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 truly magical about breakfast when it feels a little festive and indulgent—like savoring warm spices and a rich, creamy custard dripping over fresh bread. That’s why I’m excited to share this cozy, soul-warming Eggnog French Toast Recipe with you. It’s the kind of dish that turns an ordinary morning into a celebration of flavors.

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 can’t tell you how many times I’ve made this Eggnog French Toast Recipe for friends and family during the holidays—and every single person has asked for seconds. It’s that good! But beyond the festive flair, it’s simple and forgiving, so you can make it without stress and still impress everyone at the table.

Rich, Seasonal Flavor: Eggnog adds a smooth, creamy indulgence that plain milk just can’t match.
Easy to Customize: You can add dark rum, or skip it altogether for a kid-friendly version that’s just as delicious.
Perfect Texture: Using a crusty country-style bread soaked just right makes each bite soft inside and golden crisp outside.
Festive Yet Classic: The warm spices of cinnamon and nutmeg add a holiday touch without overpowering the comforting French toast you love.

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

Each ingredient in this Eggnog French Toast Recipe plays an important role to create that luscious, silky custard that soaks into the bread perfectly. Here’s what you’ll need and why I love each component.

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

Crusty country-style bread: Thick slices absorb the custard without falling apart, giving you that perfect soft-yet-structured texture.
Eggnog: This is the star—adds creaminess, sweetness, and those signature nutmeg and cinnamon spices that really bring the flavor alive.
Dark rum (optional): Adds warmth and depth, but feel free to swap with rum extract or skip if you prefer an alcohol-free version.
Large eggs: Eggs bind the custard together, creating a rich coating that crisps beautifully when cooked.
Ground cinnamon & nutmeg: These classic spices complement the eggnog, making each bite fragrant and cozy.
Vanilla extract: Gives a subtle sweetness and roundness to the batter’s flavor.
Unsalted butter: For frying, ensuring a golden crust without overpowering saltiness.
Whipped cream & maple syrup: The perfect finishing touches, adding sweetness and richness that make this breakfast feel decadent.

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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

I love making this Eggnog French Toast Recipe as is, but I’ve played around with a few tweaks over the years, and it’s fun to explore what you like best. Don’t be afraid to customize!

Variation: For a boozy breakfast treat, I swirl in extra dark rum and finish with a dusting of powdered sugar for extra flair—happy guests guaranteed.
Dairy-free: Swap the eggnog for a store-bought or homemade dairy-free eggnog alternative to keep the festive spirit without the dairy.
Seasonal twist: Add a splash of orange zest to the batter for a bright citrus lift that pairs beautifully with cinnamon and nutmeg.
Crunch factor: Top the French toast with toasted pecans or walnuts for a delightful textural contrast.

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

Step 1: Slice and Dry Your Bread

Start by slicing your crusty country bread into 1-inch thick pieces. I like to let the slices dry out a bit on the counter—at least 15 minutes while I mix the batter, but up to 48 hours if you want a sturdier toast that soaks custard without falling apart. Drier bread really soaks up the eggnog batter like a charm!

Step 2: Warm the Oven and Prepare the Rack

Preheat your oven to a low 250°F and place a wire rack on a rimmed baking sheet. This setup keeps your cooked French toast warm and prevents it from getting soggy—a trick I learned after many rushed breakfasts!

Step 3: Whisk Together the Custard Batter

In a large bowl, whisk the eggnog, eggs, rum, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract until everything is smooth and combined. The batter will smell amazing—like holiday magic in a bowl. Dunk two or three bread slices at a time, making sure to flip so both sides soak up that custard!

Step 4: Cook Your French Toast to Golden Perfection

Melt a tablespoon of butter in a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Carefully lift soaked bread from the batter, letting excess drip off—especially if you soaked the bread overnight, as it can get fragile. Fry for 2 to 3 minutes per side, until golden and crisp. Don’t rush! Patience is key for achieving that perfect crust with a tender center.

Step 5: Keep Toast Warm and Repeat

Place cooked slices on your wire rack in the warm oven to keep them perfect while you cook the rest. Meanwhile, soak more bread in your batter and keep the rhythm going until all slices are ready. Serve immediately with your favorite maple syrup and a dollop of whipped cream for that extra indulgence.

Top Tip

From my experience, this Eggnog French Toast Recipe becomes even better when you pay attention to soaking time and bread choice. Here are a few tricks I swear by to nail this every time.

Use Day-Old Bread: Fresh bread is tempting, but bread that’s a bit stale soaks custard without turning mushy—perfect for that fluffy-but-firm finish.
Don’t Oversoak: While you want the bread to soak well, too long can lead to falling apart. A quick dunk (around 15-20 seconds per side) usually does the trick unless the bread is very dry.
Medium Heat Cooking: Cooking over medium heat prevents burning outside while the center finishes cooking through. Low and steady wins this race.
Keep Warm in Oven: Setting up a wire rack in the oven is a game-changer to avoid soggy bottoms and keep your toast crispy and inviting.

How to Serve Eggnog French Toast Recipe

Eggnog French Toast - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

My go-to is a generous swirl of whipped cream and a drizzle of pure maple syrup—classic and simple. Sometimes, I like to sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg on top for extra warmth, and toasted pecans add a delightful crunch that everyone seems to love.

Side Dishes

Pair this French toast with fresh fruit like sliced apples, oranges, or pomegranate seeds for freshness. I’ve also served it alongside crispy bacon or breakfast sausage to balance sweet and savory flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday brunches, I’ve stacked the slices into a towering layered French toast cake, alternating with whipped cream and fresh berries—so fun to slice into and a total crowd-pleaser.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (though that doesn’t last long in my house!), place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reheat gently to keep the toast from drying out.

Freezing

I’ve wrapped individual slices in parchment paper and frozen them successfully. When you want a quick breakfast, pop them straight into the toaster or oven for a crispy finish without losing flavor.

Reheating

Reheat leftover slices in a toaster oven or regular oven at 300°F for 5–7 minutes to bring back the crispiness. Microwaving works in a pinch but can make the bread a bit soggy—so I avoid that when I can.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use regular milk instead of eggnog?

Yes! While eggnog adds richness and flavor, regular milk can be used as a substitute, but the French toast won’t have that classic eggnog spice and creaminess. You can add extra spices to compensate if desired.

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

Generally, a quick dip of about 15-20 seconds per side works well, especially if the bread is slightly stale. Too long can cause the bread to become soggy and tear during cooking.

Can I make this Eggnog French Toast Recipe vegan?

To make it vegan, substitute the eggnog with a plant-based eggnog alternative, use flax eggs or a commercial egg replacer, and fry using vegan butter or oil. The flavor will be close but not identical, yet still delicious!

What’s the best bread for this recipe?

A sturdy, crusty country-style bread or brioche works best because it holds up well when soaked and fries to a golden perfection. Avoid very soft sandwich bread, which might fall apart.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Eggnog French Toast Recipe holds a very special place in my kitchen—it reminds me of cozy mornings filled with laughter, the scent of cinnamon, and a little indulgence that feels just right. I hope you give it a try and enjoy these warm, tender bites as much as I do. Trust me—once you make it, it might just become your go-to holiday breakfast too!