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 extra cozy about the holidays wrapped up in a plate of warm, custardy bread, and this Eggnog French Toast Recipe captures that feeling perfectly. With creamy eggnog soaking into crusty bread and just the right touch of spices, it turns breakfast into a festive celebration you’ll want to make again and again.

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 first tried this Eggnog French Toast Recipe at a holiday brunch and it immediately became a favorite. It has that perfect balance of rich, creamy sweetness and warm spices that feel like a celebration in every bite.

Richly Flavored: The eggnog adds a unique and festive twist that elevates your typical French toast.
Simple Ingredients: You probably have most of them on hand, and the option to add rum gives it some grown-up warmth.
Perfect Texture: Using thick country-style bread soaked just right keeps it fluffy inside and crisp outside.
Super Versatile: It’s easy to customize with toppings, your favorite spices, or even a splash of bourbon if you’re feeling fancy.

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 plays its part in making this recipe special, from cozy spices to the bread that holds it all together. Here’s why I like them:

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

Bread: I always go for a crusty country-style loaf sliced about an inch thick. It soaks up the eggnog beautifully without falling apart.
Eggnog: Whether store-bought or homemade, it’s a must here for that creamy holiday flavor. Homemade eggnog will make it truly special, but store-bought does the trick for convenience.
Dark Rum: Optional, but I love the subtle warming note it adds — sometimes I swap in a bit of rum extract for a non-alcoholic version.
Eggs: They bind the eggnog to the bread and give the custard its classic French toast structure.
Cinnamon & Nutmeg: These warm spices are what really make it feel like a festive morning treat.
Vanilla Extract: Adds depth of flavor and rounds out the sweetness.
Unsalted Butter: For frying, giving you that irresistible golden crust.

📝

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 with this Eggnog French Toast Recipe to suit whatever mood I’m in. Sometimes I’ll sprinkle extra cinnamon or add a pinch of cloves for more warmth. You can easily tweak it to make it your own.

Variation: For a dairy-free twist, substitute your favorite nut milk-based eggnog and use coconut oil instead of butter — it adds a subtle tropical note!
Booster: Drizzling warmed caramel sauce over the top is my secret treat when serving guests.
Seasonal Touch: Add fresh cranberries or a handful of toasted pecans for extra texture and holiday flair.

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

Step 1: Prep Your Bread

Start by slicing your loaf into thick, one-inch slices. I usually leave them out on the counter for at least 15 minutes to dry slightly — this helps the bread soak up the eggnog batter without getting mushy. If you have time, letting it rest for up to 48 hours really firms it up for the best texture.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Batter

In a large bowl, combine the eggnog, eggs, dark rum (or rum extract), cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract. I like to whisk it all until it’s perfectly uniform and lightly frothy — this ensures every bite is packed with flavor.

Step 3: Soak and Fry the Bread

Dunk a couple of slices into your batter at a time, flipping to coat both sides. Use tongs or your fingers to lift the bread out and let any excess drip off. If you soaked the slices overnight, handle them with extra care—they’ll be more delicate.

Heat a tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat. When it’s melted and bubbly but not browned, add the soaked bread. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. I find cooking in batches keeps the skillet at a steady temperature and helps the toast brown evenly.

Step 4: Keep Warm and Serve

Pop the cooked slices onto a wire rack set over a baking sheet and keep them in a warm 250°F oven while you finish the rest. This little trick keeps your toast crisp without drying it out. Serve right away with your favorite toppings — I never skip the whipped cream and a generous drizzle of real maple syrup!

Top Tip

From my experience making this Eggnog French Toast Recipe multiple times, a few simple tricks really make it shine and keep your morning stress-free.

Bread Thickness Matters: Don’t slice it too thin—1-inch thick slices soak up just enough batter without falling apart when you flip.
Control the Heat: Medium heat keeps the butter from burning and cooks the toast evenly inside and out.
Rest the Toast in Oven: Instead of piling cooked slices on a plate, use a wire rack in the oven to keep them warm and crispy.
Handle Soaked Bread Gently: Especially if you soak bread overnight, you’ve got to treat it like a delicate treasure to avoid tearing.

How to Serve Eggnog French Toast Recipe

Eggnog French Toast - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

For me, a dollop of freshly whipped cream alongside a generous drizzle of real maple syrup is non-negotiable. I often sprinkle a little extra cinnamon or some finely chopped toasted pecans on top to add a bit of crunch and spice.

Side Dishes

I like to keep it simple on the sides—crispy bacon or sausage links add savory contrast, and fresh berries bring a bright, tart balance to the richness of this Eggnog French Toast Recipe.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday brunch, I love stacking slices into a pretty tower, garnished with a dusting of powdered sugar and topped with a sprig of fresh rosemary or mint. Adding a side of spiced orange segments brightens things up and makes it look like you really went the extra mile.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which can happen, but rarely!), I store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The toast stays surprisingly tender, though you might want to refresh it a bit before serving.

Freezing

I’ve frozen leftover Eggnog French Toast for quick breakfasts. Lay slices on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a zip-top bag. It keeps well for about a month and pops back to life beautifully in the toaster or oven.

Reheating

To reheat, I recommend using a toaster oven or regular oven set around 300°F. This way, you get warmed-through toast with a lightly crisp exterior. Microwaving works in a pinch but can make it soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

Thick-cut, crusty breads like country-style or challah work best because they soak up the eggnog custard without falling apart. Avoid thin or very soft bread, which can get too soggy.

Is the rum necessary in this recipe?

Not at all! Rum adds a warmer, more complex flavor, but you can skip it or substitute rum extract if you prefer no alcohol. The recipe is delicious either way.

Can I make the batter ahead of time?

While you can mix the batter ahead and store it in the fridge for a few hours, I recommend soaking the bread slices in it just before cooking to avoid them becoming too soggy and fragile.

What toppings do you recommend with Eggnog French Toast Recipe?

I love classic maple syrup and whipped cream. You can also add fresh berries, toasted nuts, or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar for extra flair. For a holiday touch, a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce works wonders.

Final Thoughts

This Eggnog French Toast Recipe holds a special place in my heart as a holiday tradition and any chilly weekend breakfast. It’s one of those dishes that’s easy enough to whip up yet feels truly indulgent. I hope you’ll enjoy making it as much as I do — it’s like a warm hug on a plate you share with the people you love.