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There’s something magical about starting the morning with a plate of warm, golden-brown Sourdough French Toast. The crispy edges, soft custard-like center, and that unmistakable tangy flavor from the sourdough make every bite irresistible. If you’ve never made French toast with sourdough before, you’re in for a treat—this twist on a breakfast classic is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to whip up!
Whether you’re looking for a cozy weekend brunch idea or a quick weekday indulgence, this recipe is sure to impress. So, grab that slightly stale sourdough loaf sitting on your counter and let’s make the best French toast ever!
Why You’ll Love This Sourdough French Toast
- Perfect Texture – The firm, airy structure of sourdough soaks up the custard beautifully without getting soggy.
- Incredible Flavor – The slight tanginess of sourdough adds a whole new depth to classic French toast.
- Great Way to Use Leftover Bread – Slightly stale sourdough works best, making this a fantastic way to reduce food waste.
- Quick & Easy – Comes together in just 15 minutes, making it a stress-free breakfast option.
- Customizable – You can switch up the flavors, add toppings, or even make it savory!
What Does Sourdough French Toast Taste Like?
Imagine the comforting taste of traditional French toast but with a deeper, more complex flavor. The tanginess of the sourdough balances the sweetness of the custard, creating a perfect harmony of flavors. The edges crisp up beautifully while the center remains soft and custardy. With a drizzle of maple syrup, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a dollop of whipped cream, it’s pure breakfast bliss!
Sourdough French toast pairs well with a variety of flavors. If you love something classic, maple syrup and butter are always a win. Prefer something a little more gourmet? Try adding fresh berries, honey, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this delightful Sourdough French Toast, you’ll need:
For the French Toast
- 4 slices sourdough bread (preferably day-old for best texture)
- 2 large eggs
- ¾ cup whole milk (or half-and-half for extra richness)
- 1 tablespoon sugar (or honey for a natural touch)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Butter for cooking
For serving (optional but highly recommended!)
- Maple syrup
- Powdered sugar
- Fresh fruit (bananas, berries, or sliced peaches)
- Whipped cream
- Chopped nuts (almonds, pecans, or walnuts)
- Nut butter (peanut, almond, or cashew butter)
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- A large mixing bowl
- A whisk
- A shallow dish or pie plate
- A large skillet or griddle
- A spatula
How to Make Sourdough French Toast
1. Prepare the Custard
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined. Pour the mixture into a shallow dish wide enough to fit your bread slices.
2. Soak the Sourdough
Dip each slice of sourdough into the custard mixture, letting it soak for about 15-20 seconds per side. You want the bread to absorb the liquid without becoming too soggy.
3. Cook the French Toast
Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt a bit of butter in the pan. Once hot, add the soaked sourdough slices and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and slightly crispy on the edges.
4. Serve and Enjoy!
Transfer the French toast to a plate and serve warm with your favorite toppings. Drizzle with maple syrup, dust with powdered sugar, and add fresh fruit or whipped cream for an extra indulgent touch.
Creative Variations
While the classic version is always a hit, you can mix things up with these fun twists:
1. Savory Sourdough French Toast
Skip the sugar and cinnamon in the custard and instead add a little salt, black pepper, and a sprinkle of parmesan. Serve with crispy bacon, poached eggs, and a drizzle of hot sauce.
2. Coconut Sourdough French Toast
Use coconut milk instead of dairy milk and sprinkle shredded coconut on top while cooking for a tropical twist. Serve with mango and honey.
3. Chocolate Sourdough French Toast
Add cocoa powder to the custard mix and drizzle the finished toast with melted chocolate or Nutella. Perfect for a sweet tooth!
4. Pumpkin Spice Sourdough French Toast
Add pumpkin purée and pumpkin pie spice to the custard for a cozy fall-inspired breakfast.
What to Serve with Sourdough French Toast
Want to make your breakfast spread even more satisfying? Try pairing your French toast with:
- Chicken Bacon Ranch Wrap – A perfect mix of crispy bacon, juicy chicken, and creamy ranch dressing wrapped in a tortilla for a savory complement to your sweet French toast.
- Healthy Taco Bowl – If you’re going for a full brunch spread, adding a fresh and flavorful taco bowl balances out the meal with proteins and veggies.
- Turkey and Avocado Sandwich – A light and satisfying option for those who want something fresh and wholesome alongside their breakfast indulgence.
Tips for the Best Sourdough French Toast
✔ Use slightly stale sourdough – Fresh bread can become too soft when soaked in the custard. Day-old bread holds up better and absorbs just the right amount of liquid.
✔ Don’t over-soak – Sourdough has a more open crumb than regular bread, so it absorbs liquid quickly. A quick dip (15-20 seconds per side) is all you need!
✔ Cook on medium heat – Cooking too fast can burn the outside before the center is cooked through. Medium heat ensures even browning and a soft interior.
✔ Use real butter – Butter adds the best flavor and helps create those crisp edges.
✔ Customize the custard – Add a splash of orange zest, nutmeg, or even a tablespoon of bourbon for a fun twist!
How to Store & Reheat Sourdough French Toast
Storing
If you have leftovers (which is rare because it’s so good!), let the French toast cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing
Place the cooled French toast slices in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 1 hour. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 3 months.
Reheating
- In the oven: Place on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
- In the toaster: A quick and easy way to reheat individual slices!
- In the skillet: Heat over low-medium heat with a bit of butter for a fresh-off-the-griddle taste.
FAQs
Can I make this dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk for the whole milk, and use a dairy-free butter alternative.
What’s the best type of sourdough to use?
A classic white sourdough loaf works best. Avoid overly dense or seeded sourdoughs, as they may not soak up the custard as well.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the custard mixture in advance and store it in the fridge overnight. You can also cook the French toast ahead and reheat as needed.
Is sourdough healthier than regular bread?
Yes! Sourdough is naturally fermented, making it easier to digest. It also has a lower glycemic index and more nutrients compared to regular white bread.
Final Thoughts
Sourdough French Toast is the ultimate breakfast treat—crispy, custardy, slightly tangy, and absolutely delicious. Whether you enjoy it with just a drizzle of maple syrup or go all out with fruit and whipped cream, this recipe is bound to become a favorite in your home.
Give it a try and let me know how you like it! Snap a picture, share it on Pinterest, and don’t forget to leave a review below. Happy cooking!