Imagine waking up to the delightful aroma of a warm, festive breakfast, without having to lift a finger in the kitchen. This dream becomes a delicious reality with our Slow Cooker Eggnog and Cranberry French Toast recipe! It’s the quintessential weekend or holiday breakfast meal, designed for ultimate relaxation. Simply set it up, go back to your cozy bed or settle onto the couch, and let your slow cooker work its magic while you unwind.

Indulge in a Cozy Holiday Breakfast: Slow Cooker Eggnog & Cranberry French Toast

As the colder months arrive and the world outside gets covered in a blanket of snow, there’s nothing quite like the warmth and comfort of home. For us, that often means curling up on the couch, a good book in hand, with the fireplace casting a warm glow. These are the moments when our slow cooker truly shines, handling all the culinary work while we embrace the tranquility of the season.

This recipe perfectly captures that festive, comforting spirit. It’s a delightful fusion of classic French toast with the rich, creamy taste of eggnog and the bright, tart burst of cranberries. Whether you’re planning a special Christmas morning brunch or simply want to elevate a leisurely Sunday, this slow cooker French toast promises a stress-free and utterly delicious experience.

Why Choose Slow Cooker French Toast? The Ultimate Make-Ahead Breakfast

The beauty of making French toast in a slow cooker lies in its unparalleled convenience and the resulting texture. Traditional French toast requires constant attention at the stovetop, flipping slices to achieve that perfect golden-brown finish. But with a slow cooker, you prepare everything the night before or in the morning, then let it simmer gently for several hours. This hands-off approach frees up your precious morning time, allowing you to focus on family, holiday preparations, or simply enjoying a peaceful start to your day.

Beyond convenience, slow cooking imparts an incredibly custardy, moist texture that’s difficult to achieve with pan-frying. The bread slowly absorbs the rich eggnog mixture, transforming into a pudding-like consistency that is both soft and satisfying. The slow, even heat ensures that every bite is infused with flavor, creating a truly decadent breakfast casserole.

The Festive Flavors: Eggnog & Cranberries

Eggnog is more than just a drink; it’s a symbol of the holiday season. Its creamy texture and warm, spiced notes of nutmeg and cinnamon are instantly recognizable and comforting. Incorporating eggnog into French toast batter elevates a simple breakfast into a festive celebration. It adds an unparalleled richness and a delicate sweetness that perfectly complements the golden-brown crust.

To balance the creamy sweetness of the eggnog, we’ve added cranberries. Dried cranberries, often sold as “Craisins,” offer a wonderful tartness that cuts through the richness, preventing the dish from being overly sweet. Their vibrant red color also adds a beautiful visual appeal, making this French toast look as festive as it tastes. As they cook, the cranberries soften slightly, releasing their tangy flavor into the surrounding custard.

Essential Ingredients for a Perfect Breakfast

Crafting this delightful French toast requires a few simple, yet crucial, ingredients:

• French bread: A sturdy loaf is essential. Day-old French bread, challah, or brioche works best as it absorbs the custard without becoming soggy.
• Eggs: The foundation of any great French toast, providing structure and richness.
• Eggnog: The star ingredient, infusing the dish with its signature holiday flavor.
• Dried Cranberries (Craisins): Adds a tart counterpoint to the sweet eggnog, along with a festive color.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile, adding a hint of warmth.
• Cinnamon: A classic spice that pairs beautifully with eggnog and provides a comforting aroma.
• Brown Sugar: Contributes a deep, caramel-like sweetness and helps create a lovely topping when broiled.

The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. While delicious on its own, it can be served with traditional toppings like butter and syrup, or elevated with a homemade cranberry compote or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. The possibilities for customization are truly endless!

The Right Tools for the Job: Slow Cooker Selection

A good slow cooker is your best friend for this recipe. We highly recommend using a slow cooker equipped with a digital timer that automatically switches to a “warm” setting after the cooking cycle is complete. This feature is incredibly useful, ensuring your French toast cooks perfectly without overcooking, giving you extra peace of mind and flexibility in your morning routine.

Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Slow Cooker Eggnog French Toast

Achieving this breakfast masterpiece is simpler than you might think. Follow these steps for a truly memorable meal:

Slow Cooker Eggnog French Toast

This Slow Cooker Eggnog and Cranberry French Toast is the perfect easy breakfast or brunch recipe for any festive occasion!

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 5 hours
Total Time: 5 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 270 kcal
Author: Tammilee Tips

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Ingredients

• 1 loaf French bread, preferably day-old
• 6 large Eggs
• 2 Cups Eggnog
• ½ Cup Dried Cranberries (sweetened)
• Dash Vanilla Extract
• 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
• 4 Tablespoons Brown Sugar

Instructions

1. Prepare your slow cooker: Grease your slow cooker dish very well to prevent sticking, or for easier cleanup, line it with parchment paper. This step is crucial for effortless serving.
2. Prepare the bread: Cut the French bread into bite-sized cubes, approximately 1-inch squares. Set them aside while you prepare the wet ingredients. Using slightly stale bread helps it absorb the liquid without becoming mushy.
3. Mix the custard: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggnog, eggs, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract until thoroughly combined and smooth. Ensure there are no large lumps of egg.
4. First layer: Place half of the prepared bread cubes evenly into the bottom of your slow cooker dish. Sprinkle half of the dried cranberries and 2 tablespoons of the brown sugar over this layer of bread.
5. Second layer: Gently place the remaining bread cubes over the first layer. Then, sprinkle the remaining dried cranberries and brown sugar evenly on top.
6. Pour the custard: Slowly and carefully pour the eggnog mixture over the layered bread cubes. Take your time to ensure the liquid is distributed well, allowing all the bread to soak up the delicious custard. You might gently press down the bread to help it absorb.
7. Slow cook: Cover your slow cooker and cook on the low setting for 5 hours. Avoid lifting the lid during this time to maintain a consistent cooking temperature.
8. Broil for a golden finish (optional but recommended): After 5 hours, remove the dish from the slow cooker. If your slow cooker insert is oven-safe, transfer it directly to your oven. Turn on the broiler setting. Watch it very closely, as broiling can happen quickly! Remove the dish when the top is nicely toasted and golden brown, achieving a lovely crisp texture contrasting with the soft interior. If your dish isn’t oven-safe, you can skip this step, but you’ll miss out on that satisfying golden crust.
9. Rest before serving: Allow the French toast to settle on the counter for a few minutes before serving. This helps it firm up slightly and makes it easier to serve.
10. Serve and enjoy: Serve warm with your favorite toppings. Butter and maple syrup are classic choices, but for a festive touch, consider cranberry jelly, compote, or a dusting of powdered sugar.

Kitchen Tools

• Slow cooker (preferably with a digital timer and warm setting)
• Parchment Paper (optional, for lining)
• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk

Notes

Note: As your French toast cooks, the volume may rise in the dish, but it will settle back down at the end. Don’t be alarmed by the initial puffiness!

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts

Slow Cooker Eggnog French Toast

Amount Per Serving

Calories 270
Calories from Fat 99

% Daily Value*

Fat 11g17%

Saturated Fat 5g31%

Cholesterol 320mg107%

Sodium 168mg7%

Potassium 330mg9%

Carbohydrates 27g9%

Sugar 25g28%

Protein 14g28%

Vitamin A 620IU12%

Vitamin C 3.5mg4%

Calcium 221mg22%

Iron 1.6mg9%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

More Delicious Breakfast & Brunch Recipes to Try

If you’re a fan of easy and delicious breakfast ideas, especially those that involve your trusty slow cooker, you’re in for a treat! We love exploring new ways to make mornings more enjoyable. Here are some other fantastic recipes you might want to add to your repertoire:

• Crock Pot Eggnog Oatmeal – Another cozy, make-ahead breakfast featuring the delightful taste of eggnog.
• Eggnog Spice Cupcakes – If you love eggnog, try it in a dessert!
• Eggnog Latte Recipe – Pair your French toast with a homemade festive drink.
• Apple Raisin French Toast – A fruity twist on slow cooker French toast.
• Fantastic Blueberry Muffin Recipe – A classic breakfast treat.
• Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie Recipe – For a quick and healthy option.
• Cinnamon and Sugar Crescents – Simple yet satisfying pastries.
• Caprese Eggs Benedict – A gourmet choice for a special brunch.

Don’t forget to explore our comprehensive collections of vegetarian crockpot recipes, copycat recipes, dessert recipes, and all our amazing Crock Pot Recipes for more culinary inspiration.

We are constantly planning new ways to spend quality time relaxing in front of the fireplace, with the Christmas tree twinkling in the background. (Here’s hoping the cats don’t try to climb it again this year, LOL!). Knowing that a delicious, festive breakfast like this Slow Cooker Eggnog French Toast is cooking itself allows us to fully embrace those precious moments without any stress. It’s truly a gift to wake up to a ready-made feast, making holiday mornings even more magical.

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Recipe originally shared on January 18, 2016. Updated and enhanced October 2020 and further expanded for improved experience.