Egg Nog French Toast makes a simple and festive breakfast for the holiday season. It would be nice for Christmas breakfast and just as good for New Years Day brunch. It is made with prepared Egg Nog so it only takes a couple minutes to put together and it is a great way to use up stale bread and that extra carton of eggnog.
The creamy eggnog, when combined with a touch of vanilla and a bit of cinnamon is a warm and comforting combination that makes the Egg Nog French Toast a perfect breakfast.
If you would prefer to make an overnight French Toast that you assemble the evening before in a baking dish and bake it the next morning, check out Berry French Toast Bake, Cranberry Orange French Toast Bake, Blueberry French Toast Bake which has a crumble topping and Overnight Apple Cinnamon French Toast. They would all be perfect holiday breakfast options.
If you like to make French Toast but are not a big fan of Egg Nog, check out Orange Brioche French Toast and Pumpkin French Toast. They are both good French toast recipes for the winter months.
You might also like Cranberry Orange French Toast Roll Ups.
SOME THINGS TO KNOW:FAQ’S
INGREDIENT TIPS:
- Thick, dense white bread slices will work well with this recipe. Brioche and Challah breads would be the best bread choices or you could also use a baguette. Old bread is actually better for classic French toast than fresh bread. The dry bread will soak up the eggnog mixture better without falling apart.
- While store bought egg nog is convenient, consider making your own homemade eggnog for a more authentic and customizable flavor. Homemade egg nog can be adjusted for sweetness and spice to your taste. Rummy Egg Nog would be a good addition to the French toast recipe if you are serving it for Christmas brunch.
- Freshly ground cinnamon has more flavor than pre-ground. Cinnamon loses its potency over time, so using a fresher spice can make a big difference in taste. Read How to Make Ground Cinnamon.
SPECIAL EQUIPMENT NEEDED:
- Large Shallow Bowl or Pie Plate: For mixing the egg nog, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon together. A bowl shallow bowl or pie plate will make it easier to dip the bread slices.
- Whisk or Fork: To thoroughly combine the egg nog, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. A whisk is ideal for getting a smooth, even mixture.
- Skillet or Griddle: A large non-stick skillet or griddle is needed for cooking the French toast. The non-stick surface helps prevent the bread from sticking and allows for even cooking. A griddle is particularly useful if you want to cook multiple slices at once.
- Spatula: To flip the French toast slices. A wide, flat spatula is best as it provides good support for the soaked bread.
- Bread Knife: If you are using a whole loaf of bread like a brioche or baguette, a sharp bread knife is necessary for slicing into even,1-inch thick slices of bread.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurately measuring the egg nog, vanilla extract, and cinnamon.
SUBSTITUTIONS:
- For a healthier twist, whole wheat bread can be used. It’s denser and has a different flavor profile but can still work well.
- There are several non-dairy egg nog options available made from almond, soy, or coconut milk. These can be used as a direct substitute for dairy egg nog.
- If you cannot find eggnog at the grocery store, you can make a mixture of milk (dairy or non-dairy), large eggs, light brown sugar, vanilla, and nutmeg to mimic the flavor.
- For a different flavor almond extract can be used in place of the vanilla extract. It has a stronger flavor, so use it sparingly. You could also use rum extract for a festive holiday touch.
- Either nutmeg or allspice can be used as a substitute for cinnamon. They have a different but complementary spice profile.
HOW TO STORE EGG NOG FRENCH TOAST:
- French toast can last for 2-3 days in the refrigerator. Allow the French toast to cool to room temperature before placing it into the refrigerator. Place the French toast into an airtight container to maintain freshness or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap.
- French toast can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Make sure the French toast is completely cool before freezing.
- Place the slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, not touching each other. Freeze them for about an hour or until solid. This step prevents the slices from sticking together in the freezer. After they are frozen solid, place them into a freezer bag or airtight freezer container.
- Defrost the egg nog French toast overnight in the refrigerator.
HOW TO REHEAT EGG NOG FRENCH TOAST:
- To reheat the French toast in a 350 degree oven or toaster oven, preheat the oven.Place the French toast on a baking sheet and heat for about 5-10 minutes or until warmed through and slightly crispy.
- While quicker, the microwave can make the toast a bit soggy. Heat the French toast covered on a microwave safe plate in 30-second intervals until warm.
In a shallow pie plate, add the egg nog, vanilla and cinnamon. Combine the eggnog mixture well.
Place each piece of bread into the egg mixture. Let the bread soak for about 10 seconds on each side to absorb the mixture.
Add a tablespoon of butter to the pan. Move it around to coat the entire cooking surface. Cook the bread for 2-3 minutes on each side until it is golden brown.
Egg Nog French Toast
Print This
Ingredients
- 8 1” thick slices dense bread (brioche, challah or baguette)
- 2 cups prepared Egg Nog
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2-3 tablespoons unsalted butter
Instructions
If you will be making this in batches, preheat the oven to 200 degrees.
In a shallow pie plate or shallow dish, add the egg nog,vanilla and cinnamon. Combine the eggnog mixture well.
Heat a griddle or large skillet over medium low heat.
Add a tablespoon of butter to the pan. Move it around to coat the entire cooking surface.
Place each piece of bread into the egg mixture. Let the bread soak for about 10 seconds on each side to absorb the mixture.
Once the bread is fully moistened, add it to your griddle or skillet. Cook the bread for 2-3 minutes on each side until it is golden brown.
If you are cooking the French toast in batches, place the first round of the cooked French toast onto a baking sheet and place it into your preheated oven to keep it warm while you finish cooking the remaining slices.
