Ice Cream-Soaked Bread Grilled to Golden: Your New Favorite Holiday Treat (Eggnog Version!)

Forget everything you thought you knew about French toast! This December, we're taking a trending recipe that's been making waves online and giving it a festive, decadent twist: Ice Cream-Soaked Bread Grilled to Golden—the Eggnog Version!

Imagine perfectly grilled bread, crispy on the outside, custardy and sweet on the inside, infused with the rich, spiced flavor of eggnog. It's an indulgent breakfast, a delightful brunch centerpiece, or even a unique dessert that will have everyone asking for the recipe. This isn't just a meal; it's a holiday experience wrapped in golden, delicious bread. If you're looking for a show-stopping dish that perfectly captures the spirit of the season, look no further!

The original concept of soaking bread in melted ice cream before grilling has been praised for its simplicity and incredible results. The ice cream melts into a rich, flavorful custard that deeply penetrates the bread, creating an unparalleled texture and taste. For our December rendition, we're swapping out regular ice cream for everyone's favorite holiday drink: eggnog ice cream! The subtle nutmeg, vanilla, and creamy notes of eggnog elevate this dish from a simple treat to a truly unforgettable festive delight.

Ready to transform your breakfast or dessert game this holiday season? Let's get grilling!

Eggnog Ice Cream-Soaked Grilled Bread: A Festive Recipe

This recipe is surprisingly simple, yet delivers incredibly gourmet results. Get ready to impress!

Yields: 4 servings

Prep time: 10 minutes (plus 15-30 minutes soaking time)

Cook time: 15-20 minutes

Ingredients:

For the Eggnog Soak:
- 1 pint (about 2 cups) high-quality eggnog ice cream, slightly softened (or regular vanilla ice cream + 1/2 tsp nutmeg and 1/4 tsp cinnamon)
For the Bread:
- 8 slices of thick-cut brioche, challah, or Texas toast (day-old bread works best!)
For Grilling:
- 2-3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
For Garnish (Optional but Recommended!):
- Powdered sugar
- Maple syrup or warm honey
- Fresh berries (strawberries, raspberries)
- Whipped cream
- A sprinkle of ground nutmeg or cinnamon

Instructions:

Prepare the Eggnog Soak: In a shallow dish or bowl large enough to fit a slice of bread, place the slightly softened eggnog ice cream. If using regular vanilla ice cream, stir in the nutmeg and cinnamon until well combined. Allow it to melt further at room temperature until it reaches a thick, pourable, custard-like consistency. This may take 10-15 minutes, or you can gently warm it in a microwave for short bursts, stirring frequently, until melted.
Soak the Bread: Place each slice of bread into the melted eggnog ice cream, pressing gently to ensure it's fully submerged and absorbs as much liquid as possible. Let it soak for at least 15-30 minutes, flipping halfway through. The bread should be thoroughly saturated but still hold its shape. Thicker bread will require longer soaking.
Preheat and Prepare Grill/Pan: While the bread is soaking, heat a large non-stick skillet, griddle, or grill pan over medium heat. Add about half of the butter and let it melt and coat the surface.
Grill to Golden Perfection: Carefully transfer the soaked bread slices to the hot pan. Don't overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary. Grill for 3-5 minutes per side, or until each side is beautifully golden brown and slightly crispy. The inside should feel warm and custardy. Add more butter to the pan between batches as needed.
Serve and Garnish: Once cooked, transfer the grilled eggnog bread to serving plates. Dust generously with powdered sugar, drizzle with maple syrup or warm honey, and add a dollop of whipped cream and fresh berries if desired. A final sprinkle of nutmeg truly brings out the holiday flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy the magic!