That half-full carton of eggnog in the fridge is perfect to make this luxurious French Toast recipe, ideal for a Boxing Day breakfast.

What you need to know before you start

All you’ll need is a large bowl, a whisk and a large frypan to recreate this recipe at home. You’lll need a cup of leftover eggnog for this recipe. However, if you’ve already used up your last batch of eggnog, it’s simple to whip up more from 1/2 cup (125ml) each of milk and thickened cream with ¼ tsp each ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and a pinch of ground cloves and a splash of rum. 

On the table in 15 minutes with minimal prep involved, it’s the perfect dish for an indulgent breakfast, brunch or afternoon snack during the festive season. 

Why is this the best eggnog French toast recipe?

This dish features everything you love about a classic French toast recipe with a hint of spice and booze. Classic thin cream is replaced with eggnog from the night before to give it a luscious kick that’s loaded with warming spices and rum. It’s a great way to use up leftovers and any stale bread or brioche, so nothing goes to waste. 

What are the most common mistakes when making French toast?

Is your French toast soggy? This is because your egg-to-eggnog ratio is wrong. Too much eggnog will make the dipping mixture too loose, resulting in soggy bread. On the other end of the spectrum, your French toast can be too dry. This can happen when you haven’t soaked your bread well enough in the eggnog mixture. Dipping it thoroughly into the eggnog mixture will allow the bread to soak up the mixture and soften. 

Finally, if your bread falls apart when dipping into the eggnog mixture, this may be because your bread is too fresh or because you’ve left it in the eggnog mixture for too long. The right amount of time to dip your bread is when it feels plump and soft. If your bread is too fresh, it cannot withstand the extra moisture and falls apart. If you’re determined to make French toast and only have fresh bread, lightly toast it before proceeding with the recipe. 

Do you cook French toast in butter or oil?

Butter adds flavour but tends to burn, so if you prefer to cook with butter, adding a touch of oil will keep it from burning. In this recipe, we use vegetable oil. As the French toast is already spiked with a rich eggnog, a neutral oil will prevent the bread from sticking to the pan without impacting the taste of the final dish. 

What ingredients you’ll need

Leftover eggnog: Use up the spiced boozy Christmas drink in place of thin cream or milk found in traditional French toast recipes. 

Eggs: Eggs help to bind the eggnog mixture together while giving the dish a rich texture. 

Vegetable oil: This neutral oil is brushed on the pan to help the bread from sticking. 

Stale bread or brioche: Bread provides the base of the recipe. Opt for stale bread or brioche, as anything too fresh will fall apart in the pan. 

Maple syrup: Maple syrup is drizzled over the finished dish for an extra sweet indulgence. 

What is the trick to making good French toast?

One of the most important elements of good French toast is getting the egg-to-liquid ratio correct. In this recipe, we use 2 eggs to 1 cup of eggnog for 8 thick slices of bread. When made correctly, you’ll be rewarded with a crispy exterior and a soft, custardy interior. Getting the ratio wrong could leave you with a ‘scrambled egg’ flavour. 

How to store leftover eggnog French toast

French toast is best eaten fresh, so it’s best to prepare a batch as soon as you’re ready to eat. However, if you do have leftovers, keep them covered in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave, in a frypan or even in the toaster. 

What to serve with eggnog French toast 

Plate up two pieces of French toast per plate, drizzled with maple syrup and topped with whipped cream, cinnamon and your choice of fruit, such as fresh berries or cherries for that Christmas twist. If you prefer, play with sweet and savoury flavours by pairing your French toast with crispy bacon and fried eggs. 

If you love our eggnog French toast recipe, try this 

Got a fridge full of Christmas leftovers? Put them to good use in our easy and delicious no-waste recipes:

• Roast turkey baguette with cranberry slaw and dill mayo
• Roast vegetable hummus
• Salmon cakes with horseradish yoghurt