Eggnog French Toast
Introduction
There’s something instantly transportive about hot, custardy French toast pulled fresh from the oven—the warm, spiced aroma of nutmeg and cinnamon that wafts through the kitchen, the golden edges that give way to a tender, silky interior, the first bite that balances rich eggy custard with lightly caramelized bread. Eggnog French Toast takes that comfort to a festive level: the milk-and-cream warmth of eggnog infuses every slice with holiday cheer and a gentle sweetness that tastes like tradition.
This recipe is perfect for slow, cozy mornings when you want to linger over coffee with family, for holiday brunches that need a show-stopping centerpiece, or even as an indulgent quick dinner when you crave something nostalgic. If you like creative riffs on classic breakfasts, try pairing the technique here with other custardy favorites—see a similar creme brûlée–style approach in this creme-brulee French toast recipe for inspiration.
At a Glance
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (active)
- Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
- Total Time: 40–45 minutes
- Servings: 6 (one slice per person)
- Difficulty Level: Easy — great for home cooks of all levels
Nutrition Highlights
Nutritional values below are estimated per serving (1 slice) and exclude optional toppings like maple syrup or extra butter. These estimates are compiled using standard nutrient data from USDA FoodData Central and verified against general guidance from trusted health sources (USDA, Mayo Clinic). Actual values will vary with exact bread choice (brioche vs. challah vs. sandwich loaf) and the eggnog brand you use.
Estimated nutrition per serving:
- Calories: ~220 kcal
- Protein: ~9 g
- Carbohydrates: ~24 g
- Fat: ~11 g
- Saturated Fat: ~4 g
- Fiber: ~1 g
- Sugar: ~8–12 g
- Sodium: ~220 mg
Notes:
- These are estimates for one slice made with rich eggnog and brioche/challah style bread, four eggs total and a tablespoon of butter used for the dish. For lower calories or less saturated fat, choose low-fat eggnog, whole-wheat bread, or reduce added butter. For reliable nutrient details, consult USDA FoodData Central or your product labels.
Why You’ll Love It
Eggnog French Toast is a seasonal hug on a plate. The holiday association of eggnog—its creamy texture and warm spices—makes this dish feel celebratory without fuss. The aromatic trio of cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla fills the room and triggers cozy memories of family breakfasts and festive gatherings. It’s also wonderfully forgiving: the technique is simple, the bake is mostly hands-off, and it scales easily for a crowd. If you treasure sensory comfort (soft, custardy center; crisp, caramelized top) and the social warmth of shared food, this recipe hits both notes.
How to Make Eggnog French Toast
Ingredients
- 6 slices of bread (brioche or challah recommended; day-old slices hold up best)
- 1 cup eggnog
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Butter for greasing the baking dish
Optional ingredients and substitutions: - 1/4 cup heavy cream (for extra richness) — substitute for 1/4 cup of the eggnog
- 1–2 tablespoons sugar or brown sugar (if your eggnog is lightly sweetened and you want extra sweetness)
- Non-dairy eggnog or fortified plant-based milk + flax egg for a dairy-free twist (see Variations)
- Gluten-free bread substitution for GF needs
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish with butter.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggnog, eggs, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg until smooth and uniform.
- Dip each slice of bread into the eggnog mixture, ensuring both sides are coated, then arrange the slices in the greased baking dish.
- Pour any remaining eggnog mixture over the bread so the slices absorb the custard.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden and the custard is set (a knife inserted into the center should come out clean or with only a few moist crumbs).
- Serve warm with fresh fruit and a drizzle of maple syrup, if desired.
Practical tips:
- Use slightly stale (day-old) bread to prevent sogginess; it soaks up custard without falling apart.
- Don’t overmix the custard—whisk just until uniform to keep a tender texture.
- If the top browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil for the last 10 minutes to finish baking without burning.
- Check doneness at the 25–30 minute mark—oven temps vary; custard should be set but still moist.
Best Pairings
Serve It Up:
- Classic: Warm with a pat of butter and a generous drizzle of pure maple syrup.
- Fruit-forward: Fresh berries or stewed spiced apples cut the richness and add brightness.
- Beverage pairings: A dark-roast coffee, chai latte, or mulled cider complements the nutmeg and cinnamon notes.
- Savory balance: Crisp bacon or a smoked-salmon platter provides a salty contrast for a festive brunch.
For another fruity brunch idea that pairs well with custardy bakes, check out this quick blueberry French toast casserole.
Storage Instructions
Keeping it fresh:
- Room temperature: Best eaten the day it’s made; you can keep covered at room temperature for up to 4–6 hours if serving at a brunch.
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2–3 days. Reheat in a 325°F oven for 8–12 minutes or in a toaster oven to revive the top’s crispness.
- Freezer: Wrap individual cooled slices tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag; freeze up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen in a 350°F oven for 12–18 minutes, or thaw overnight in the fridge first.
Pro Tips & Tricks
- Best bread: Choose dense, slightly enriched breads (brioche, challah, or a thick-cut egg loaf) for the creamiest interior—they hold custard without collapsing.
- Custard absorption: Let dipped bread rest in the dish for 5–10 minutes before baking if you want maximum soak-through (covers more flavor internally).
- Doneness cues: Look for a lightly jiggle-free center and golden top; overbaking will dry the custard.
- Spice balance: Toast a whole nutmeg and grate fresh for brighter flavor than pre-ground nutmeg; reduce nutmeg if you prefer subtler spice.
Creative Twists
Fun Flavor Ideas:
- Boozy brûlée twist: After baking, sprinkle the top with a little granulated sugar and torch or broil briefly to create a crisp, caramelized crust—adds textural drama for holiday brunches.
- Vegan & dairy-free: Use fortified unsweetened almond or oat eggnog and replace eggs with a chickpea-flour "egg" mixture or a store-bought egg replacer; choose sturdy gluten-free bread if needed.
- Citrus-spice lift: Add 1 tablespoon orange zest to the custard for a bright, festive lift that pairs beautifully with cranberry compote.
- Nutty crunch: Top with toasted pecans or almond slices and a light honey drizzle when serving.
Recipe Q&A
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes—assemble the soaked bread in the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate up to overnight; bake as directed the next morning (you may need an extra 5–10 minutes).
Q: What if my custard is soupy after baking?
A: Return to the oven and bake a bit longer; ovens vary. If the center remains very liquid, tent with foil and bake until set. Avoid overheating to prevent rubbery eggs.
Q: Can I add alcohol to the custard?
A: You can add a tablespoon or two of rum or bourbon to the eggnog mixture for extra warmth; be mindful that strong alcohol can change custard set and flavor.
Q: How do I make it less sweet?
A: Use unsweetened or low-sugar eggnog and skip added sugar; finish with fresh fruit rather than syrup.
Q: Any quick reheating tips for single portions?
A: Reheat in a toaster oven or skillet over medium-low with a tiny pat of butter to refresh crisp edges without drying the interior.
Conclusion
There’s genuine comfort in serving a warm, aromatic eggnog French toast—whether it becomes part of your holiday rotation or an indulgent weekend treat. If you want to compare technique or inspiration, this classic version is a helpful reference at Eggnog French Toast Recipe, and for another take with lovely notes on seasoning and texture see Eggnog French Toast – Tastes Better From Scratch. Try the recipe, tweak a variation, and share your photos or questions—I’d love to hear how your batch turned out.
Print
Eggnog French Toast
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A festive twist on classic French toast infused with the flavors of eggnog, cinnamon, and nutmeg, perfect for holiday mornings.
Ingredients
- 6 slices of brioche or challah bread
- 1 cup eggnog
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Butter for greasing the baking dish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish with butter.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggnog, eggs, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg until smooth and uniform.
- Dip each slice of bread into the eggnog mixture, ensuring both sides are coated, then arrange the slices in the greased baking dish.
- Pour any remaining eggnog mixture over the bread so the slices absorb the custard.
- Bake for about 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden and the custard is set.
- Serve warm with fresh fruit and a drizzle of maple syrup, if desired.
Notes
Use slightly stale bread to prevent sogginess. Don’t overmix the custard to keep a tender texture. If the top browns too quickly, tent with foil for the last 10 minutes of baking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
