If you are craving a breakfast treat that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Sourdough French Toast Recipe will be your new go-to. The tangy richness of sourdough bread takes on a custardy coating filled with hints of cinnamon, vanilla, and brown sugar, resulting in slices that are perfectly crisp on the outside and decadently soft inside. It is simple enough for a weekday morning but impressive enough to wow guests on a lazy weekend brunch. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever enjoyed French toast without the delightful tang of sourdough.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Sourdough French Toast Recipe shines in its role, creating a balance of flavors and textures that make the dish irresistible. The list is straightforward, but each element is key to getting that perfect golden goodness and smooth custard center.
- 1 cup half-and-half (or whole milk/heavy cream): Adds creaminess and richness that makes the toast luxuriously smooth inside.
- 4 large eggs: The binding force that creates the custard mixture to soak into the bread just right.
- 3 tablespoons light brown sugar: Sweetens naturally with a hint of molasses flavor, enhancing caramelization.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Offers aromatic warmth and depth to the custard.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds subtle spice, pairing perfectly with the sourdough’s tang.
- 1/8 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and highlights the other flavors.
- 1-2 tablespoons butter: Used for cooking, it ensures the French toast is golden and slightly crisp.
- 6-8 slices sourdough bread (day old, cut 3/4″ thick): The star of the dish, day-old bread soaks up the custard without falling apart.
How to Make Sourdough French Toast Recipe
Step 1: Slice the Bread
Begin by cutting your day-old sourdough bread into 3/4-inch thick slices. Using day-old bread is a game-changer because it holds the custard better without turning mushy. Plus, thick slices ensure that each bite has that wonderful contrast of crisp edges and a soft inside.
Step 2: Blend the Egg Mixture
Next, combine the half-and-half, eggs, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt in a blender or a bowl. Pulse or whisk everything together until it becomes a smooth custard. This mixture is where the magic happens, marrying creamy sweetness and spice to soak into the bread perfectly.
Step 3: Preheat Your Cooking Surface
Preheat your griddle to 350°F or warm a skillet over medium-high heat. Melt a tablespoon or two of butter on the pan to give your French toast a delightful golden crust. The right temperature is essential so your toast gets a beautiful color without burning.
Step 4: Dip and Cook
Immerse each slice of sourdough thoroughly into the custard, flipping to coat both sides evenly. Then place it carefully on the hot griddle or pan. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes per side, or until it turns lightly golden brown. Remember to whisk the custard mixture occasionally between batches to keep it smooth and well combined.
Step 5: Serve
Once cooked, serve the Sourdough French Toast immediately for the best experience. Alternatively, you can keep it warm by placing the slices on a baking sheet in the oven at 175°F until you’re ready to enjoy. This little step helps if you’re making a batch for a crowd.
How to Serve Sourdough French Toast Recipe
Garnishes
Brighten up your plate by topping your French toast with fresh berries, ripe banana slices, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a touch of sweetness. A drizzle of maple syrup or honey will enhance the flavors further, blending beautifully with the cinnamon and vanilla.
Side Dishes
For a well-rounded meal, pair this French toast with crispy bacon or sausages. If you prefer a lighter side, a fresh fruit salad or a dollop of Greek yogurt adds a refreshing contrast to the warm, rich toast.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress? Stack the slices and layer with mascarpone cheese or cream cheese between them, then drizzle with syrup and sprinkle with toasted nuts. You can even sprinkle a little bit of sea salt on top for an unexpected burst that enhances all the sweet flavors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Sourdough French Toast Recipe slices, cool them completely before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days, ready to be enjoyed again with just a quick reheat.
Freezing
To freeze, lay slices flat on a baking sheet and pop them in the freezer until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag or container. This way, you can store your French toast for up to 2 months and enjoy a convenient breakfast anytime.
Reheating
Warm your leftover or frozen French toast in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until heated through and crisp. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain that lovely golden crust.
FAQs
Can I use regular white bread instead of sourdough?
Absolutely! While sourdough gives a unique tang and texture, regular white or whole wheat bread will also work well. Just be sure to use day-old bread to help soak up the custard without getting soggy.
Is it necessary to use brown sugar?
Brown sugar adds a rich molasses undertone that complements the cinnamon and vanilla. You can substitute with white sugar, but the flavor will be a bit less complex.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Use a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk in place of half-and-half and a dairy-free butter substitute for cooking. The recipe will still yield delicious results with a wonderfully creamy custard.
How do I keep the French toast from getting soggy?
Using day-old bread and not soaking the slices too long helps prevent sogginess. Also, cooking the toast on a well-buttered, hot pan ensures that exterior crisps up nicely to seal in the custard.
Can I prepare the custard mixture in advance?
Yes, the custard can be made a few hours ahead and kept covered in the refrigerator. Give it a quick whisk before dipping the bread to recombine any settled ingredients.
Final Thoughts
This Sourdough French Toast Recipe is one of those dishes that feels extra special but is surprisingly easy to whip up. Each bite offers a perfect balance of sweet, spice, and tanginess that transforms a classic into something delightfully memorable. I encourage you to give it a try—you might just find yourself making it a permanent part of your breakfast lineup!
Print
Sourdough French Toast Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
This Sourdough French Toast recipe transforms day-old sourdough bread into a golden, custardy breakfast treat. The batter, made from half-and-half, eggs, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt, infuses the bread with rich flavor and a perfect balance of sweetness and spice. Cooked on a griddle or skillet until lightly golden, this easy-to-make French toast is perfect for a comforting morning meal.
Ingredients
Batter
- 1 cup half-and-half (or whole milk or heavy cream)
- 4 large eggs
- 3 Tablespoons light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
For Cooking
- 1–2 Tablespoons butter
- 6–8 slices sourdough bread, day-old, cut 3/4″ thick
Instructions
- Slice the bread: Slice the day-old sourdough bread into 3/4-inch thick slices. Set aside.
- Blend the egg mixture: In a blender, combine 1 cup half-and-half, 4 eggs, 3 tablespoons light brown sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1/8 teaspoon salt. Pulse until smooth. Alternatively, whisk all ingredients together in a bowl until well combined.
- Prepare the griddle: Preheat a griddle to 350°F or heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Melt 1-2 tablespoons of butter on the pan.
- Dip and cook: Dip each bread slice into the egg mixture, flipping it to evenly coat both sides. Place the coated bread on the preheated griddle or skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes per side, or until lightly golden brown. Whisk the egg mixture as needed between batches.
- Serve: Serve the French toast immediately topped with your favorite toppings. Alternatively, keep the cooked French toast warm on a baking sheet in the oven at 175°F until ready to serve.
Notes
- Day-old sourdough bread is ideal as it soaks up the batter without becoming too soggy.
- You can substitute half-and-half with whole milk or heavy cream based on your preference.
- Use butter for cooking to achieve a rich, golden crust.
- Keep cooked French toast warm in a low oven if preparing in batches.
- Popular toppings include maple syrup, fresh berries, powdered sugar, or whipped cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
