Every holiday season, my kitchen transforms into a cozy haven where the scent of spices fills the air, and laughter dances around the table. I fondly remember the first time I made Holiday Eggnog French Toast; it was a chilly December morning, and the kids were bouncing off the walls with excitement about the upcoming festivities. I decided to whip up something special, and the moment those golden slices hit the skillet, I knew I had stumbled upon a true gem. The rich, creamy eggnog combined with warm spices creates a breakfast experience that feels like a warm hug on a cold day.

This Holiday Eggnog French Toast is not just a delicious twist on a classic; it’s a celebration on a plate, perfect for those lazy mornings when you want to savor every bite. Whether you’re hosting family for brunch or just treating yourself during the busy holiday season, this recipe brings comfort and joy to the table. It’s a reminder that the best moments are often spent gathered around delicious food, sharing stories and creating memories that last a lifetime.

Why You’ll Love "Holiday Eggnog French Toast"

Quick prep and cook time, ready in just 30 minutes!
Minimal ingredients make it easy to whip up any time.
A festive twist on a classic, perfect for holiday breakfasts.
Family-friendly; even the pickiest eaters will love it!
Great for brunch gatherings or cozy mornings at home.
Leftovers freeze beautifully for a quick indulgence later!

Ingredients You’ll Need

4 large eggs
1.5 cups eggnog (store-bought or homemade for extra flair)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (pure vanilla adds a lovely depth)
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (or more, if you’re a cinnamon lover)
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (freshly grated nutmeg makes a world of difference)
2 tablespoon dark rum (optional, but it adds a festive kick)
1 loaf crusty country-style bread (choose a good quality, thick-sliced bread)
3 tablespoon unsalted butter (for that perfect golden crust)
Whipped cream (freshly whipped if you can, it’s worth it!)
Maple syrup (the real stuff, please!)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Eggnog Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, crack open the 4 large eggs. Give them a good whisk until they’re nice and frothy.
Add in the 1.5 cups of eggnog and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix everything together until well combined.
Sprinkle in ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon and ¼ teaspoon of ground nutmeg. If you’re feeling adventurous, go ahead and add a little extra for a spicier kick!
Finally, pour in the 2 tablespoon of dark rum, if using, and whisk again until everything is blended into a creamy, fragrant mixture.

Preheat the Skillet

Grab a non-stick skillet or griddle and place it on the stove over medium heat.
Add 3 tablespoon of unsalted butter to the pan. Let it melt and sizzle — you want it to be bubbly but not browned yet.
While the butter is melting, keep an eye on it; this is the moment where deliciousness begins!

Dunk and Cook the Bread

Take your loaf of crusty country-style bread and slice it into thick pieces, about 1-inch thick.
One by one, dunk each slice into the eggnog mixture, making sure to coat both sides. Don’t rush; let it soak for just a few seconds for creaminess!
Carefully place the soaked bread slices onto the hot skillet. Cook each slice for about 3-4 minutes on one side until it’s golden brown.
Once golden, flip the slices over and cook for another 3-4 minutes on the other side. Repeat until all slices are cooked and your kitchen smells heavenly!

Serve and Enjoy

Remove the cooked French toast from the skillet and place them on a warm plate.
Top each slice with a generous dollop of freshly whipped cream. Trust me, it makes it all the more festive!
Drizzle with pure maple syrup — the real stuff makes a huge difference!
Gather everyone around the table, lift your forks, and dig into this delightful holiday breakfast together!

Variations

Add a splash of peppermint extract for a minty holiday twist.
Substitute half of the eggnog with almond milk for a lighter version.
Use brioche or challah bread for a richer flavor and texture.
Top with seasonal fruits like sliced bananas or cranberries for extra color and sweetness.
For a dairy-free option, use coconut milk or a dairy-free eggnog alternative.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving

Serve your Holiday Eggnog French Toast warm, topped with a generous dollop of whipped cream and a drizzle of pure maple syrup. It’s delightful alongside crispy bacon or fresh fruit for a balanced breakfast. Don’t forget to gather everyone around the table; this dish is best enjoyed together!

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the toaster or skillet until warmed through. If freezing, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and store them for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from the freezer for a quick treat!

Helpful Notes

For a lighter version, try using low-fat eggnog or egg substitute.
If you don’t have dark rum, vanilla extract can be used instead for flavor.
Feel free to add in chocolate chips or nuts for extra texture!
For gluten-free options, use gluten-free bread to make this dish safe for all.
Adjust spices based on your taste; more cinnamon and nutmeg can really elevate the holiday spirit!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze Holiday Eggnog French Toast?

Yes, you can freeze Holiday Eggnog French Toast! Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. When you're ready to enjoy, reheat directly from the freezer in the toaster or skillet until warmed through.

What can I use instead of eggnog?

If you don’t have eggnog on hand, you can substitute it with a mixture of 1 cup of milk, ½ cup of cream, and 1-2 tablespoons of sugar, plus a dash of nutmeg and cinnamon for flavor. You can also use dairy-free milk alternatives for a lighter option.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! To make this recipe dairy-free, simply use a dairy-free eggnog alternative or substitute the eggnog with a mixture of coconut milk and a splash of vanilla. This will still give you that rich and festive flavor without the dairy!

Final Thoughts

As the holiday season approaches, I hope you’re as excited to try this Holiday Eggnog French Toast recipe as I am to share it with you! It’s more than just a breakfast; it’s a way to create cherished moments with family and friends around the table. I encourage you to give this recipe a whirl, savor the delightful flavors, and let the warmth of the spices fill your home with joy. Remember, cooking is about love and laughter, so don’t stress — just enjoy the process and the delicious results. Happy cooking and happy holidays!

Holiday Eggnog French Toast

Author: Emily Parker
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: Serves 4
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Enjoy a festive twist on classic French toast with this Holiday Eggnog French Toast recipe.

Instructions

In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, eggnog, vanilla extract, nutmeg, cinnamon, and dark rum.
Preheat a skillet over medium heat and add butter.
Dunk each slice of bread into the eggnog mixture, ensuring both sides are coated.
Cook the slices in the skillet until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
Serve immediately with whipped cream and maple syrup.

Notes

Use freshly whipped cream for the best texture.
Adjust the amount of cinnamon and nutmeg to your taste.
Allow the bread to soak for a few seconds for a creamier texture.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Breakfast
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 250
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 200mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 6g
Cholesterol: 150mg

Keywords: Holiday Eggnog French Toast, French Toast, Eggnog, Breakfast Recipe