French toast never fails to be a hit at our breakfast table, and around the holidays, this eggnog French toast is a favorite. Traditionally cinnamon and sugar-sweetened French toast are updated with eggnog in place of milk for a deliciously rich flavor that is ideal for your Christmas morning breakfast. Add in a homemade candied pecan topping and you have a perfect sweet breakfast sure to please everyone at your table.
Eggnog French Toast Recipe
Ordinary bread can be transformed into this incredible breakfast creation with just a few simple steps. I have long thought that French toast was one of those creations that are deceivingly simple to make. It looks and tastes like a complicated pastry but in reality, it's super easy when you follow the right process. This recipe is loaded with extra rich flavor and is always a great choice for holiday mornings. I love this for breakfast, brunch, and sometimes, breakfast for dinner!
If you like this idea, you'll love some of our other versions. You could also whip up a batch of the best French toast recipe if you prefer the classic flavor. An easier option might be the French toast casserole. Or, you can make a special version with Hawaiian bread French toast, pound cake French toast, or even cinnamon French toast bread pudding. You could even make cinnamon roll French toast roll ups for a different option!
What Kind of Bread is Best for French Toast?
You can use pretty much any bread for French toast. There are some that work better, and others more traditional. The goal is to make sure the bread is slightly stale. This helps it absorb the liquid but not be so soggy it won't crisp on the edges like you desire. Below are some favorite breads I reach for when making French toast.
- Texas toast
- Brioche
- Cinnamon raisin bread
- Banana bread
- Baguette slices
- Day old bagels
- Crossiants
- Challah
- Cinnamon rolls
Can I Use Different Flavored Eggnog?
You sure can! I happen to love seeing the pumpkin eggnog in our local store and think it would be delicious in the recipe. Pick your favorite version and experiment with different flavors and spices to find what your family prefers.
Can I Use Homemade Eggnog?
If you make real homemade eggnog, you can definitely use it in this recipe if you wish. One thing to consider is if you spike your eggnog traditionally. The alcohol will change the flavor slightly in this recipe, but it will still be delicious.
What Goes with Eggnog French Toast?
More French toast? Seriously though, I love serving this because it is so satisfying, but in our house, we can't do a sweet breakfast without some protein or fruit alongside it. Below are some recipes and ideas for what goes well alongside this French toast recipe.
- Fresh fruit like oranges, banana, berries, kiwi, or mango.
- Sausage, ham, bacon, or steak. I like making oven baked bacon for convenience with this recipe.
- Greek yogurt, traditional yogurt, or smoothies using yogurt and frozen fruit.
- Scrambled, fried, or boiled eggs.
- A breakfast bake like this sausage and tater tot casserole or something upscale like the burst tomato frittata with Fontina and basil oil that Fanny shared with us.
Why Did My French Toast Come Out Soggy?
Typically if your toast is too soggy it's one of a few things. Below are the most common reasons you have soggy or under cooked French toast.
- Too much dairy in the dipping mixture
- The bread is too thin
- Using fresh bread that is not stale enough
Make sure when you create your mixture for dipping that you are using approximately 1 egg per ¼ cup of eggnog (or milk). This ratio helps the toast come out best. You also want a thick sliced bread. I choose to cut my own bread or purposely buy thicker slices to make sure it absorbs just enough mixture but isn't completely saturated. Of course, leaving the bread out and open to get stale is a must. You also want to make sure you are cooking at the right temperature so you aren't burning the outside before the rest is cooked through. This is often a major issue.
Ingredients
- Brioche bread
- Eggnog
- Rum extract
- Vanilla extract
- Eggs
- Cinnamon
- Nutmeg
For Candied Pecans:
- Pecans
- Maple syrup
- Granulated sugar
How to Make Eggnog French Toast
Leave brioche bread out on a baking sheet overnight to dry out and make stale.
Spray the bottom of a 9"x13" baking pan with non-stick cooking spray.
Place the slices of bread into the baking dish.
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, eggnog, rum extract, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg until completely combined and eggs are fully incorporated with the eggnog.
Pour the custard mixture over the top and then cover the pan and refrigerate for at least 2 hours up to overnight.
Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Remove the pan from the refrigerator and flip the bread over. If using a glass pan, bring the pan to room temperature before placing it into the oven.
Bake for 30 minutes or until the bread is golden brown on top.
How to Make Candied Pecan Topping
In a small saucepan, add the sugar, maple syrup, and chopped pecans.
Over medium-high heat, bring the mixture to a boil stirring frequently.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cook for an additional 4 minutes stirring occasionally.
Remove from the heat and serve over French toast.
More Breakfast Recipes
Breakfast happens to be a perfect time of day to showcase your skills in the kitchen. If you want more than just the delicious eggnog flavor above, you can check out some of our other stand out recipes for breakfast. This list includes some classics and fun new spins on classics that are sure to please your tastes buds.
- Copycat Krispy Kreme Donut Bread Pudding Recipe
- Fresh Blueberry Muffins Recipe with Crumble Topping
- Brown Sugar Walnut Banana Bread Recipe
- The Best Fluffy Pancakes Recipe
- Fluffy Homemade Belgian Waffle Recipe
- Decadent Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Glaze
Chef's Tip
One of the key flavors with eggnog is the rum that is often added into the mixture. To duplicate this without using alcohol, I recommend using a rum extract. You may find this in your local grocery store, but I also love shopping online from small brands and have found great success with Vanillas of the World on Etsy.
📖 Recipe
Eggnog French Toast Recipe
Wow your family on Christmas morning with this delicious eggnog French toast recipe. A perfect sweet breakfast treat with holiday flavors.
Ingredients
- 6 slices brioche bread
- 1 ½ cup eggnog
- 2 teaspoon rum extract
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
Maple Pecan Topping Ingredients
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- ½ cup granulated sugar
Instructions
How to Make Eggnog French Toast
- Leave brioche bread out on a baking sheet overnight to dry out and make stale.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, eggnog, rum extract, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg until completely combined and eggs are fully incorporated with the eggnog.
- Spray the bottom of a 9"x13" baking pan with non-stick cooking spray.
- Place the slices of bread into the baking dish.
- Pour the custard mixture over the top and then cover the pan and refrigerated for at least 2 hours up to overnight.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Remove the pan from the refrigerator and flip the bread over. If using a glass pan, bring the pan to room temperature before placing into the oven.
- Bake for 30 minutes or until the bread is golden brown on top.
How to Make Candied Pecan Topping
- In a small saucepan, add the sugar, maple syrup, and chopped pecans.
- Over medium-high heat, bring the mixture to a boil stirring frequently.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cook for an additional 4 minutes stirring occasionally.
- Remove from the heat and serve over French toast.
Notes
This recipe can be made on the stove top by pan frying the toast in a skillet over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes per side.
Recommended Products
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Eggnog Hot Chocolate Mix Gourmet Christmas Foodie Gifts | Etsy -
Christmas Drinking Glasses Eggnog Glass Eggnogaholic Glass | Etsy -
Home Made Eggnog | Etsy -
Butter Rum Flavor 1 oz by Lorann | Etsy -
100% Pure Double Strength Organic Vegan & Gluten-Free | Etsy -
Cinnamon French Toast Bread Deliciously Homemade Specialty | Etsy
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
6Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 595Total Fat: 32gSaturated Fat: 11gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 19gCholesterol: 265mgSodium: 369mgCarbohydrates: 64gFiber: 3gSugar: 36gProtein: 15g
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