Ah, the holiday season! Nothing quite captures the cozy, nostalgic essence of this time of year like the aroma of Eggnog French Toast wafting through the air. This recipe is so special to me because it reminds me of warm family gatherings, laughter, and the joyous chaos of holiday mornings. The first time I made this, I was attempting to impress my family during a holiday brunch, and let me tell you, the smiles and compliments I received were absolutely worth every minute in the kitchen. Plus, who can resist the creamy sweetness of eggnog combined with the zesty kick of fresh orange butter? Trust me; it’s a match made in breakfast heaven!
This Eggnog French Toast recipe is ridiculously easy to follow, and I promise it’ll be the star of your next festive brunch. You’ll feel like a master chef even if you’re still wearing your pajamas while flipping those golden slices. So grab your ingredients, pour yourself a cup of coffee (or hot chocolate—no judgment here), and let’s dive in!
What’s in Eggnog French Toast With Sweet Orange Butter?
- Bread: I always opt for brioche or challah because their richness adds to the fluffy texture. Plus, they hold up well when dipped in the eggnog mixture!
- Eggnog: The star of the show! Make sure to use a good-quality eggnog for that creamy, festive flavor. I like to use store-bought for convenience, but homemade is divine if you’re feeling adventurous!
- Eggs: Two large eggs help bind the eggnog and add additional richness to the custard flavor.
- Vanilla extract: A splash of this adds a lovely depth to the custard mixture; I always go for pure vanilla extract for the best flavor.
- Ground cinnamon and nutmeg: These spices are key players in this dish—reminiscent of cozy winter vibes and essential for that warm, comforting aroma.
- Butter: Always use butter for frying! It gives the French toast that golden, crispy exterior and a deliciously rich flavor.
- Maple syrup: You can’t have French toast without a drizzle of maple syrup! Go real, folks—nothing beats its natural sweetness.
- Whipped cream: This is optional, but if you’re looking to go all out, a dollop on top takes it to the next level of indulgence.
- Fresh cranberries: They add a beautiful pop of color and a tart contrast to the sweet flavors. Totally optional but oh-so-festive!
- Powdered sugar: A lovely dusting on top just makes everything look more appealing.
Is Eggnog French Toast With Sweet Orange Butter Good for You?
Well, let’s just say this delightful dish is a treat rather than a health food! It combines the rich creaminess of eggnog with the sweetness of maple syrup, so it’s best enjoyed on special occasions rather than every weekend. The eggs provide some protein, and let’s not forget that cinnamon has health benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties. However, the extra indulgences like butter and whipped cream can add up. If you’re looking for a slightly lighter version, you can use whole-grain bread and cut back on the butter. Just remember, life is all about balance—enjoying your food is just as important!
Ingredients List
- 4 large slices of thick bread (e.g., brioche or challah)
- 1 cup eggnog
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- Butter for frying
- Maple syrup for serving
- Whipped cream (optional) for garnishing
- Fresh cranberries (optional) for garnish
- Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)
How to Make Eggnog French Toast With Sweet Orange Butter?
- Prepare the Sweet Orange Butter: In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, orange zest, powdered sugar, and orange juice. Mix until well combined and creamy. Set aside—it’ll be the star topping!
- Make the Eggnog Mixture: In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggnog, eggs, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg until smooth and uniform.
- Dip the Bread: Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a tablespoon of butter. Dip each slice of bread into the eggnog mixture, allowing it to soak briefly on both sides.
- Cook the French Toast: Place the soaked bread slices onto the hot skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and slightly crisp. Add more butter as needed for frying.
- Serve: Once cooked, remove the French toast from the skillet and place it on a serving plate. Top with a dollop of sweet orange butter, and drizzle with maple syrup. If desired, add whipped cream, fresh cranberries, and a light dusting of powdered sugar for garnish.
Tips for the Best Eggnog French Toast
- For a unique flavor twist, try adding a splash of rum or bourbon to the eggnog mixture for an adult version.
- Make sure to allow the bread to soak in the custard just enough to absorb the flavors but not so long that it falls apart.
- Leftovers? Toast them in a toaster or oven for a quick breakfast treat later!
There you have it! This Eggnog French Toast With Sweet Orange Butter is sure to delight anyone lucky enough to share your table. Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy Sunday brunches, it’s a heartwarming dish that embodies the spirit of the season. I encourage you to whip this up and share it with your loved ones—don’t forget to snap a photo and let me know how it turned out! Happy cooking!
