Delicious Sourdough French Toast: A Tangy Twist on a Breakfast Classic
Sourdough French Toast offers a delightful culinary adventure, transforming a beloved breakfast staple into an unforgettable experience. This recipe achieves the ideal balance of tangy sourdough flavor and sweet custard, resulting in a dish with a wonderfully creamy interior and satisfyingly crisp, golden-brown edges. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s not only a quick and easy meal but also an impressively elegant option perfect for any brunch gathering or a special weekend treat. Prepare to elevate your breakfast game with this extraordinary twist!
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About Sourdough French Toast Excellence
There’s an undeniable allure to sourdough bread, isn’t there? That distinctive tang, the satisfying chew, and the wonderfully rustic crust make it a baker’s delight and a food lover’s obsession. While perfecting a sourdough loaf at home can be a journey (one we’re happily still on!), the beauty of this bread is that even a slightly misshapen loaf tastes incredible. This versatility is precisely what inspired us to transform our latest sourdough creation into a batch of exquisite French toast.
The magic of sourdough truly shines when it’s embraced by a sweet, spiced custard. The subtle sour notes of the bread cut through the sweetness of the coating, creating a perfectly balanced flavor profile that is both complex and comforting. This isn’t just any French toast; it’s an elevated experience. The robust structure of sourdough allows it to soak up the creamy egg mixture without becoming mushy, resulting in a custardy interior that remains soft and moist, beautifully contrasted by crisp, caramelized edges.
Forget bland, overly sweet French toast. The inherent flavor of sourdough adds a sophisticated depth that makes this dish stand out. Once you try French toast made with sourdough, you might find it hard to go back to any other bread. It’s a simple yet profound upgrade that brings gourmet breakfast straight to your kitchen, minus the elaborate prep or the hefty restaurant bill. Whether it’s a leisurely weekend brunch or a quick morning indulgence, this sourdough French toast delivers a special feeling every time.
This recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly convenient, often relying on ingredients you already have in your pantry. Pair it with fresh seasonal berries for a burst of color and natural sweetness, a generous drizzle of warm maple syrup for classic indulgence, or a delicate dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant finish. Each bite promises a harmonious blend of textures and flavors, making it a truly extraordinary way to start your day.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Sourdough French Toast
Crafting the perfect sourdough French toast starts with a selection of quality ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving that coveted creamy interior, crisp exterior, and balanced flavor profile.
- Whole Milk: The foundation of our rich custard. Whole milk, with its higher fat content, contributes significantly to the creamy texture and rich flavor of the finished French toast. Avoid using skim milk, 2% milk, or alternative milks like almond or coconut milk, as they simply won’t yield the same luscious result. For an even more decadent experience, consider substituting half-and-half or heavy cream.
- Large Eggs: Eggs are essential for binding the custard and adding richness. Always opt for large eggs to ensure the correct liquid-to-solid ratio in your batter.
- Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla elevates the aroma and taste, adding a warm, sweet undertone that complements the sourdough’s tang. If you’ve ever considered making your own homemade vanilla extract, it’s simpler than you might imagine and allows you to customize the flavor intensity. Otherwise, we highly recommend a high-quality extract like Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract from Nielsen Massey for its exceptional depth of flavor.
- Sugar: We prefer light brown sugar for its subtle molasses notes and ability to promote beautiful caramelization. However, dark brown sugar offers a richer flavor, while granulated sugar works perfectly if that’s what you have on hand. It provides the necessary sweetness to balance the sourdough’s acidity.
- Salt: Just a pinch of kosher fine salt is all you need. Salt is a flavor enhancer, bringing out the sweetness and complexity of the other ingredients, ensuring the French toast isn’t cloyingly sweet.
- Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon introduces a comforting warmth and a delightful aromatic spice that pairs classicly with French toast. Feel free to adjust the amount to your preference or even experiment with a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for a different twist.
- Sourdough Bread: The star of the show! Whether you’re using a rustic store-bought loaf or a triumphant homemade sourdough, ensure it’s slightly stale for the best results. Stale bread absorbs the custard more effectively without falling apart, leading to that perfect custardy texture. Look for a loaf with a good crust and a dense crumb.
- Unsalted Butter: Used for cooking, butter adds incredible flavor and helps create that desirable golden-brown, crispy crust. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the overall saltiness of the dish.
- Toppings: The fun part! Prepare an array of toppings such as powdered sugar, rich maple syrup, fluffy whipped cream, fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries), or even a pat of melting butter. These garnishes add both visual appeal and a final layer of flavor and texture.
Kitchen Must-Haves for This Recipe
You don’t need a professional kitchen to whip up this impressive sourdough French toast. A few basic tools will make the process smooth and enjoyable:
- Mixing Bowls: A set of various-sized mixing bowls will come in handy for preparing the custard and organizing your ingredients.
- Whisk: Essential for thoroughly combining the custard ingredients, ensuring a smooth, lump-free mixture.
- Shallow Baking Dish or Pie Plate: This is ideal for soaking the bread slices evenly. Its wide, shallow design allows the bread to lie flat and absorb the custard without crowding.
- Skillet: To achieve that perfect golden-brown exterior, we highly recommend a Lodge cast iron skillet. Cast iron retains heat exceptionally well and distributes it evenly, promoting superior caramelization and a beautifully crisp crust. If you don’t have cast iron, a good quality nonstick skillet will also work, offering easier cleanup.
- Spatula or Tongs: For safely flipping the French toast slices in the hot skillet.
With these simple tools, you’re well-equipped to create a breakfast masterpiece!
How to Master Sourdough French Toast
Making delicious sourdough French toast is a straightforward process, but following these steps carefully will ensure a perfect result every time. The key is in the preparation of the custard, the proper soaking of the bread, and controlling the heat during frying.
Prepare the Custard Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the whole milk, large eggs, vanilla extract, light brown sugar, fine salt, and ground cinnamon. Using a whisk, vigorously beat the mixture until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and the sugar has dissolved. Ensure there are no visible streaks of egg yolk or white; the custard should be a uniform, pale yellow color. This meticulous whisking creates a smooth, homogenous mixture that will evenly coat your sourdough slices, leading to a consistently delicious French toast. Once prepared, pour this rich egg mixture into a shallow baking dish or a wide pie plate. A shallow dish is crucial here as it allows the bread to fully immerse in the custard without needing excessive amounts of liquid, promoting even absorption.
Perfect Soak for Maximum Flavor
Next, carefully place two thick slices of your stale sourdough bread into the shallow dish with the custard. Gently press them down, ensuring they are fully submerged and absorb the liquid. Allow the bread to soak for precisely 2 minutes. This soaking time is critical for sourdough; its dense crumb needs adequate time to draw in the custard without becoming waterlogged. After 2 minutes, flip the bread slices over and let them soak on the other side for another 2 minutes. This ensures an even distribution of the creamy custard throughout the bread, leading to a tender, flavorful interior. Once adequately soaked, remove the slices to a clean plate and repeat the process with the remaining two slices of sourdough bread. Do not rush this step; patience here is rewarded with superior texture.
Golden Fry for Crisp Edges
Heat a cast iron skillet or a heavy-bottomed frying pan over medium-high heat until it is thoroughly hot. This initial high heat is key to achieving that desirable golden-brown sear on the outside. Add 1 1/2 tablespoons of unsalted butter to the hot pan. As the butter melts, swirl it around to evenly coat the bottom of the skillet. Once the butter is melted and slightly foaming, carefully place two soaked sourdough slices into the pan, ensuring not to overcrowd it. Cook for approximately 4 minutes, or until the bottom side is beautifully golden brown and caramelized. The aroma alone will be intoxicating!
Once the first side is cooked, flip the slices, reduce the heat to medium (or even medium-low, depending on your stovetop), and continue to cook for another 3 to 4 minutes. This lower temperature ensures that the interior of the French toast cooks through completely without burning the exterior, resulting in that wonderfully creamy center. When both sides are golden brown and the center is cooked, remove the French toast from the pan. Add the remaining 1 1/2 tablespoons of butter to the pan, swirl to melt, and repeat the frying process with the last two slices of bread. Serve your perfectly cooked sourdough French toast warm, immediately adorned with your favorite toppings like a generous dusting of powdered sugar, a pour of pure maple syrup, or a medley of fresh fruit.
Pro Tips for Sourdough French Toast Success
- Use Good Quality Sourdough Bread: The foundation of exceptional French toast is the bread itself. Whether you opt for a store-bought artisanal loaf or a homemade masterpiece, choose a high-quality sourdough with a robust crust and a good, dense crumb. The unique flavor and texture of sourdough are what truly elevate this dish.
- Embrace Stale Bread: While it might seem counterintuitive, stale bread is your best friend for French toast. Day-old (or even two-day-old) sourdough has lost some of its moisture, making it much more absorbent. This allows the bread to soak up plenty of the rich custard without becoming soggy and falling apart in the pan, ensuring a beautifully custardy interior.
- Don’t Cut It Too Thick: Aim for slices that are about 3/4 to 1-inch thick. If the slices are too thin, they’ll cook too quickly and lack that desirable creamy center. Conversely, if they’re too thick (over 1-inch), the center might remain dry and uncooked, even if the exterior is perfectly golden. We highly recommend slicing the bread yourself rather than buying pre-sliced loaves, which are often too thin.
- Master the Heat: Temperature control is paramount. Start by heating your skillet over medium-high heat until it’s properly hot. This initial higher heat creates that gorgeous golden-brown sear and crisp exterior you crave. Once you flip the slices, immediately reduce the heat to medium or even medium-low. This allows the French toast to cook all the way through to the center without burning the crust.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook in batches of two slices to avoid overcrowding your skillet. Overcrowding lowers the pan’s temperature, leading to steaming instead of frying, which results in limp, pale French toast rather than beautifully caramelized slices.
- Thoroughly Whisk the Custard: Take your time to whisk the milk, eggs, sugar, and spices until they are completely combined and smooth. Any unmixed egg white can lead to an uneven texture or streaks in your French toast.
- Proper Soaking is Key: While sourdough is dense, it still needs to soak adequately. The 2 minutes per side recommendation is a sweet spot that allows the bread to absorb enough custard for a rich, tender interior without becoming overly saturated or falling apart. Don’t rush this step!
Elevate your mornings with more easy and delicious breakfast ideas: Fluffy Banana Chocolate Chip Waffles | Moist Banana Bread Muffins | Exotic Turkish Eggs Platter | Savory Dutch Baby Pancake
Fresh Bread Fix: How to Quickly “Age” Sourdough for French Toast
If you find yourself with a fresh, perfectly baked loaf of sourdough but are craving French toast right now, don’t despair! While day-old bread is ideal because its reduced moisture content allows it to absorb more custard without becoming mushy, there’s a simple trick to “age” your fresh sourdough quickly. This method helps to dry out the bread just enough to improve its absorption capabilities.
To rapidly prepare fresh sourdough slices for French toast, simply preheat your oven to 250˚F (120˚C). Arrange your thickly sliced sourdough bread (remember, 3/4 to 1-inch thick is best) in a single layer on a baking sheet. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven for about 10 to 15 minutes. The goal here isn’t to toast the bread until it’s crisp, but rather to gently remove some of its internal moisture. You want the slices to feel drier and slightly firmer to the touch, but still soft enough to bend. This process helps the bread soak up the rich custard mixture more effectively, ensuring a perfectly creamy and flavorful interior once cooked. Keep a close eye on it to prevent actual browning or crisping.
The Sourdough Advantage: Why It Excels for French Toast
Absolutely, sourdough is an exceptional choice for French toast, arguably one of the best! Its unique characteristics make it far superior to conventional white bread or brioche for this classic breakfast dish. The slight tanginess inherent in sourdough bread is its superpower. This acidity provides a wonderful contrast to the sweet custard coating, preventing the French toast from tasting one-dimensionally sweet. Instead, you get a more complex and sophisticated flavor profile that truly awakens the palate.
Beyond flavor, sourdough’s texture is a game-changer. Its typically denser crumb and firmer crust hold up remarkably well to soaking. Unlike softer breads that can quickly turn into a soggy mess, sourdough bread absorbs the custard beautifully, yielding a lusciously creamy and tender interior while still maintaining enough structural integrity to develop a wonderfully crisp, golden exterior when fried. This textural contrast – crunchy on the outside, custardy on the inside – is precisely what elevates a good French toast to a great one. The chewy crust also caramelizes beautifully in the pan, adding another layer of irresistible texture and flavor. It’s a hearty bread that can stand up to a rich custard, delivering a truly satisfying and memorable breakfast experience.
Storage and Reheating: Keeping Your Sourdough French Toast Delicious
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (though we doubt you will!), sourdough French toast stores and reheats wonderfully, making it perfect for meal prep or quick weekday breakfasts. Proper storage ensures your French toast remains fresh and delicious.
- Refrigeration: For short-term storage, allow the cooked French toast slices to cool completely to room temperature. Then, place them in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper if stacking, to prevent sticking. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, French toast freezes beautifully. Once cooled, wrap each individual slice tightly in plastic wrap, then place the wrapped slices in a freezer-safe resealable bag or an airtight container. This method prevents freezer burn and makes it easy to grab just one or two slices at a time. Frozen sourdough French toast will keep well for up to 3 months.
Reheating Instructions:
- From the Refrigerator: Our preferred method for reheating is in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat with a little melted butter. Cook for a few minutes per side until heated through and crisp. You can also toast slices in a toaster oven for a few minutes until warm and slightly crispy, or microwave them briefly for a softer result.
- From the Freezer: You can reheat frozen French toast directly from the freezer. Place the unwrapped slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and golden. Alternatively, reheat in a buttered skillet over medium heat, flipping occasionally, until thawed and warmed.
Searching for inspiring breakfast ideas? Explore our comprehensive breakfast appetizers page for a wealth of delightful recipes!
Ideal Pairings: What to Serve with Sourdough French Toast
Sourdough French toast is a star on its own, but it truly shines when paired with complementary toppings and side dishes. Here are some fantastic ideas to complete your breakfast or brunch spread:
Classic Sweet Toppings:
- Powdered Sugar: A simple, elegant dusting adds a touch of sweetness and a beautiful presentation.
- Maple Syrup: A timeless favorite. Opt for pure maple syrup for the best flavor. Warm it slightly before serving for an extra luxurious touch.
- Fresh Fruit: Berries like strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries add vibrant color, freshness, and natural sweetness. Sliced bananas, peaches, or even roasted apples are also delicious.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of homemade or store-bought whipped cream adds a light, airy richness.
- Butter: Simple pads of unsalted butter melting on warm French toast enhance its rich flavor.
- Nut Butters & Spreads: For a delightful twist, spread a layer of peanut butter, almond butter, or hazelnut spread (like Nutella) on your French toast. Our son absolutely loves his slathered in Nutella for a special treat!
- Fruit Compotes or Jams: A spoonful of homemade berry compote, peach jam, or apple butter can add a burst of fruit flavor and warmth.
Hearty Brunch Additions:
If you’re serving this dish for a brunch gathering and want to offer a more rounded meal, consider these savory complements:
- Eggs: Since you’ve got the carbs covered, adding an egg dish is a great way to introduce protein. Try our Instant Pot poached eggs for a quick and easy option, or a Turkish eggs platter for a uniquely flavorful and visually stunning dish. Scrambled eggs or a simple omelette are also excellent choices.
- Breakfast Meats: Crispy bacon, savory sausage patties, or thinly sliced ham complement the sweetness of the French toast beautifully.
- Vegetable Sides: Balance your meal with some greens or roasted vegetables. Our southwestern ham hash is an easy one-skillet dish that brings together veggies and protein. A simple side salad or roasted asparagus would also work well.
Boozy Brunch Sips:
For a truly celebratory brunch, elevate the experience with a refreshing mimosa:
- Fruity Mimosas: Sip on a vibrant strawberry mimosa, a tart raspberry mimosa, or a festive cranberry mimosa.
More Sourdough Adventures:
If you’re an avid sourdough baker or just looking for creative ways to use your sourdough starter, don’t stop at French toast! Try your hand at making delightful sourdough hot cross buns for another spiced bread treat.
Extended Storage Solutions
Whether you’re preparing for a busy week or simply have a few slices left over, proper storage ensures your delicious sourdough French toast maintains its quality and is ready to enjoy at a moment’s notice.
- Refrigeration: Allow any leftover French toast to cool completely before storing. Place the slices in an airtight container, optionally layering with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together. Stored this way, they will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. This is perfect for quick breakfasts during the week!
- Reheating from the Fridge: For the best texture, we recommend reheating chilled French toast in a cast iron skillet. Melt a small amount of butter over medium-high heat, then place your slices in the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until heated through and the edges are crisp again. You can also use a toaster oven for a similar crispy result, or simply microwave for 30-60 seconds for a softer, quicker reheat.
- Freezing for Long-Term: French toast is a fantastic candidate for freezing. Once the slices are completely cool, wrap each one individually in a layer of plastic wrap. This prevents freezer burn and makes it easy to take out single servings. Then, place the wrapped slices in a freezer-safe resealable bag or an airtight container. They will maintain their quality in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- Reheating from Frozen: No need to thaw! You can reheat frozen French toast directly. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the unwrapped frozen slices on a baking sheet. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until thoroughly heated and slightly crisp. For a skillet reheat from frozen, use medium heat with butter, cooking a bit longer per side until defrosted and golden.
Discover More French Toast Creations
If you’ve fallen in love with the versatility of French toast, there’s a whole world of delicious variations to explore beyond this sourdough sensation. Whether you’re looking for something decadent for a special occasion, a unique flavor profile, or a convenient casserole format, we’ve got a French toast recipe for you:
- For an incredibly indulgent and luxurious breakfast, try our chocolate strawberry stuffed French toast with mascarpone. It’s truly a showstopper!
- Seeking something unique and sophisticated? Our roasted plum French toast with whipped ricotta offers an unexpected yet delightful combination of flavors and textures.
- If you love the ease of a baked dish, our infamous raspberry chocolate croissant French toast casserole is a crowd-pleaser.
- And for a make-ahead option that simplifies busy mornings, don’t miss our overnight blueberry cream cheese French toast casserole. It’s prepared the night before, ready to bake in the morning!
We absolutely love hearing from you! If you make this sourdough French toast recipe, please consider leaving a star rating on the recipe card below and a comment sharing your experience. Your feedback means the world to us, and we read and respond to every single comment. Don’t hesitate to drop any questions you might have about the recipe below as well!
And if you share your culinary creations on social media, be sure to tag us on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest! Seeing our recipes come to life in your homes is truly our favorite part of this job. It brightens our day to scroll through your beautiful photos!
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Sourdough French Toast Recipe Card
Ingredients for Sourdough French Toast
- 3/4 cup whole milk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 Tbsp light brown sugar
- 1/8 tsp fine salt
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 4 slices stale sourdough bread cut into 3/4-inch thick slices
- 3 Tbsp butter divided
- Powdered sugar for garnish
- Maple syrup for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Prepare the Custard: In a large bowl, thoroughly whisk together the milk, eggs, vanilla extract, light brown sugar, fine salt, and cinnamon until the mixture is smooth and well-combined, with no visible streaks.
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Set Up Soaking Dish: Pour the prepared egg mixture into a shallow baking dish or a wide pie plate, ensuring there’s enough surface area for the bread slices.
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Soak the Bread: Place two thick slices of stale sourdough bread into the custard-filled dish. Gently press them down to ensure they are fully submerged and soak evenly. Let them soak for 2 minutes on one side. Flip the bread slices and allow them to soak on the other side for an additional 2 minutes. Remove the soaked slices to a clean plate and repeat this soaking process with the remaining 2 slices of bread.
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Begin Frying: Place a cast iron skillet or a heavy-bottomed frying pan over medium-high heat and allow it to get hot. Add 1 1/2 tablespoons of butter to the pan. Once melted, swirl to coat the entire cooking surface. Carefully place 2 soaked sourdough slices into the hot pan, ensuring not to overcrowd. Cook for approximately 4 minutes, until the bottom is a beautiful golden brown.
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Finish Cooking: Flip the French toast slices, then reduce the heat to medium (or medium-low if your stovetop runs hot). Cook for another 3 to 4 minutes, or until the second side is golden brown and the interior is cooked through and creamy. Remove from the pan.
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Repeat & Serve: Add the remaining 1 1/2 tablespoons of butter to the pan and repeat the frying process with the last two bread slices. Serve your delicious sourdough French toast immediately, warm, and garnished with your favorite toppings like powdered sugar, maple syrup, or fresh fruit. Enjoy!