Food lovers and brunch enthusiasts, rejoice! There’s nothing quite like the rich aroma of French toast sizzling in a pan to brighten your morning. If you’re ready to take your breakfast game to the next level, sourdough French toast is the way to go. Its tangy flavor, perfectly crisp edges, and pillowy interior make it a standout dish on any brunch table.
Whether you’re preparing a quick weekend treat or crafting an Instagram-worthy breakfast spread, this sourdough French toast recipe will delight your taste buds. Read on for step-by-step instructions, pro tips to perfect the dish, and ideas for creative toppings.
Why Sourdough Makes the Best French Toast
Sourdough French toast is a classic breakfast dish that remains timeless. With its slightly tangy flavour and crispy edges, sourdough bread takes an everyday French toast recipe to gourmet levels. Whether you’re hosting a weekend brunch or craving something indulgent on a lazy morning, this recipe will elevate your breakfast game effortlessly.
Here’s everything you need to create the ultimate sourdough French toast, from selecting the perfect loaf to mastering the custard soak and achieving that golden, crispy finish.
Why Sourdough Makes the Best French Toast
You may wonder why sourdough bread is ideal for French toast. Here’s why:
Better Texture: Sourdough bread has a sturdy, chewy structure that holds up well when soaked in the custard mixture. It avoids the soggy texture that other breads sometimes get.
Unique Flavor: The slight tang of sourdough adds depth and balances the sweetness of the French toast, making it more complex and flavorful.
Crispy Exterior: Sourdough toasts to perfection, resulting in crispy edges while staying soft on the inside.
Nutritional Benefits: Sourdough is naturally fermented, making it easier to digest and having a lower glycemic index compared to many other types of bread. This makes it a healthier option for those watching their blood sugar levels.
Versatility: Sourdough French toast can be dressed up or down, depending on your preference. You can add fruits, nuts, chocolate chips, or even savoury toppings like bacon and cheese to create a unique and delicious dish.
Stovetop: The traditional method of making French toast involves dipping the bread into the custard mixture and pan-frying it on the stovetop until golden brown.
Baked: For a hands-off approach, you can also bake your French toast in the oven. This method involves arranging the bread slices in a baking dish, pouring the custard mixture over them, and then placing the dish in the oven to cook.
Make-ahead: Sourdough French toast is an excellent option for meal prep or feeding a crowd. You can make a large batch of French toast ahead of time and keep it in the fridge or freezer for quick and easy breakfasts throughout the week.
Creative uses: Sourdough French toast doesn’t have to be limited to just breakfast. It can also serve as a base for savoury dishes, such as sandwiches, or be served as dessert with toppings like ice cream and caramel sauce.-
Now that we’ve established why sourdough is the star of the show, it’s time to make some magic in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a list of what you’ll need to make the perfect sourdough French toast. This recipe serves four people.
For the French toast:
- 8 slices of sourdough bread (day-old bread works best)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk (or your preferred milk alternative)
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (for extra richness)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- A pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for cooking)
Toppings (optional but recommended):
- Fresh fruits (like strawberries, blueberries, or bananas)
- Maple syrup
- Powdered sugar
- Whipped cream
- Nuts (like almonds or pecans)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps to create the most decadent and delicious sourdough French toast.
Step 1: Choose Your Bread Wisely
The bread is the foundation of your French toast. Opt for a loaf of sourdough that’s slightly stale; day-old bread absorbs the custard mixture better without becoming overly mushy. If your bread is fresh, lightly toast the slices before proceeding.
Step 2: Prepare the Custard
The custard mixture is what gives French toast its rich, creamy flavour. Here’s how to make it:
- Crack the eggs into a large mixing bowl and whisk thoroughly.
- Add the milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Whisk until all ingredients are combined and smooth.
- Pour the custard mixture into a shallow dish to make it easy to soak the bread.
Step 3: Soak the Bread
Lay the slices of sourdough bread in the custard mixture. Allow each slice to soak for about 20–30 seconds per side, ensuring they’re fully coated but not oversaturated. The goal is to soak up the flavour without making the bread too fragile to handle.
Step 4: Heat the Pan
Heat a large nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add a tablespoon of unsalted butter, allow it to melt, and coat the surface evenly. Please wait until the butter starts to bubble slightly, but don’t let it burn.
Step 5: Cook the French Toast
Place the soaked bread slices onto the griddle. Cook each side for about 3–4 minutes or until golden brown on both sides. The edges should be crispy, and the centre should be soft yet fully cooked. Work in batches if necessary, adding more butter to the pan as needed.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Once all your slices are cooked to perfection, it’s time to plate them up. Stack two slices on each plate and top with your favourite garnishes. Drizzle with maple syrup, sprinkle powdered sugar on top, and add a handful of fresh fruit for a visually stunning and delicious meal. Alternatively, you can try savoury toppings such as bacon, eggs, and avocado for a twist on the classic recipe.
Step 7: Enjoy!
Now it’s time to dig in and enjoy your homemade French toast. Serve with some hot coffee or tea, and savour every bite of this indulgent breakfast treat. You can also experiment with different types of bread, spices, and toppings to create your unique version of French toast.
Tips for the Best Sourdough French Toast
Here are some extra tips to help you achieve French toast greatness:
Don’t Skip the Vanilla and Cinnamon: These subtle additions make a significant difference in flavour. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the custard for an extra flavour boost.
Adjust Sweetness to Taste: Love a sweeter French toast? Add an extra tablespoon of sugar to the custard or top the finished dish with honey or flavoured syrups.
Use Medium Heat: Too much heat can burn the outside while leaving the centre undercooked. Keep the heat on medium-low to ensure evenly cooked French toast.
Keep Warm in the Oven: If you’re making a large batch, keep the finished slices warm by placing them on a baking sheet in a 200°F oven until ready to serve. This will also help prevent soggy toast.
Choose Your Bread Wisely: The best bread for French toast is slightly stale, as it soaks up the custard without becoming too soggy. Brioche, challah, and sourdough are all great options.
Get Creative with Toppings: Don’t limit yourself to just syrup and butter. Try topping your French toast with fresh fruit, whipped cream, Nutella, or even savoury options like bacon and cheese.
Experiment with Flavorings and Spices: While traditional French toast is made with vanilla extract, feel free to experiment with other flavours, such as cinnamon, nutmeg, or almond extract. These can add a delicious twist to your French toast.
Add Some Texture: Enhance the texture of your French toast by adding toppings like chopped nuts, granola, or crunchy cereal. This will give your dish an extra crunch and make it more interesting.
Use Different Cooking Methods: While pan-frying is the most common method for cooking French toast, you can also try baking or grilling it for a different taste and texture. Baking French toast allows for a more even cooking and eliminates the need for constantly flipping the slices.
Make-Ahead and Freeze: If you want to have French toast ready in a pinch, you can prepare a large batch ahead of time and freeze it.
Creative Variations to Try
French toast is a dish you can personalize endlessly. Here are some fun twists to try with your sourdough French toast:
- Stuffed French Toast: Spread cream cheese, Nutella, or fruit preserves between two slices of sourdough before soaking and cooking them.
- Savoury French Toast: Skip the sugar and cinnamon in the custard. Instead, add a pinch of salt, cracked black pepper, and grated Parmesan. Serve with avocado or smoked salmon.
- Caramelized Banana Topping: Sauté sliced bananas in a bit of butter and brown sugar, then spoon them over your French toast for a decadent touch.
- Brioche vs Sourdough: While brioche is a popular choice for French toast, using sourdough adds a tangy twist to the classic dish. Experiment with different types of bread to find your favourite.
- Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare the custard and soak the bread slices the night before, then cook them in the morning for a quick breakfast or brunch option.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free sourdough bread or almond flour bread for those who are gluten intolerant but still want to enjoy this delicious breakfast treat.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve your sourdough French toast with fresh berries, whipped cream, and a drizzle of maple syrup for a classic and indulgent breakfast. For a savoury twist, top with sliced avocado, cherry tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese.
- Wine Pairing: Pair this dish with sweet white wine, such as Moscato, or a light-bodied red, like Pinot Noir, for a well-rounded meal experience.
- Leftover Idea: Use any leftover sourdough bread to make croutons for salads or soups, or use it to make sandwiches for lunch the next day.
Elevate Your Breakfast Game Today
Sourdough French toast takes a traditional breakfast recipe and elevates it with rich flavours, incredible texture, and endless topping possibilities. Whether you’re making it for yourself or serving it to friends and family, this recipe is guaranteed to impress.
Happy cooking! Don’t forget to share your creations on social media. Tag us with your mouthwatering photos—we’d love to see your take on this ultimate French toast!
