Bring holiday cheer to your breakfast table with this cozy and festive Eggnog French Toast. Thick slices of bread are soaked in a creamy, spiced eggnog custard and cooked to golden perfection. It’s rich, warming, and just the right amount of indulgent—perfect for Christmas morning, weekend brunch, or anytime you want a taste of the season.
Want recipes like this delivered straight to your inbox? Subscribe now to get the latest culinary creations you’ll love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Festive Flavor – Captures the sweet, spiced essence of eggnog in every bite.
Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and minimal prep for a show-stopping breakfast.
Crowd-Pleaser – Great for feeding family and friends over the holidays.
Make-Ahead Friendly – Soak the bread overnight for a stress-free morning.
Customizable – Add toppings or spices to make it your own.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Eggnog Custard:
- 4 large eggs
- 1¼ cups eggnog (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tbsp brown sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)
- Pinch of salt
For the French Toast:
- 6–8 slices of thick bread (brioche, challah, or Texas toast)
- Butter or oil, for greasing the pan
Toppings (Optional but Delicious):
- Maple syrup
- Powdered sugar
- Whipped cream
- Fresh berries or sliced bananas
- Chopped pecans or walnuts
- A dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg
Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl and whisk
- Shallow dish or pie plate
- Large skillet or griddle
- Spatula
- Cooling rack (optional for serving)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make the Eggnog Custard
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, eggnog, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, brown sugar (if using), and a pinch of salt until smooth and well combined.
Step 2: Soak the Bread
2. Pour the custard into a shallow dish or pie plate.
3. Dip each slice of bread into the eggnog mixture, soaking for about 20–30 seconds per side. Make sure it’s well-coated but not soggy.
Step 3: Cook the French Toast
4. Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease with butter or oil.
5. Add the soaked bread slices to the skillet and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and slightly crisp on the edges.
6. Cook in batches as needed, adding more butter or oil between rounds.
Step 4: Serve Warm
7. Serve immediately with your favorite toppings like syrup, powdered sugar, or fruit.
8. For extra crispiness, place cooked slices on a wire rack in a 200°F oven while finishing the rest.
Tips for the Best Eggnog French Toast
Use Day-Old Bread – Slightly stale bread soaks up the custard better without falling apart.
Don’t Rush the Soak – Let the bread absorb enough custard for a rich texture.
Control the Heat – Medium heat ensures the outside doesn’t burn before the inside cooks.
Use Thick-Cut Bread – Brioche or challah give the best texture and flavor.
Add a Touch of Zest – A little orange or lemon zest in the custard brightens the flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Holiday Brunch – Pair with scrambled eggs, breakfast sausage, and fruit salad.
Special Breakfast in Bed – Serve with warm syrup and a cinnamon latte.
Christmas Morning – Add crushed candy canes or eggnog glaze for a festive touch.
Sweet & Savory – Try with maple-glazed bacon or smoked salmon on the side.
How to Store & Reheat
Storing:
- Refrigerate: Store leftover slices in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Place cooked slices in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer bag.
Reheating:
- Oven: Warm at 350°F for 8–10 minutes.
- Toaster Oven: Toast until heated through and crisp.
- Microwave: Heat in short bursts, though the texture may soften.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble as a casserole (layer bread and custard) and refrigerate overnight. Bake in the morning at 350°F for 30–35 minutes. - What if I don’t have eggnog?
You can make your own by combining milk, cream, eggs, sugar, and warm spices—or use half-and-half with added nutmeg and cinnamon. - Can I make it dairy-free?
Use a dairy-free eggnog and non-dairy butter or oil for cooking. - What bread works best?
Brioche, challah, and French bread are all great choices due to their structure and richness. - Can I use gluten-free bread?
Yes, just ensure it’s thick-cut and sturdy enough to soak without crumbling.
Final Thoughts
Eggnog French Toast brings a festive twist to a breakfast classic, perfect for making your mornings feel special during the holiday season. With its creamy custard, warm spices, and golden, fluffy texture, it’s a dish everyone will love waking up to.
Try it out and let me know what you think! Don’t forget to leave a review below and share your photos on Pinterest! I can’t wait to see how your holiday breakfast turns out.
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Cuisine: American
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 290 | Protein: 9g | Carbohydrates: 28g | Fat: 14g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 310mg

Eggnog French Toast
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Description
Bring holiday cheer to your breakfast table with this cozy and festive Eggnog French Toast. Thick slices of bread are soaked in a creamy, spiced eggnog custard and cooked to golden perfection. It’s rich, warming, and just the right amount of indulgent—perfect for Christmas morning, weekend brunch, or anytime you want a taste of the season.
Want recipes like this delivered straight to your inbox? Subscribe now to get the latest culinary creations you’ll love.
Ingredients
-
4 large eggs
-
1¼ cups eggnog (store-bought or homemade)
-
1 tsp vanilla extract
-
½ tsp ground cinnamon
-
¼ tsp ground nutmeg
-
1 tbsp brown sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)
-
Pinch of salt
For the French Toast:
-
6–8 slices of thick bread (brioche, challah, or Texas toast)
-
Butter or oil, for greasing the pan
Toppings (Optional but Delicious):
-
Maple syrup
-
Powdered sugar
-
Whipped cream
-
Fresh berries or sliced bananas
-
Chopped pecans or walnuts
-
A dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Eggnog Custard
-
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, eggnog, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, brown sugar (if using), and a pinch of salt until smooth and well combined.
Step 2: Soak the Bread
2. Pour the custard into a shallow dish or pie plate.
3. Dip each slice of bread into the eggnog mixture, soaking for about 20–30 seconds per side. Make sure it’s well-coated but not soggy.
Step 3: Cook the French Toast
4. Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease with butter or oil.
5. Add the soaked bread slices to the skillet and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and slightly crisp on the edges.
6. Cook in batches as needed, adding more butter or oil between rounds.
Step 4: Serve Warm
7. Serve immediately with your favorite toppings like syrup, powdered sugar, or fruit.
8. For extra crispiness, place cooked slices on a wire rack in a 200°F oven while finishing the rest.
Notes
Use Day-Old Bread – Slightly stale bread soaks up the custard better without falling apart.
Don’t Rush the Soak – Let the bread absorb enough custard for a rich texture.
Control the Heat – Medium heat ensures the outside doesn’t burn before the inside cooks.
Use Thick-Cut Bread – Brioche or challah give the best texture and flavor.
Add a Touch of Zest – A little orange or lemon zest in the custard brightens the flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Cuisine: American