Eggnog French Toast
Eggnog French Toast is a festive twist on the classic French toast, perfect for holiday breakfasts or brunches. It’s made by dipping slices of bread into a rich, spiced mixture that typically includes eggnog (a creamy, spiced holiday beverage made with milk, eggs, sugar, and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg), eggs, and a touch of vanilla.
The bread slices are soaked in this flavorful eggnog mixture and then fried until golden brown on each side, creating a crispy exterior with a soft, custardy center. The spices from the eggnog infuse the bread, giving it a warm, comforting flavor that feels cozy and seasonal.
To serve, it’s topped with powdered sugar, whipped cream, a drizzle of maple syrup, or even a sprinkle of extra cinnamon or nutmeg for an extra touch of holiday cheer. This variation of French toast offers a richer, sweeter taste compared to the traditional version, making it a popular treat during the winter months .If you like this recipe, try my Coquito Cheesecake next!
What is Eggnog? And Why Eggnog French Toast
Eggnog is a traditional holiday beverage, made from a mixture of milk, cream, sugar, beaten eggs, and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. It has a rich, creamy texture and a sweet, spiced flavor. The eggs provide a custard-like base, while the spices give it a warm, festive taste.
Eggnog is often served chilled, and many people enjoy it as a winter holiday drink. It can also be spiked with alcohol, such as rum, bourbon, or brandy, to create an adult version. It is commonly consumed during the Christmas season and is a staple at holiday gatherings and celebrations.
More modern versions of eggnog are made without raw eggs, using pasteurized egg products or egg substitutes, making them safer for consumption, but they still maintain the creamy, spiced characteristics of the classic recipe.
Eggnog can be purchased in-store or it can be made at home. Several other cultures have winter drinks very similar to eggnog. Latin cultures drink Coquito, Haitian culture has Cremas, some Caribbean islands drink Puncheon, and the list goes on and on.
Using eggnog for French toast instead of cream is a great alternative because it adds a rich, festive flavor with spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Eggnog provides a creamy texture while also infusing the toast with a seasonal taste, making it more flavorful and special for holiday meals. Additionally, eggnog contains both milk and eggs, offering a natural richness and binding effect, which create a custard-like coating on the bread, giving the French toast a soft, moist interior and a slightly spiced, golden exterior.
Eggnog French Toast
Ingredients
- 1 loaf brioche bread
- 3 eggs beaten
- 1 cup eggnog
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp nutmeg
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
Toppings
- Whipped cream
- maple syrup
Instructions
- Cut Brioche bread into 1½" thick slices.
- To a bowl, combine eggs, eggnog, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Whisk until all ingredients are fully combined.
- To a skillet on medium-high heat, melt 2 tbsp of butter.
- Dip the Brioche bread into the egg mixture and ensure the bread is coated on both sides. Allow any excess egg to drip off, then add your bread into the skillet.
- Cook until golden brown, about 1-2 minutes, then flip and repeat. Continue this process until all of your french toast is cooked.
- Serve immediately. Top with whipped cream, maple syrup, and additional nutmeg if desired. Enjoy.
