Eggnog French Toast: The Ultimate Holiday Breakfast Recipe

Eggnog French Toast: the ultimate holiday breakfast indulgence! Imagine waking up on Christmas morning to the aroma of warm spices and sweet custard, all infused into perfectly golden-brown slices of French toast. This isn’t just any French toast; it’s a festive celebration on a plate, guaranteed to bring joy to your holiday brunch.

French toast, in its simplest form, has been around for centuries, a clever way to use up stale bread. But this Eggnog French Toast takes it to a whole new level. Eggnog, with its rich history as a creamy, spiced beverage enjoyed during the winter holidays, lends its unique flavor profile to this classic breakfast dish. The combination is simply magical.

What makes this recipe so irresistible? It’s the perfect blend of textures – the slightly crisp exterior giving way to a soft, custardy interior. The warm spices like nutmeg and cinnamon create a comforting and inviting aroma, while the sweetness of the eggnog adds a touch of decadence. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make! Whether you’re hosting a large holiday gathering or simply treating yourself to a special breakfast, this Eggnog French Toast is sure to become a new family favorite. Get ready to experience the most delicious and festive French toast you’ve ever tasted!

Ingredients:

• For the Eggnog Custard:
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup eggnog (store-bought or homemade)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Pinch of salt
• For the French Toast:
• 8 slices of brioche bread (or challah, or Texas toast – about 1 inch thick)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, for cooking
• For the Topping (Optional):
• Powdered sugar, for dusting
• Maple syrup, for serving
• Fresh berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries), for serving
• Whipped cream, for serving
• Toasted pecans or walnuts, for serving

Preparing the Eggnog Custard:

1. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, whole milk, eggnog, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground nutmeg, and salt. Make sure everything is well combined and the sugar is dissolved. I like to use a whisk for this to ensure a smooth and even custard. Don’t over-whisk, just until everything is incorporated.
2. Taste the custard and adjust the sweetness or spices as needed. If you prefer a sweeter French toast, add a little more sugar. If you want a stronger nutmeg flavor, add a pinch more. This is your chance to customize it to your liking!
3. Pour the eggnog custard into a shallow dish or baking pan that is large enough to accommodate the bread slices. A 9×13 inch pan works well. This will make it easier to soak the bread evenly.

Soaking the Bread:

1. Place a slice of bread into the eggnog custard. Let it soak for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the bread is thoroughly saturated. You want the bread to be nice and soaked through, but not falling apart. The soaking time will depend on the thickness and density of your bread. Brioche and challah are quite absorbent, so they might need a little less time than Texas toast.
2. Carefully remove the soaked bread from the custard, allowing any excess custard to drip back into the pan. You don’t want the bread to be dripping wet, just nicely saturated.
3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 with the remaining slices of bread, making sure to soak each slice evenly. If you find that the custard is getting low, you can gently press the bread into the custard to help it absorb more.

Cooking the French Toast:

1. Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add about 1 tablespoon of butter to the skillet and let it melt completely. Make sure the butter coats the entire surface of the skillet to prevent the French toast from sticking.
2. Once the butter is melted and the skillet is hot, carefully place the soaked bread slices into the skillet. Don’t overcrowd the skillet; cook the French toast in batches if necessary. Overcrowding can lower the temperature of the skillet and result in soggy French toast.
3. Cook the French toast for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Keep an eye on the heat and adjust it as needed to prevent the French toast from burning. If the French toast is browning too quickly, reduce the heat to medium-low.
4. Flip the French toast carefully with a spatula and cook for another 3-4 minutes on the other side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The French toast should be cooked through and no longer soggy in the center.
5. Remove the cooked French toast from the skillet and place it on a wire rack to keep it warm while you cook the remaining slices. You can also keep the French toast warm in a preheated oven (200°F) until ready to serve.
6. Add the remaining tablespoon of butter to the skillet and repeat steps 2-5 with the remaining soaked bread slices. Make sure to add more butter to the skillet as needed to prevent the French toast from sticking.

Serving the Eggnog French Toast:

1. Serve the Eggnog French Toast immediately while it’s still warm.
2. Dust the French toast with powdered sugar, if desired. This adds a touch of sweetness and makes it look extra festive.
3. Drizzle with maple syrup, if desired. Maple syrup is a classic topping for French toast and pairs perfectly with the eggnog flavor.
4. Top with fresh berries, such as strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries. The berries add a burst of freshness and color to the dish.
5. Add a dollop of whipped cream, if desired. Whipped cream adds a creamy and decadent touch to the French toast.
6. Sprinkle with toasted pecans or walnuts, if desired. The nuts add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor to the dish.
7. Enjoy your delicious Eggnog French Toast! This is a perfect breakfast or brunch treat for the holidays or any time of year.

Tips and Variations:

• Bread Choice: While brioche is my go-to, challah bread also works wonderfully. Texas toast is another good option, especially if you like a thicker, heartier French toast. The key is to use a bread that is sturdy enough to hold up to the soaking process without falling apart.
• Eggnog: You can use store-bought eggnog or homemade eggnog for this recipe. If you’re using store-bought, choose a good quality eggnog that you enjoy the taste of. If you’re making your own, you can customize the flavor to your liking.
• Spices: Feel free to experiment with different spices in the eggnog custard. Cinnamon, allspice, and cloves are all great additions. You can also add a pinch of ground ginger for a little extra warmth.
• Liquor: For an adult version, you can add a splash of rum, brandy, or bourbon to the eggnog custard. This will add a little extra flavor and warmth to the French toast. Be sure to add the liquor sparingly, as too much can make the French toast soggy.
• Overnight Soak: For an even richer and more flavorful French toast, you can soak the bread in the eggnog custard overnight. This will allow the bread to absorb even more of the custard and result in a super moist and delicious French toast. Just be sure to cover the bread and custard tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate it overnight.
• Baking Method: If you prefer, you can bake the French toast instead of cooking it on the stovetop. To bake the French toast, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the soaked bread slices in a greased baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
• Freezing: You can freeze leftover Eggnog French Toast for later. Let the French toast cool completely, then wrap it individually in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply thaw the French toast in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat it in the microwave, oven, or toaster.
• Serving Suggestions: In addition to the toppings mentioned above, you can also serve the Eggnog French Toast with a variety of other toppings, such as fruit compote, chocolate sauce, caramel sauce, or a sprinkle of chopped nuts. Get creative and have fun with it!

Troubleshooting:

• Soggy French Toast: If your French toast is coming out soggy, it could be due to a few reasons. First, make sure you’re not soaking the bread for too long. The bread should be saturated, but not falling apart. Second, make sure your skillet is hot enough before adding the bread. If the skillet is not hot enough, the bread will absorb too much butter and become soggy. Third, don’t overcrowd the skillet. Overcrowding can lower the temperature of the skillet and result in soggy French toast.
• Burnt French Toast: If your French toast is burning, it could be due to the heat being too high. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook the French toast more slowly. You can also add a little more butter to the skillet to prevent the French toast from sticking and burning.
• Dry French Toast: If your French toast is coming out dry, it could be due to not soaking the bread long enough. Make sure the bread is thoroughly saturated with the eggnog custard before cooking it. You can also add a little more heavy cream or milk to the custard to make it more moist.
• Unevenly Cooked French Toast: If your French toast is cooking uneven

Conclusion:

This Eggnog French Toast isn’t just breakfast; it’s a holiday hug on a plate! I truly believe this recipe is a must-try because it elevates a classic comfort food into something truly special. The rich, spiced eggnog infuses every slice of bread with warmth and festive flavor, creating a breakfast experience that’s both indulgent and incredibly satisfying. Forget boring toast – this is a celebration of flavor! But the best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make! You don’t need to be a culinary expert to whip up a batch of this deliciousness. The simple steps and readily available ingredients make it perfect for a weekend brunch, a special holiday morning, or even a weeknight treat when you need a little pick-me-up. Trust me, the aroma alone will fill your kitchen with holiday cheer and have everyone clamoring for a bite. Now, let’s talk serving suggestions and variations! I personally love serving this Eggnog French Toast with a dollop of freshly whipped cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg. A drizzle of maple syrup is, of course, a classic choice, but you could also try a homemade cranberry sauce for a tart and festive contrast. For a truly decadent experience, consider adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream – it’s like dessert for breakfast! If you’re feeling adventurous, there are plenty of ways to customize this recipe to your liking. Try using different types of bread – challah, brioche, or even croissants would all work beautifully. You could also add a splash of rum or bourbon to the eggnog mixture for an extra kick (just be mindful if you’re serving it to children!). And for those who prefer a lighter option, you can use skim milk or almond milk in place of the whole milk. Another fantastic variation is to add some chopped nuts to the batter – pecans, walnuts, or almonds would all be delicious. Or, for a fruity twist, try adding some berries like blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries. The possibilities are endless! I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and experience the magic of Eggnog French Toast for yourself. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will impress your family and friends. It’s the perfect way to start a holiday morning or simply add a touch of festive cheer to your everyday life. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your griddle, and get ready to create a breakfast masterpiece! I’m confident that you’ll love this recipe as much as I do. And most importantly, I’d love to hear about your experience! Once you’ve tried this recipe, please come back and share your thoughts in the comments below. Did you make any variations? What were your favorite toppings? I’m always eager to learn from my readers and see how you’ve made this recipe your own. Happy cooking, and happy holidays! I hope this Eggnog French Toast becomes a cherished tradition in your home, just as it has in mine. Don’t forget to snap a picture of your creation and tag me on social media – I can’t wait to see your delicious results!

Print