Slow Cooker Eggnog and Cranberry French Toast: The Ultimate Holiday Brunch Delight

Prepare to elevate your holiday breakfast experience with our irresistible Slow Cooker Eggnog and Cranberry French Toast! This recipe is a true game-changer for busy mornings, especially during the festive season. Imagine waking up to the warm, inviting aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg, knowing a delicious, hands-off breakfast is cooking to perfection while you relax. It’s the ideal solution for a cozy weekend brunch or a magical Christmas morning feast, allowing you to savor precious moments with loved ones without being tethered to the kitchen.

Why the Slow Cooker is Your Holiday Breakfast Hero

The magic of this French toast recipe lies in its simplicity and the power of your slow cooker. For many, the holidays mean a full house and a packed schedule. Who wants to stand over a hot stove flipping French toast when you could be unwrapping gifts, sipping coffee by the fire, or simply enjoying the festive ambiance? This slow cooker method offers unparalleled convenience, allowing you to:

• Save Time & Effort: No need for constant attention. Prep it, set it, and forget it until breakfast is ready.
• Free Up Oven Space: Ideal for holiday meals when your oven is often busy baking casseroles, roasting meats, or warming up other dishes.
• Achieve Perfect Texture: Slow cooking allows the bread to thoroughly absorb the eggnog mixture, resulting in a wonderfully custardy interior that’s still firm enough to hold its shape.
• Serve a Crowd: Slow cookers are excellent for feeding multiple people, making them perfect for family gatherings and holiday guests.
• Maintain Warmth: Many modern slow cookers have a “keep warm” function, ensuring your French toast stays at the ideal temperature until everyone is ready to eat.

In Spokane, where the snow often blankets the ground, there’s nothing better than curling up with a good book by the fireplace. My slow cooker has become my trusted companion, taking care of the cooking while I embrace those moments of relaxation. This Eggnog French Toast perfectly embodies that cozy, stress-free holiday spirit.

The Irresistible Charm of Eggnog in French Toast

Eggnog is more than just a drink; it’s a symbol of holiday cheer. Its rich, creamy texture and distinct flavor profile—a blend of milk, cream, sugar, whipped eggs, and spices like nutmeg and cinnamon—make it a phenomenal base for French toast. When soaked into bread, eggnog transforms ordinary slices into an extraordinary, custardy delight. The traditional holiday spices within the eggnog infuse every bite with warmth and festive aroma, eliminating the need for excessive seasoning.

Using eggnog in your French toast batter provides a depth of flavor that plain milk or cream simply cannot match. It contributes to a richer, more decadent taste and a luxurious, moist texture that melts in your mouth. This isn’t just breakfast; it’s a celebratory dish that truly embodies the spirit of the season.

A Burst of Cranberry: The Perfect Tangy Counterpoint

While eggnog brings sweetness and richness, dried cranberries add a crucial element of balance to this dish. Their tart and chewy nature cuts through the creamy sweetness of the eggnog, providing a delightful contrast in both flavor and texture. Cranberries are synonymous with holiday fare, and their vibrant red hue adds a beautiful visual appeal to the golden French toast. We specifically use dried cranberries (often sold as “Craisins”) because they hold their shape well during the slow cooking process and offer a concentrated burst of flavor without adding excess moisture.

Beyond their taste, cranberries also offer a touch of seasonal festivity and a hint of fruity brightness that makes this French toast truly special. They ensure that each bite is not only comforting but also invigorating.

Gather Your Ingredients: What You’ll Need

Creating this festive French toast requires just a few simple ingredients, most of which you likely already have on hand during the holiday season:

• French Bread: A sturdy loaf of French bread, ideally a day old, works best as it absorbs the eggnog mixture without becoming soggy. Brioche or challah are also excellent choices for an even richer result.
• Eggs: The binding agent that creates the classic French toast custard.
• Eggnog: The star ingredient, bringing all the holiday flavor! Full-fat eggnog is recommended for the richest taste.
• Dried Cranberries (Craisins): Essential for that tangy sweetness and chewy texture. You can find them easily online or at your local grocery store.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall sweet and creamy flavors.
• Ground Cinnamon: A touch more cinnamon complements the spices already present in the eggnog, adding extra warmth.
• Brown Sugar: Adds a caramelized sweetness, particularly when sprinkled in layers.

For serving, consider classic accompaniments like butter and maple syrup, or get creative with a dollop of cranberry jelly or a homemade compote. The possibilities are truly endless!

Recommended Kitchen Tool: The Versatile Slow Cooker

To truly embrace the ease of this recipe, we highly recommend using a modern slow cooker. Many models now come with digital timers that automatically switch to a ‘warm’ setting once the cooking time is complete. This feature is invaluable, ensuring your French toast cooks perfectly without becoming overdone, and stays ready to serve even if your morning gets a little hectic. This kind of thoughtful design removes any stress about timing, letting you genuinely relax.

A reliable slow cooker can truly simplify your meal preparation, making it an essential appliance for any kitchen, especially during the busy holiday season.

Slow Cooker Eggnog French Toast Recipe Card

Slow Cooker Eggnog French Toast

This slow cooker Eggnog and Cranberry French Toast is the quintessential easy breakfast recipe for festive mornings. Prepare it with minimal effort and let your slow cooker do all the work while you enjoy the holiday season.

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 5 hours

Total Time: 5 hours 20 minutes

Servings: 4

Calories: Approximately 270 kcal per serving

Author: Tammilee Tips

Print Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 loaf French bread (approximately 16 oz), cut into bite-sized cubes
• 6 large Eggs
• 2 cups Eggnog (full-fat for best results)
• ½ cup Dried Cranberries (sweetened, e.g., Craisins)
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
• 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
• 4 Tablespoons Brown Sugar (packed)

Instructions

1. Prepare Slow Cooker: Thoroughly grease the inside of your slow cooker dish with butter or non-stick spray, or line it with parchment paper to ensure easy removal and clean-up.
2. Cut Bread: Cut the French bread into roughly 1-inch bite-sized cubes. Set them aside in a large bowl.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the eggnog, eggs, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
4. Layer Bread and Cranberries: Place half of the cubed bread into the bottom of the prepared slow cooker dish, spreading it into an even layer. Evenly sprinkle half of the dried cranberries and 2 tablespoons of the brown sugar over this first bread layer.
5. Add Remaining Layers: Top with the remaining bread cubes, then sprinkle the remaining dried cranberries and the final 2 tablespoons of brown sugar over the top.
6. Pour Eggnog Mixture: Slowly and carefully pour the eggnog mixture over all the bread cubes in the slow cooker. Ensure the liquid is distributed as evenly as possible, gently pressing down any bread pieces that are not fully saturated.
7. Cook: Cover your slow cooker with its lid and cook on the LOW setting for approximately 5 hours. Cooking time may vary slightly depending on your slow cooker model.
8. Optional Broil for Crisp Top: For a deliciously toasted and slightly crispy top, after 5 hours, if your slow cooker insert is oven-safe, carefully transfer it to your oven. Turn on the broiler and watch it very closely (this happens quickly!). Remove once the top is nicely golden brown and caramelized. If your dish is not oven-safe or you prefer a softer texture, you can skip this step.
9. Rest Before Serving: Once cooked (and broiled, if applicable), remove the slow cooker insert from the heating unit and let it settle on the counter for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the French toast to firm up slightly.
10. Serve Warm: Serve generous portions warm with your favorite toppings such as butter, a drizzle of maple syrup, a dollop of whipped cream, a sprinkle of powdered sugar, or a homemade cranberry compote or jam.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Slow cooker (a 6-quart capacity is ideal for this recipe)
• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Sharp knife for cutting bread
• Parchment paper (optional, for easy cleanup)

Chef’s Notes

During the slow cooking process, you might notice the French toast mixture rising in volume, especially in the first few hours. Don’t worry; this is normal! It will gently “fall” back down and settle into its perfect custardy texture by the end of the cooking time.

For an even deeper flavor, you can prepare the bread and eggnog mixture in the slow cooker the night before, cover it, and refrigerate. In the morning, simply take it out of the fridge and start cooking! You might need to add an extra 30 minutes to the cooking time if starting from cold.

Nutrition Information (per serving, estimated)

• Calories: 270 kcal
• Fat: 11g (Saturated Fat 5g)
• Cholesterol: 320mg
• Sodium: 168mg
• Potassium: 330mg
• Carbohydrates: 27g (Sugar 25g)
• Protein: 14g
• Vitamin A: 620IU
• Vitamin C: 3.5mg
• Calcium: 221mg
• Iron: 1.6mg
• *Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

Serving Suggestions & Creative Toppings

While this Eggnog French Toast is incredibly flavorful on its own, a few extra touches can transform it into an unforgettable breakfast or brunch:

• Classic Toppings: A pat of melted butter and a generous drizzle of warm maple syrup are timeless choices.
• Sweet & Creamy: A dollop of freshly whipped cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar adds an elegant finish.
• Fruity Additions: Garnish with fresh cranberries, a handful of pomegranate seeds for a festive pop, or a spoonful of cranberry compote or orange marmalade.
• Nutty Crunch: Toasted pecans, walnuts, or sliced almonds can add a delightful textural contrast.
• Spiced Delights: A light dusting of extra cinnamon or nutmeg before serving enhances the holiday aroma.
• Citrus Zest: A hint of orange or lemon zest can brighten the rich flavors.

Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Eggnog French Toast

To ensure your French toast turns out perfectly every time, keep these expert tips in mind:

• Use Stale Bread: Day-old or slightly stale bread is key. Fresh bread can absorb too much liquid and become mushy. If your bread is fresh, you can gently toast it in the oven for 10-15 minutes or leave it out uncovered overnight.
• Cut Uniform Cubes: Consistent cube sizes ensure even soaking and cooking.
• Don’t Overfill: Leave some room in your slow cooker, as the French toast will rise slightly during cooking.
• Distribute Liquid Evenly: Take your time pouring the eggnog mixture to make sure all bread pieces are coated. Gently press down the bread with a spatula if necessary.
• Resist the Urge to Peek: Opening the slow cooker lid releases heat and steam, which can extend cooking time.
• Broiler for Texture: The broiling step is optional but highly recommended for a golden, slightly crispy top, mimicking oven-baked French toast casserole.

Variations to Try

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable! Feel free to experiment with these delicious variations:

• Nutty Infusion: Add ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts along with the cranberries for extra crunch.
• Chocolatey Twist: Stir in ½ cup of white chocolate chips or dark chocolate chunks with the cranberries for a decadent touch.
• Other Dried Fruits: Substitute or combine dried cranberries with golden raisins, chopped dried apricots, or dried cherries.
• Spiced Up: Add a pinch of ground ginger, allspice, or cardamom to the eggnog mixture for a different spice profile.
• Lighter Version: Use a low-fat eggnog or a combination of skim milk and light cream for a slightly lighter option, though the richness will be reduced.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I prepare this the night before?

Absolutely! You can assemble the entire dish in your slow cooker insert, cover it, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, simply place the insert back into the slow cooker and begin cooking. You might need to add an extra 30-60 minutes to the cooking time since it will be starting cold.

What kind of bread is best for this recipe?

A sturdy, dense bread like French bread, challah, or brioche works exceptionally well. Day-old bread is preferred as it absorbs the liquid better without becoming overly soggy.

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?

While you can, fresh cranberries will release more liquid and have a very tart flavor. Dried, sweetened cranberries are recommended for their texture and balanced sweetness in this recipe.

What if I don’t have eggnog?

If eggnog isn’t available, you can create a similar flavor profile by using whole milk or half-and-half as the base, and then adding extra vanilla extract, a pinch of nutmeg, more cinnamon, and a tablespoon or two of sugar to taste.

How do I store leftovers?

Leftover French toast can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave, oven, or a toaster oven.

More Delicious Breakfast and Holiday Recipes

If you’re a fan of eggnog and easy breakfast ideas, be sure to explore our other fantastic recipes:

• Discover more delightful Eggnog Recipes
• Hearty Crock Pot Eggnog Oatmeal
• Festive Eggnog Spice Cupcakes with Eggnog Frosting
• Indulgent Eggnog Latte Recipe
• Comforting Apple Raisin French Toast
• Fantastic Blueberry Muffin Recipe
• Energizing Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie Recipe
• Simple Cinnamon and Sugar Crescents
• Elegant Caprese Eggs Benedict

And for those who love hands-off cooking, don’t miss our full collection of Easy Vegetarian Crock Pot Recipes, as well as our broader categories of Copycat Recipes, mouth-watering Dessert Recipes, and all our amazing Crock Pot Recipes.

Stay Connected with Tammilee Tips

For more delicious recipes, travel tips, and lifestyle inspiration, be sure to follow Tammilee Tips on your favorite social media platforms. Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest to stay updated with our latest posts and culinary adventures!

This recipe was originally shared on January 18, 2016. It was thoughtfully updated and expanded in October 2020, and further revised in 2023 for enhanced readability, SEO optimization, and to provide the most comprehensive guide to your slow cooker French toast experience.