Eggnog French Toast: A Festive Twist on a Classic Breakfast
The holidays are the perfect time to indulge in a warm, comforting breakfast that sets the tone for a joyful day ahead. If you’re looking to take your traditional French toast to the next level, Eggnog French Toast is the way to go. This festive recipe adds a rich, spiced twist to the classic, infusing the bread with the flavors of eggnog, cinnamon, and a hint of orange zest.
This indulgent breakfast dish is easy to make and brings the flavors of the season right to your table. Whether you’re preparing a cozy breakfast for the family or surprising your guests with a holiday treat, this Eggnog French Toast is sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients for Eggnog French Toast
For the Eggnog Mixture:
- 2 to 3 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar (or Splenda, if preferred)
- 1 teaspoon rum or brandy extract
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 1 1/2 to 2 cups eggnog
For Cooking:
- Butter and/or oil, for cooking
- Thick slices of French bread, Italian bread, or English muffin bread
How to Make Eggnog French Toast
Step 1: Prepare the Eggnog Mixture
- Beat the Eggs: In a medium-sized bowl, crack the eggs and beat them until the yolks and whites are well combined.
- Add Spices and Flavorings: To the beaten eggs, add the cinnamon, sugar, rum or brandy extract, and orange zest. Stir until everything is evenly incorporated. The rum or brandy extract adds a warm, festive flavor to the dish, making it perfect for holiday mornings.
- Add Eggnog: Slowly pour the eggnog into the mixture and whisk thoroughly until all the ingredients are fully combined. The eggnog gives the French toast a rich, creamy texture and a deliciously spiced flavor.
Step 2: Heat the Griddle or Skillet
- Preheat the Pan: Heat a griddle or large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add a small amount of butter and/or oil to the pan to coat the surface. The fat helps the bread cook evenly and gives it a golden-brown, crispy exterior.
Step 3: Coat the Bread with Eggnog Mixture
- Dip the Bread: Take your thick slices of bread (French bread, Italian bread, or English muffin bread work wonderfully) and dip each slice into the eggnog mixture. Make sure to coat both sides evenly, allowing the bread to soak up some of the mixture for a soft, custardy texture inside.
- Don’t Overdo It: Be careful not to let the bread soak too long, or it might become soggy. Just a few seconds on each side should be enough to get a good coating.
Step 4: Cook the French Toast
- Cook the First Side: Place the dipped bread slices onto the hot griddle or skillet. Let them cook for about 2-3 minutes on one side, or until it turns golden brown. You should hear a slight sizzle when the bread hits the pan, which means it’s cooking properly.
- Flip and Cook the Second Side: Once the first side is golden and crispy, flip the bread slices over to cook the other side. Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes, or until both sides are evenly browned and the French toast is cooked through.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Serving the French Toast: Remove the French toast from the griddle and place it on a serving plate. You can serve it immediately while it’s still warm.
- Top It Off: Drizzle with syrup, add a pat of butter, or dust with powdered sugar. Feel free to get creative with your toppings, such as fresh berries, whipped cream, or a sprinkle of extra cinnamon for added flavor.
Tips for the Best Eggnog French Toast
- Use Thick Bread: The key to making perfect French toast is using thick slices of bread that can soak up the eggnog mixture without falling apart. French or Italian bread works great for this, and English muffin bread adds a unique texture.
- Control the Heat: Cooking at medium-high heat is ideal for getting a crispy exterior without burning the bread. If your pan is too hot, the French toast might cook too quickly on the outside and stay soggy inside. If it’s too low, it may take longer to cook.
- Make It Dairy-Free: If you’re looking for a dairy-free version, you can swap the eggnog for a non-dairy milk like almond milk or oat milk and use a dairy-free butter alternative for cooking.
- Customize the Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices based on your taste. You can add a pinch of nutmeg or even a dash of ground ginger for an extra layer of warmth.
- Avoid Over-soaking the Bread: While you want to coat the bread well, make sure not to soak it for too long. This could cause the bread to become soggy and difficult to cook.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the eggnog mixture the night before and store it in the fridge. In the morning, simply dip the bread slices and cook. However, French toast is best served fresh, as it loses some of its crispiness when stored.
What bread is best for French toast?
Thick, sturdy bread is best for French toast. French bread, Italian bread, and even brioche work wonderfully. You can also use English muffin bread for a unique twist. Avoid thin, flimsy bread, as it won’t hold up well when soaking in the eggnog mixture.
Can I use real rum or brandy instead of extracts?
Yes, you can use real rum or brandy instead of the extracts. Use about 1-2 tablespoons of alcohol for this recipe, depending on your preference. Just remember that alcohol may not fully cook off, so keep that in mind when serving to children or anyone avoiding alcohol.
How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make Eggnog French Toast gluten-free, simply swap out the regular bread for your favorite gluten-free bread. Look for bread that is thick and sturdy to ensure it holds up during cooking.
Can I make this recipe without eggnog?
If you don’t have eggnog on hand, you can substitute it with a mixture of milk, a little heavy cream, and a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg to replicate the flavors of eggnog. It’s not quite the same, but it will still be delicious.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make dairy-free Eggnog French Toast, substitute the eggnog with a plant-based milk (such as almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk) and use a dairy-free butter or oil for cooking.
Eggnog French Toast is the perfect way to add some festive cheer to your breakfast table. With its rich, spiced flavors and creamy texture, it’s the ideal dish for holiday mornings or any time you’re craving a warm, comforting breakfast. Whether you’re serving it with traditional maple syrup or a dusting of powdered sugar, this recipe is sure to impress your family and guests.