich, spiced flavor of eggnog—and when you turn it into French toast, you’ve got a breakfast (or brunch) that’s as indulgent as it is festive. This Eggnog French Toast is an easy yet decadent way to start your day during the holiday season. The warm spices and creamy texture of the eggnog create a perfectly rich custard base for the toast, which gets golden and crispy on the outside while remaining soft and custardy on the inside.

Whether you’re hosting a Christmas breakfast or just want to treat yourself to something special, this Eggnog French Toast will fill your home with cozy aromas and make your morning even merrier!

Ingredients:

• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup eggnog (store-bought or homemade)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 8 slices of thick bread (preferably brioche, challah, or French bread)
• 2 tablespoons butter (for cooking)
• Powdered sugar (for dusting)
• Maple syrup (for serving)
• Optional: Whipped cream, cranberries, or additional cinnamon for garnish

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the eggnog custard

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, eggnog, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, vanilla extract, and salt until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.
2. Taste the custard and adjust the spices if needed. If you like a more pronounced nutmeg or cinnamon flavor, feel free to add a pinch more.

Step 2: Dip the bread

1. Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a tablespoon of butter, letting it melt and coat the surface.
2. Dip each slice of bread into the eggnog custard, ensuring both sides are soaked but not overly saturated (you want the bread to hold its shape). Let any excess custard drip off before placing the bread on the skillet.

Step 3: Cook the French toast

1. Place the soaked bread slices on the hot skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until each side is golden brown and crispy. Add more butter to the skillet as needed to prevent the toast from sticking and to give it a rich, golden finish.
2. If cooking in batches, you can keep the cooked French toast warm by placing it in a 200°F (93°C) oven until ready to serve.

Step 4: Serve and enjoy

1. Once all the French toast is cooked, arrange the slices on plates. Dust with powdered sugar and drizzle with maple syrup.
2. For an extra festive touch, you can garnish with whipped cream, fresh cranberries, or an extra sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg.

Chef’s Tip:

For an even more luxurious twist, try adding a splash of spiced rum or bourbon to the eggnog custard for a little holiday cheer. Just a tablespoon will enhance the flavor without overpowering the delicate spices.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this Eggnog French Toast ahead of time?
You can prepare the eggnog custard ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to cook, just dip the bread and proceed with the recipe. If you want to keep the cooked French toast warm for a crowd, place it in the oven at 200°F (93°C) while you finish cooking the rest.

2. Can I make this recipe without eggnog?
If you don’t have eggnog or prefer a lighter version, you can substitute it with a mixture of milk and heavy cream (about 3/4 cup milk and 1/4 cup cream). You’ll want to add extra spices—about 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg—to mimic the flavor of eggnog.

3. Can I use gluten-free bread for this recipe?
Yes, you can use gluten-free bread in place of regular bread. Just be sure to select a hearty, thick gluten-free bread so it holds up when soaked in the eggnog custard.

4. Can I freeze leftover French toast?
Yes! If you have leftover Eggnog French Toast, you can freeze it. Just let the French toast cool completely, then wrap each slice in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container or freezer bag. To reheat, pop it in the toaster or a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes to get it crispy again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

This Eggnog French Toast combines the best of both worlds: the beloved French toast we all know and love, with a festive eggnog twist that makes it perfect for the holidays. The result is a breakfast that’s warm, comforting, and filled with the cozy spices of cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla. Add a drizzle of maple syrup, and you’ve got a delicious treat that will make your mornings merry and bright!