There’s something about the cozy, creamy warmth of eggnog combined with golden, buttery bread that makes this Eggnog French Toast Recipe an absolute holiday favorite. It’s rich, nostalgic, and surprisingly simple to bring to your breakfast table. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll want to make it a tradition!

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

When it comes to elevating classic French toast, using eggnog is my secret weapon every holiday season. The flavors are cozy and festive, and I love that it turns a simple breakfast into something really special without much extra fuss.

Festive Flavor Boost: Eggnog adds festive spices and creaminess that give French toast a rich, seasonal twist unlike anything plain milk can offer.
Simple Ingredients: You probably have everything on hand, and it comes together fast for a comforting treat any morning.
Perfect Texture: Using a crusty country-style bread soaked just right ensures a crisp outside with a tender, custardy center every time.
Customizable Twist: Add a splash of dark rum or a sprinkle of nutmeg to personalize it your way.

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

This recipe balances creamy, spiced eggnog with hearty bread and warming spices. Choosing quality ingredients is key to nailing that rich, comforting taste that makes this Eggnog French Toast Recipe stand out.

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

Country-style bread: Its thicker slices and rustic crust hold up beautifully to soaking without falling apart.
Eggnog: The star ingredient! Adds flavor, spices, and sweetness all in one.
Dark rum (optional): Adds depth and warmth, but you can skip or swap with rum extract for a non-alcoholic option.
Eggs: Bind everything together into that custardy texture you want in French toast.
Ground cinnamon and nutmeg: Classic spices that complement the eggnog’s flavor and enhance the holiday feel.
Vanilla extract: Adds subtle sweetness and rounds out the spices perfectly.
Unsalted butter: For frying—helps brown the toast beautifully without overpowering flavors.

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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 playing around with this Eggnog French Toast Recipe depending on the occasion and what I’m in the mood for. You can easily switch things up to fit your taste or dietary needs—making it truly your own.

Variation: Some years I add a sprinkle of nutmeg on top before serving for an extra touch of spice, and once I tried adding chopped toasted pecans for a bit of crunch—delicious!
Dairy-Free Option: Use your favorite dairy-free eggnog and plant-based butter to enjoy this recipe without dairy.
Alcohol-Free: Simply omit the rum or replace it with rum extract for flavor without the kick.
Make It Vegan: Try silken tofu blended with spices and plant-based eggnog for a fun vegan twist, though it will change the texture slightly.

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

Step 1: Prep Your Bread Like a Pro

Slice that crusty loaf into thick 1-inch pieces and let them sit out for a little while to dry. You want the bread to soak up your eggnog batter without turning into mush. I usually leave them for about 15-20 minutes while I mix up the batter—but if you want to prep in advance, leaving slices at room temp for up to 48 hours works great too.

Step 2: Whisk Up the Eggnog Batter

In a large bowl, whisk together eggnog, eggs, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and rum if you’re using it. Whisk until everything is well combined and smooth. This batter is what turns your toast into that ultimate holiday treat!

Step 3: Soak the Bread Just Right

Dunk each slice into the batter for a few seconds per side, making sure it’s fully coated but not soggy to the point of falling apart. If you soaked your bread longer beforehand, be extra gentle—it’s fragile but oh so worth it!

Step 4: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat a tablespoon of butter in your skillet or griddle over medium heat. When it’s melted and sizzling a little, add your soaked bread. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. I like to keep the finished slices warm on a wire rack set in a low oven while I finish the rest—helps keep the crust crisp and that custardy inside warm!

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that really make a difference when making this Eggnog French Toast Recipe, so you get that perfect mix of crispy outside and tender inside every time.

Use day-old or slightly dried bread: Fresh bread is too soft and won’t hold up well to soaking.
Don’t soak too long: Quick dips prevent sogginess but still let the bread absorb loads of flavor.
Keep cooked slices warm on a wire rack in a low oven: This stops them from steaming and getting mushy before serving.
Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cooking a few slices at a time gives you the best golden crust.

How to Serve Eggnog French Toast Recipe

Eggnog French Toast - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I’m a classic maple syrup and whipped cream kind of person here, but I also love dusting the toast with a bit of powdered sugar and a sprinkle of freshly grated nutmeg on top. For a festive twist, a handful of cranberries or chopped toasted pecans add color and crunch.

Side Dishes

A fresh fruit salad or even some savory breakfast sausage work beautifully alongside this rich French toast, balancing those sweet flavors. On chilly mornings, a steaming cup of coffee or spiced chai feels just right.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday brunches, I’ve served this French toast stacked like mini towers with dollops of whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce. You could even cut the slices into bite-sized cubes and serve with fondue forks for a fun, interactive experience!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the fridge. I usually eat mine within 2 days to keep that perfect texture. It’s still tasty, just not quite as crispy.

Freezing

This Eggnog French Toast Recipe freezes really well. Lay the cooked slices in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. You can pop them straight into the toaster or oven when ready.

Reheating

I like reheating leftover slices in a toaster oven or under the broiler to bring back that crispness. Microwaving works in a pinch but makes them a little softer. A quick 5-7 minutes at 350°F usually does the trick.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

You’ll get the best results with a hearty, crusty bread like country-style or brioche. These types soak up the eggnog batter without falling apart and deliver a nice texture contrast. Avoid super soft sandwich bread, which can get too soggy.

Do I have to add rum to the eggnog mixture?

Nope! Rum adds a lovely warm flavor, but you can totally skip it or swap in a teaspoon or two of rum extract for a little holiday taste without alcohol.

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

Just a quick dip of about 10-15 seconds per side is enough. If the bread is drier or day-old, it’ll soak up the liquid faster. Soaking too long can make the slices fragile and harder to cook evenly.

What’s the best way to keep the French toast warm while I finish cooking?

Set up a wire rack on a baking sheet in a warm oven at around 250°F. Placing cooked slices there keeps them warm and crisp without steaming and getting soggy.

Final Thoughts

This Eggnog French Toast Recipe has become one of my go-to ways for holiday mornings, turning a simple meal into a memory. It’s that perfect balance of creamy, spiced indulgence with comforting textures that make guests ask for seconds (and thirds). I hope you enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do!