Eggnog French Toast (Easy Recipe)

Bringing together the rich flavor of holiday eggnog and the classic comfort of French toast creates a breakfast that feels special, whether it’s December or July. Eggnog French Toast turns an everyday morning into a celebration, blending creamy, spiced custard with thick slices of bread for a warming start to any day. Here’s how to make this festive favorite at home—no special skills required.

Why Make Eggnog French Toast?

French toast is already one of the ultimate breakfast indulgences. When eggnog joins the mix, the result is extra creamy and lightly spiced, with a gentle, custardy center and a golden, crisp edge. It captures the essence of holiday breakfasts but works any time you want a comforting meal.

This recipe delivers everything people love about both: sweet richness, warmth, and layers of aroma from cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For Eggnog French Toast, you only need a handful of ingredients. Each one plays a key role in the final dish.

Thick bread, sliced (1-inch thick)
Brioche, challah, French bread, or sourdough all work well. Thick slices hold up to soaking and create the soft inside and crisp outside that define great French toast.
Eggnog (original, full-fat)
Use store-bought or homemade. Skim or low-fat versions don’t offer the same flavor or texture, so stick with regular eggnog for best results.
Eggs
Two large eggs give the custard structure and richness, helping it coat the bread and set up as it cooks.
Cinnamon and nutmeg
Ground cinnamon adds warmth; nutmeg echoes the classic flavors in the eggnog. Use freshly ground if you can.
Pumpkin pie spice (optional)
For even more holiday spice, a pinch of pumpkin pie spice works well.
Butter
For greasing the pan and flavoring the crust.
Toppings (optional)
Maple syrup, powdered sugar, whipped cream, sliced bananas, berries, or toasted pecans all complement the dish.

Here’s a quick breakdown in table form for easy reference:

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Bread	6-8 slices	1-inch thick, sturdy
Eggnog	1 1/2 cups	Full-fat, original
Eggs	2 large
Cinnamon	1 teaspoon	Fresh if possible
Nutmeg	1/4 teaspoon	Freshly grated if possible
Pumpkin pie spice	1/2 teaspoon	Optional
Butter	As needed	For cooking

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making Eggnog French Toast doesn’t take long. Follow these simple steps for reliable, delicious results every time.

1. Prepare the Eggnog Custard

Crack the eggs into a large mixing bowl. Add eggnog, cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin pie spice. Whisk until everything is smooth and fully combined, with no streaks of egg.

Pour your custard mixture into a wide, shallow dish. A pie plate or baking dish works well and allows for easy dipping.

2. Prepare the Bread

Arrange your slices of bread in a single layer on a baking sheet. If possible, let them sit out for 20-30 minutes so they dry out slightly. Drier bread will soak up more custard without falling apart, but fresh bread works if that’s all you have.

3. Dip and Soak

Working one at a time, dip each bread slice into the eggnog custard. Let it soak for about 30-40 seconds per side, or long enough to absorb the mixture without becoming soggy. Thick, dense bread can handle more soaking.

4. Cook

Melt a generous pat of butter in a large nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Once hot, add the soaked bread slices in a single layer. Cook for about 2 to 3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crisp outside.

Work in batches—avoid crowding the pan. As each batch finishes, transfer the toast to a wire rack or platter. Cover lightly with foil to keep warm while you finish the rest.

5. Serve

Serve the French toast hot. Add your favorite toppings, whether it’s a drizzle of maple syrup, a dusting of powdered sugar, a dollop of whipped cream, or sliced fruit.

Tips for the Best Results

Fine-tuning a few small details makes a big difference with French toast.

Bread choice matters:
Sturdy, slightly stale bread works best because it doesn’t disintegrate during soaking. Brioche and challah deliver an ultra-soft crumb and delicate sweetness.
Soak time:
Let the bread soak long enough to absorb custard, but not so long that it falls apart. Find that sweet spot for best results.
Custard consistency:
Whisking well creates a smoother custard with even flavor and texture.
Cooking temperature:
Medium heat allows the custard to cook through while giving the toast time to crisp and brown. High heat can scorch the surface before the center sets.
Batch cooking:
If making lots of French toast for a gathering, arrange cooked slices on a baking sheet and keep warm in a 200°F oven.

Topping Ideas and Variations

One of the joys of French toast lies in the toppings. Here are some delicious ways to finish your dish:

Pure maple syrup or honey for classic sweetness.
Whipped cream, dusted with extra cinnamon or nutmeg.
Toasted nuts—pecans, walnuts, or almonds—for crunch.
Fresh berries or slices of banana.
Caramel or chocolate sauce for a dessert-level treat.

Want to try something different?

Add a splash of vanilla extract to the custard for deeper flavor.
Use orange zest in the mix for a hint of citrus.
Swap the pumpkin pie spice for allspice, cardamom, or clove for a unique twist.
Try a dash of bourbon or rum in the custard if you’re feeling festive.

Making It Dairy-Free or Gluten-Free

Looking for a version that fits your dietary needs? Here’s how:

Dairy-Free:
Use plant-based eggnog and dairy-free butter or cooking spray. Many grocery stores offer almond, coconut, or oat-based eggnogs during the holiday season or year-round.
Gluten-Free:
Use your preferred gluten-free sandwich or artisan bread.

The rest of the method remains the same, so you can enjoy Eggnog French Toast regardless of preferences.

How to Store and Reheat

French toast tends to be best right after cooking, but leftovers are easy to save for later.

Storing:
Let the slices cool, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Store them plain, without toppings, for best texture.
Reheating:
In the microwave: 1-2 minutes on high.
In the oven: Preheat to 350°F, bake on a tray for 5-8 minutes.
In the air fryer: 350°F for about 3 minutes.

The oven and air fryer will help restore some crispness to the outer layer.

Common Questions

Can you freeze eggnog French toast?
Texturally, it’s not ideal. Egg-rich French toast can become soggy or rubbery after freezing and thawing. For best flavor and texture, stick with refrigeration.

What if I don’t have eggnog?
A mixture of whole milk, heavy cream, and a bit of sugar, plus vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg, will stand in for eggnog in a pinch.

Can I make this ahead for brunch?
Yes, assemble and soak the bread slices in the eggnog mixture, arrange them in a baking dish, and refrigerate overnight (covered). In the morning, simply cook as directed.

Eggnog French Toast captures that sweet spot between comfort and celebration. The custard-like center, crisped edges, and rich spice notes work together to create a memorable breakfast. It’s adaptable, easy, and perfect for family gatherings or slow mornings on your own. Add your spin with toppings and enjoy—no holiday needed.