What To Serve With Eggnog? 16 BEST Side Dishes

Eggnog, a classic holiday drink, is rich, creamy, and full of comforting flavors. But what should you serve with it to make your festive gathering even more delightful?

In this post, I'll share 16 amazing side dishes that pair perfectly with eggnog. From sweet desserts to warm and cozy treats, these dishes will make your holiday season even more memorable.

So, grab your favorite mug, pour yourself some eggnog, and let's explore these delicious options!

Looking for a quick answer?

The best side dishes to serve with eggnog are biscuits, tapioca pudding, almond milk yogurt, chocolate cake, creme brulee donuts, candied pecans, cornbread, cinnamon rolls, fruitcake, pumpkin pie, pecan pie and chocolate fondue.

Now, let's get cooking!

1. Biscuits

A warm, flaky biscuit is a perfect side dish to pair with eggnog. The buttery, crumbly texture of the biscuit complements the creamy and rich eggnog, while the subtle sweetness of the biscuit balances the bold flavors of the drink. You can serve plain biscuits or try flavored ones, like cinnamon or cranberry, to add an extra layer of flavor. Don't forget to slather them with some soft butter, honey, or jam to make this pairing even more delicious and satisfying.

2. Tapioca Pudding

Tapioca pudding is a creamy, comforting dessert that works wonderfully with eggnog. The smooth, velvety texture of the pudding contrasts beautifully with the slightly thick consistency of eggnog, while the mild sweetness of the pudding complements the bold flavors of the drink. You can add a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg to your tapioca pudding to enhance the festive feel of this delightful combination. And, if you want to add a little crunch, top the pudding with some toasted nuts or coconut flakes.

3. Almond Milk Yogurt

If you're looking for a lighter side dish to enjoy with your eggnog, almond milk yogurt is an excellent choice. The smooth, tangy yogurt pairs well with the richness of the eggnog, creating a delightful contrast of flavors and textures. You can choose a plain, unsweetened yogurt or opt for a flavored one, like vanilla or cinnamon, to complement the drink even more. To make this pairing extra special, top your yogurt with some fresh berries or a drizzle of honey.

4. Chocolate Cake

A slice of moist, decadent chocolate cake is a heavenly match for eggnog. The rich, intense chocolate flavor of the cake contrasts beautifully with the creamy, spiced notes of the drink, creating a dessert experience that's truly indulgent. You can opt for a simple chocolate cake or go all out with a multi-layered one, filled with chocolate ganache, raspberry jam, or even a layer of cheesecake. The possibilities are endless, and your taste buds will thank you.

5. Creme Brulee Donuts

Creme brulee donuts are a unique and delicious side dish that goes perfectly with eggnog. These fluffy, yeasted donuts are filled with a luscious vanilla custard and topped with a thin layer of caramelized sugar, creating a delightful combination of textures and flavors. The creaminess of the custard filling complements the richness of the eggnog, while the caramelized sugar adds a delightful crunch. Serve these donuts warm, and your guests will be asking for seconds!

6. Candied Pecans

Candied pecans are a sweet and crunchy treat that pairs wonderfully with eggnog. The warm, earthy flavors of the pecans, coated in a sugary, cinnamon-spiced glaze, complement the creamy and spiced notes of the eggnog. Candied pecans are easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients, and they're perfect for snacking on while sipping your favorite holiday drink. You can also try other candied nuts, like almonds or walnuts, for a variety of flavors and textures. Serve them in a bowl for guests to nibble on, or package them in decorative jars for a lovely homemade gift.

7. Cornbread

Cornbread, a classic comfort food, makes a delightful side dish for eggnog. The slightly sweet, crumbly texture of cornbread pairs well with the rich, creamy flavors of the drink. You can serve a traditional cornbread or experiment with different flavors, such as jalapeno cheddar or cranberry orange. To make this pairing even more indulgent, serve the cornbread warm with a generous spread of butter or a drizzle of honey.

8. Gingerbread Cookies

Gingerbread cookies are a festive treat that's perfect for enjoying with eggnog. The warm, spicy flavors of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves in the cookies complement the spiced notes of the drink, making for a deliciously cozy pairing. You can make classic gingerbread men or try different shapes and decorations for a fun holiday touch. Enjoy your cookies alongside your eggnog or dunk them in the drink for an extra-tasty treat.

9. Apple Crisp

Apple crisp is a warm, comforting dessert that goes beautifully with eggnog. The tender, spiced apples and the buttery, crumbly topping create a delightful contrast with the creamy, rich flavors of the drink. Serve your apple crisp warm, straight from the oven, and top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch of indulgence. This pairing is perfect for a cozy night in or a festive holiday gathering.

10. Cheesecake

Cheesecake is a creamy, decadent dessert that pairs wonderfully with eggnog. The smooth, velvety texture of the cheesecake complements the rich, spiced flavors of the drink, creating a luxurious dessert experience. You can choose a classic vanilla cheesecake or opt for a more festive flavor, like pumpkin or gingerbread. To add some extra pizzazz to your cheesecake, top it with a caramel or chocolate sauce, fresh fruit, or a dusting of powdered sugar.

11. Banana Bread

Banana bread is a moist, flavorful treat that goes perfectly with eggnog. The sweet, fruity flavors of the banana bread balance the rich, spiced notes of the drink, creating a comforting and delicious combination. You can add nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit to your banana bread for an extra layer of flavor and texture. Serve your banana bread warm with a spread of butter, cream cheese, or Nutella for an even more indulgent treat.

12. Cinnamon Rolls

Cinnamon rolls are a sweet, gooey treat that pairs wonderfully with eggnog. The warm, spicy cinnamon filling and the soft, fluffy dough make for a deliciously indulgent combination. Top your cinnamon rolls with a sweet cream cheese frosting or a simple glaze for an extra touch of sweetness. Enjoy your cinnamon rolls fresh from the oven alongside a glass of eggnog for a cozy, comforting breakfast or dessert.

13. Fruitcake

Fruitcake, a classic holiday treat, is a delightful pairing for eggnog. The dense, moist cake studded with dried fruits and nuts creates a lovely contrast to the creamy, spiced drink. Choose a traditional fruitcake recipe, or try a lighter, more modern version with a mix of your favorite fruits and nuts. Enjoy your fruitcake in thin slices, either at room temperature or lightly toasted, for a festive and tasty side dish.

14. Pumpkin Pie

Pumpkin pie is a creamy, spiced dessert that goes beautifully with eggnog. The smooth, velvety pumpkin filling, flavored with cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg, complements the rich, spiced notes of the drink. Serve your pumpkin pie chilled or at room temperature, topped with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. This pairing is perfect for a holiday feast or a cozy night in with friends and family.

15. Pecan Pie

Pecan pie, with its sweet, gooey filling and crunchy pecan topping, is a scrumptious side dish for eggnog. The rich, buttery flavors of the pie contrast nicely with the spiced, creamy drink, making for a luxurious dessert experience. Serve your pecan pie warm or at room temperature, and consider adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra touch of indulgence.

16. Chocolate Fondue

Chocolate fondue is a fun, interactive dessert that pairs perfectly with eggnog. The rich, smooth chocolate creates a lovely contrast to the creamy, spiced drink, making for an indulgent treat. Set up a fondue station with a variety of dippable items, such as fresh fruit, marshmallows, cookies, or pretzels, and let your guests enjoy dipping and eating their own creations. This pairing is perfect for a cozy get-together or a festive holiday party.

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