Waking up on a chilly December morning, the scent of cinnamon and nutmeg drifting through the air, and the joy of the season setting in—this is exactly where Eggnog French Toast Bites fit perfectly. I remember the first time I made them; it was a snowy Christmas Eve morning. My nieces were over, still in their flannel pajamas, eyes wide with excitement as they dipped their forks into golden, crispy bites dusted with powdered sugar. What started as a spontaneous kitchen experiment quickly turned into an annual tradition. These little treasures capture all the creamy, spiced richness of holiday eggnog and the comfort of French toast in one bite-sized package.
In this article, you’ll discover how to create the ultimate Eggnog French Toast Bites, why they make a magical addition to your breakfast spread, variations to explore, and how to serve them to impress. Throughout, I’ll guide you with tips, ingredient swaps, and secrets that make these bites unforgettable. Let’s dig in.
The Warm Story Behind Eggnog French Toast Bites
Eggnog’s Holiday Legacy Meets Breakfast Comfort
Eggnog is more than just a seasonal drink. It’s creamy, luxurious, and spiced to perfection—exactly why it pairs so well with rich brioche cubes or challah slices. Eggnog French Toast Bites were born from this delicious pairing. With every bite, you taste the nostalgia of sipping eggnog by the fire and the joy of holiday breakfast favorites. It’s no wonder they’ve become a staple at gatherings where you want to impress without stress.
You can customize your recipe with flavored eggnog like vanilla bean or cinnamon swirl. When I tried the cinnamon variant last year, it reminded me of the Soft Snickerdoodle Cookies I made the night before. There’s something about those layered spices that’s just holiday magic in food form.
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Eggnog French Toast Bites: A Holiday Morning Must-Have
These Eggnog French Toast Bites are soft, golden, and full of holiday flavor. Perfect for breakfast or brunch!
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 loaf brioche bread, cubed
- 1 1/2 cups eggnog
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
- Butter and oil for frying
- Powdered sugar, maple syrup for topping
Instructions
- Cut brioche into 1-inch cubes and lightly toast.
- In a large bowl, whisk eggnog, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Add toasted bread cubes to the bowl and soak for 10 minutes.
- Heat butter and oil in skillet over medium heat.
- Cook bites in batches until golden on all sides.
- Dust with powdered sugar and serve warm with syrup.
Notes
- Use full-fat eggnog for the best texture.
- You can bake the bites instead at 375°F for 18–20 minutes.
- Freeze cooked bites for up to a month.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Pan-Fried or Baked
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 bites
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
A Bite-Sized Crowd-Pleaser for All Ages
Kids love them because they’re handheld and dippable. Adults can’t resist the rich flavor and crunchy exterior. And bonus: they’re freezer-friendly, so you can prep ahead and reheat when the crowd shows up. You can even pair them with festive sides like No-Bake Gingerbread Cheesecake Cups for a complete brunch spread.
Eggnog French Toast Bites also make perfect portions for busy mornings when you want indulgence without the fuss. Serve them with maple syrup, fruit compote, or whipped cream for a breakfast that screams celebration.
Building the Perfect Eggnog French Toast Bites
Choosing the Best Bread for the Job
Brioche is the ultimate go-to for Eggnog French Toast Bites. Its eggy richness pairs flawlessly with eggnog’s creamy texture. You can also use day-old challah or even Hawaiian rolls if you’re after a slight sweetness. The bread should be slightly stale to soak up the custard mixture without becoming soggy.
Cutting the bread into even 1-inch cubes helps achieve a crisp outside and custardy center. I like to toast the cubes slightly before soaking, especially when preparing ahead. That way, they hold up beautifully even after being drenched in delicious eggnog mixture.
One year, I paired these bites with Chewy Christmas Toffee and it was a huge hit—everyone reached for seconds.
The Secret Custard Mix: Eggnog Magic
The real flavor boost comes from the custard. Use full-fat eggnog for the richest taste, and add in eggs, a touch of vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Let the bread soak for at least 10 minutes. If you’re meal-prepping, cover and refrigerate overnight for even deeper flavor.
For a festive twist, you can even stir in a splash of rum extract or bourbon. It reminds me of those delightful Reindeer Cupcakes—playful yet indulgent. Whether you pan-fry or bake the bites, the result is golden perfection with a soft, melt-in-your-mouth center.
Cooking and Crisping to Perfection
Pan-Fried or Baked: You Choose the Finish
Both cooking methods work wonders. Pan-frying gives you a crunchy golden edge, but baking is great for batch cooking. For pan-frying, use a mix of butter and oil in a hot skillet. Cook the bites until each side is caramelized and slightly crisp.
If baking, spread soaked bread cubes on a lined sheet and bake at 375°F for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway through. You’ll get an evenly cooked batch without much effort. This method works especially well when serving a crowd during the holidays.
While the bites baked, I prepped a quick dessert using Sugar Cookie Cheesecake—a perfect end to a brunch feast.
Topping It Off: Finish with Flair
Dusting these bites with powdered sugar adds a snowy look that’s oh-so festive. A drizzle of maple syrup, caramel, or even white chocolate takes them to the next level. You can even create a topping bar with cinnamon sugar, whipped cream, and crushed peppermint.
That’s exactly what I did last Christmas morning while my Frosted Christmas Brownies cooled. Guests loved customizing their bites. Whether served solo or with toppings, these Eggnog French Toast Bites are an irresistible treat.
Make-Ahead, Freeze, and Serve with Style
Prep Like a Pro: Freezer & Reheat Tips
One of the best things about Eggnog French Toast Bites is how easy they are to prep ahead. Soak the bread the night before and bake the next day. Or bake, cool, and freeze them for up to a month. Just reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes.
For even crispier results, air fry straight from frozen. Perfect for stress-free holiday mornings when you’re juggling breakfast and gift-wrapping.
While they reheated, I also warmed up Deviled Egg Christmas Trees for a savory contrast. The combo? A holiday win.
Brunch Boards & Serving Ideas That Wow
Eggnog French Toast Bites shine best when served as part of a brunch board. Include fresh fruits, bacon strips, scrambled eggs, and dips. Their bite-sized nature makes them ideal for sharing. Add a cozy drink like hot cocoa or apple cider, and you’ve got yourself a Pinterest-worthy breakfast.
At my last brunch, I added Cinnamon Sugar Blondies alongside the bites, and they disappeared in minutes. A sprinkle of pomegranate seeds added a pop of holiday color that made the whole table feel extra festive.
Serving Up the Final Words
Eggnog French Toast Bites bring joy to the breakfast table like few other dishes can. Their warm, spiced flavor and crispy exterior make them the ultimate holiday indulgence, whether you’re entertaining a crowd or treating yourself to something special. They’re easy to prepare, endlessly customizable, and full of seasonal charm.
From their humble beginnings in my kitchen to becoming the star of our family’s Christmas morning, these bites never fail to impress. Serve them on a brunch board, gift them in festive tins, or freeze a batch for the busy season ahead. However you enjoy them, one thing’s for sure—Eggnog French Toast Bites will make your holiday mornings feel extra magical.
FAQs About Eggnog French Toast Bites
How do I keep Eggnog French Toast Bites from getting soggy?
To keep Eggnog French Toast Bites from getting soggy, use slightly stale bread like brioche or challah and avoid over-soaking. Let the bites sit in the eggnog custard just long enough to absorb flavor—usually 10 minutes is perfect. If baking, give the cubes space on the tray so they crisp up instead of steam. A quick toast in the oven before soaking also helps firm them up.
Can I make Eggnog French Toast Bites ahead of time?
Yes, Eggnog French Toast Bites are perfect for make-ahead! Soak the bread cubes overnight in the fridge and bake fresh in the morning. You can also fully cook and freeze them. When you’re ready to serve, just pop them in a 350°F oven for 10–12 minutes or warm them in the air fryer to get that freshly made crispiness.
What’s the best eggnog to use in French toast bites?
The best eggnog to use is a full-fat, rich eggnog—preferably homemade or a high-quality store brand with real spices. Flavored eggnogs like vanilla or cinnamon add even more depth. Avoid light or non-dairy eggnogs unless they are thick and creamy. This makes a huge difference in the texture and taste of your French Toast Bites.
Can I make Eggnog French Toast Bites gluten-free or dairy-free?
Absolutely. Use a gluten-free brioche or soft bread for a gluten-free version. For dairy-free, swap in coconut milk eggnog or almond-based versions. Just make sure the consistency is creamy, not watery. And don’t forget to use plant-based butter or neutral oil for cooking. These adjustments won’t sacrifice flavor and keep the bites just as festive and delicious.
