Sourdough French Toast: A Cozy Brunch Tradition

Estimated reading time: 13 minutes

Introduction

I still remember the first time I sank my teeth into sourdough French toast. It was one of those lazy Sunday mornings at home, the kind of day when you can hear the birds chirping, and you just want to cook up something special for the whole family. My two kids, Lucy and Ben, were so enthralled by the thought of a sweet breakfast treat that they practically danced around the kitchen, waiting for their plates. I’m Olivia Blain, a 30-year-old mom with an ongoing love for easy-yet-flavorful recipes, and sourdough French toast has become a staple on our weekend menu.

Whether you’re a busy parent juggling your kids’ morning routines or simply someone who looks forward to a hearty breakfast on your day off, you’ll adore this sourdough French toast recipe. It has a slightly tangy flavor from the sourdough bread, paired with a sweet, comforting custard mixture. Get ready to fill your kitchen with a warm cinnamon aroma that makes everyone at the table smile.

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What Is Sourdough French Toast?

Sourdough French toast is basically the same lovable French toast you know, but with a special twist: sourdough bread. When you soak slices of naturally tangy sourdough in a blend of eggs, milk, cinnamon, and vanilla, then sizzle them to golden perfection, the result is magic on a plate. The slight tartness from the bread balances out the sweetness in the egg mixture, creating a hearty and flavorful dish.

This dish is ideal for brunch, but it also works for breakfast on a weekday if you have a little extra time. For my family, it’s become a tradition to whip it up on Saturday mornings. My kids pile their slices with fresh fruit, while my husband pours on some homemade maple syrup. If you’re planning a breakfast or brunch party, sourdough French toast is a fantastic choice because it pleases everyone—kids and adults alike.

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Why Sourdough Bread?

Sourdough bread has been cherished for centuries. The process of making sourdough involves wild yeast and bacteria working together in a natural starter, which gives the loaf its signature tangy flavor and appealing texture. According to King Arthur Baking’s sourdough resources, bakers have used sourdough starters for generations, passing them down through families and communities.

In French toast, sourdough’s crisp crust and chewy crumb stand up beautifully to the creamy egg mixture. Standard white bread can become too soft, while heartier breads like sourdough hold their shape without becoming gummy. Plus, the tangy taste plays nicely with sweet ingredients like maple syrup or fresh fruit. If you’d like to switch up your breakfast routine, sourdough French toast is a wonderful way to do it.

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Ingredients for Sourdough French Toast

Here’s what you’ll need to make a batch of sourdough French toast that serves about four hungry folks:

• Sourdough Bread (8 slices): Ideally 1-inch thick. Slightly stale bread works great.
• Eggs (3 large): The base of your custard mixture.
• Milk (1 cup): Whole milk adds richness, but 2% can also work.
• Cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and fragrance.
• Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): A sweet touch that complements the tanginess of sourdough.
• Salt (¼ teaspoon): Balances flavors.
• Butter (for cooking): A pat or two for the skillet.
• Optional Toppings: Maple syrup, powdered sugar, fresh fruit, whipped cream.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Ready to make your kitchen smell like a cozy café? Here’s how:

1. Preheat Your Skillet or Griddle
   • Place a skillet or griddle over medium heat. You want it nice and hot before adding the bread.
2. Whisk the Custard
   • In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir until the mixture looks evenly combined.
3. Prepare the Bread
   • Slice your sourdough bread if it’s not already sliced. Aim for slices about an inch thick. That way, the bread can soak up the custard without getting too soggy.
   • If your bread is fresh, consider leaving the slices out for a bit to let them dry a little. Stale bread soaks up custard better.
4. Soak Each Slice
   • Submerge each slice in the egg mixture. Let it soak for about 15-20 seconds per side. You want each slice to absorb a good amount, but not too much that it falls apart.
5. Butter the Skillet
   • Add a pat of butter to the skillet. Wait for it to melt and sizzle slightly. That’s your cue to add the soaked slices.
6. Cook the Toast
   • Place each custard-soaked slice onto the hot, buttered skillet. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on one side, or until it’s golden brown. Flip, then cook the other side for another 2-3 minutes. Adjust the heat if you notice the slices browning too quickly.
7. Serve and Enjoy
   • Stack those golden slices on a platter. Drizzle with warm maple syrup, dust with powdered sugar, or top with berries. Serve while hot.

Recipe Substitutions:

• Non-Dairy Milk: Substitute almond milk or oat milk if you avoid dairy.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or pumpkin spice to the custard for a fun twist.
• No Vanilla Extract?: Try almond extract or even a splash of orange zest for a new flavor.

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Tips for Perfect Sourdough French Toast

Sourdough French toast isn’t complicated, but these tips can really help:

1. Pick the Right Bread
   • The star ingredient is your sourdough loaf. A rustic bakery loaf often has a sturdy crust and a big, airy crumb, which stands up well to the egg mixture.
2. Use Slightly Stale Bread
   • Day-old bread (or bread left out overnight) works best. Fresh bread might break apart if it becomes too saturated.
3. Preheat the Skillet
   • A properly heated skillet allows the bread slices to develop a crispy exterior without turning soggy in the middle.
4. Keep the Temperature Moderate
   • A flame that’s too high causes burning on the outside while leaving the center undercooked. Medium to medium-low heat is generally just right.
5. Handle the Bread Gently
   • Sourdough can have a large crumb structure, so be mindful when flipping. A gentle touch stops the toast from tearing.

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Serving Suggestions

One of my favorite parts of making French toast is topping it off. Here are a few fun ways to make your plate special:

• Fresh Berries and Whipped Cream: Strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries add a tangy sweetness that pairs perfectly with tangy sourdough.
• Caramelized Bananas: Heat sliced bananas in a little butter and brown sugar until they turn golden and syrupy, then spoon over your toast.
• Maple Syrup with a Pinch of Sea Salt: A sprinkle of salt on top of warm maple syrup can really surprise your taste buds.
• Nut Butter: Spread almond or peanut butter on each slice for a protein-packed breakfast.

If you’re looking for more sweet breakfast ideas, check out my Croissant Toast Breakfast Recipe. The buttery croissant slices in that recipe are just as delightful as sourdough, in their own unique way.

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Flavor Variations

Here are some creative variations to keep your taste buds entertained:

1. Cinnamon Raisin Sourdough
   • If you have a cinnamon raisin sourdough loaf on hand, it becomes a ready-to-go sweet base for French toast. Sprinkle extra cinnamon on top if you’re a spice enthusiast.
2. Savory Spin
   • Leave out the sugar and cinnamon, then add a pinch of black pepper. Top with crispy bacon and cheese for a savory brunch treat.
3. Stuffed Sourdough French Toast
   • Slice the bread a bit thicker, then cut a pocket into one side. Fill the pocket with cream cheese and strawberry jam, or even a bit of peanut butter. Dip and cook as usual. Heavenly!
4. Pumpkin Spice Custard
   • Mix some pumpkin pie spice or a small scoop of canned pumpkin puree into the custard during the fall season.
5. Vanilla Bean Twist
   • Swap regular vanilla extract for the seeds of a fresh vanilla bean. You’ll notice those little black flecks dotted throughout your French toast, offering a deeper vanilla flavor.

If you love all things breakfast, you might also enjoy my Mini Pancakes or even the Cracker Barrel Pancake Recipe I’ve shared. They’re kid-friendly, simple, and just as comforting.

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Storage and Reheating Tips

Sometimes we make a bigger batch of sourdough French toast than we can eat in one sitting—especially when the kids’ friends show up, and we prepare extra. Here’s how to keep those leftovers tasty:

1. Refrigeration
   • Let the slices cool completely, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to three days, according to FoodSafety.gov’s guidelines on leftovers.
2. Freezing
   • If you’d like to keep them longer, place parchment paper between each slice, then store in a freezer-friendly bag. They’ll last for about two months in the freezer.
3. Reheating
   • For the best texture, warm the slices on a baking sheet in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. If you’re short on time, a quick pop in the toaster oven also works. Microwaving is convenient, but it can make the toast softer than some folks prefer.
4. Reviving Frozen Toast
   • No need to thaw before reheating. Simply place frozen slices on a baking sheet and bake until heated through.

For more tips on safe storage, you can look at Healthline’s guide to leftover safety.

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FAQs

What is the best bread for French toast?

It’s all about personal preference. Some love brioche for its buttery flavor, while others rely on challah for a richer bite. Sourdough bread is my top pick because it’s sturdy and delightfully tangy, making it a standout choice for French toast.

How do you make French toast not soggy?

Keep your bread slices from soaking in the egg mixture for too long. Sourdough has a firm texture that helps as well. Make sure your skillet or griddle is properly preheated, so the outside of the toast sets quickly while still leaving the inside custardy.

Is sourdough bread good for French toast?

Yes, indeed! Its tangy flavor and sturdy texture make it an excellent choice. It doesn’t collapse in the custard and provides a tasty contrast to the sweet toppings.

Can you use stale bread for French toast?

Definitely! Slightly stale bread is actually preferred. It soaks up the custard without disintegrating. If your bread is fresh, you can let it sit out for a few hours to dry it out a bit before dipping.

What is the ratio of eggs to milk for French toast?

A common ratio is one egg for every ⅓ to ½ cup of milk. This can vary based on personal taste. In my recipe, I use three eggs to about one cup of milk, which strikes a nice balance between eggy and creamy.

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More on Ingredient Sourcing and Quality

When it comes to sourdough bread, you’ll find countless varieties at supermarkets and local bakeries. I’m fortunate to have a nearby bakery that offers a fresh sourdough loaf every Saturday morning. It’s become part of our routine to pop in there, let the kids pick out a pastry or two, and grab our loaf for Sunday brunch.

If you’re reading this and wondering whether you should make your own sourdough bread, that’s a wonderful idea. Homemade sourdough can be quite rewarding, but it does require some dedication to keep the starter alive. If that sounds like a fun kitchen project, you might give it a try. Otherwise, a good-quality store-bought loaf will work perfectly.

As for the other ingredients, I’m a firm believer in using fresh, high-quality eggs. It’s not just about safety; the taste is better, too. Cinnamon is another key ingredient. I’ve learned that freshly ground cinnamon has a much stronger aroma compared to the pre-ground jars from the spice aisle. However, that’s not a dealbreaker—use what you have.

Vanilla extract is also worth mentioning. Pure vanilla extract can be a bit pricey, but it truly contributes to the delicious aroma and taste. If your budget allows, go for pure vanilla instead of imitation. You’ll notice a difference, especially when making something so simple.

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Bringing Kids into the Kitchen

One of my greatest joys is having my kids help with recipes. It can be messy, especially when it comes to whisking eggs or dredging bread, but the memories are priceless. I let my daughter Lucy crack the eggs—though I admit, I often end up fishing out bits of shell! My son Ben loves sprinkling the cinnamon, and he takes that job very seriously.

If you have little ones, sourdough French toast is a good recipe to teach them some basic cooking skills. They can learn how to whisk, how to watch for bubbles around the bread as it cooks, and how to safely flip things with a spatula. Before you know it, they’ll be making French toast for you!

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Special Occasions for Sourdough French Toast

Though sourdough French toast is easy enough for any day, it can also feel special enough for holidays or birthdays. I’ve served it for Easter brunch alongside a fruit salad and a pitcher of fresh-squeezed orange juice. It’s also a cozy choice for a chilly Christmas morning.

Pair it with something festive, like a cranberry-orange compote or a homemade chocolate sauce for kids. It’s a versatile dish that can adapt to the vibe of the day. Setting up a small topping bar with bowls of strawberries, bananas, whipped cream, syrup, and chopped nuts is a fun, interactive way to feed a crowd. Everyone can pick their favorite flavors and decorate their toast.

And if you ever want a change from French toast, my Blueberry Brunch ideas are also worth trying. They’re perfect for a lazy Sunday or a holiday gathering.

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Making Sourdough French Toast with Dietary Restrictions

Gluten-Free Options

If you follow a gluten-free diet, look for gluten-free sourdough bread. Several specialty brands carry it, or you might find a bakery that caters to gluten-free customers. The rest of the ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free, so that part is easy.

Dairy-Free Changes

If you avoid dairy, swap out cow’s milk with a plant-based alternative like almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk. Just remember to go for unsweetened and unflavored varieties if you don’t want added sugar or taste changes.

Egg-Free French Toast?

Traditional French toast relies heavily on eggs, but if you need an egg-free version, you can experiment with ingredients like mashed bananas or ground flaxseed mixed with water as a binder. It won’t be exactly the same, but it can still be tasty.

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Sourdough French Toast for Large Crowds

If you’re hosting a crowd, you can double or triple the recipe easily. Pick up a couple of sourdough loaves, plan on about 1–2 slices per person, and multiply the custard ingredients as needed. You might set up an assembly line: one person dips the bread, another arranges it on the griddle, and a third manages flipping and plating. With efficient teamwork, you can feed everyone without breaking a sweat.

Another trick is to keep finished slices warm in the oven set to 200°F. Place the cooked toast on a baking sheet in a single layer so they stay crisp until serving time. By the time you’re done cooking the last slice, the first batch will still taste hot and fresh.

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Additional Fun Facts and Tidbits

• French Name: In France, French toast is often called “pain perdu,” which translates to “lost bread,” reflecting the use of stale bread.
• Health Benefits of Sourdough: Some folks say that sourdough is easier on the stomach because the fermentation process breaks down some of the gluten. Of course, results can vary person to person.
• Brown Sugar Twist: If you like an even sweeter breakfast, add a spoonful of brown sugar to your egg-milk mixture. It caramelizes on the bread while it cooks, forming a subtle crunchy crust.
• Cinnamon Dos and Don’ts: Too much cinnamon can overpower the dish, so start with 1 teaspoon per cup of milk. You can always sprinkle extra on top.

If you love sourdough in general, you might try sourdough grilled cheese or sourdough croutons on a salad. The tangy taste and texture are hard to beat!

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Conclusion

Sourdough French toast is a comfort food that bridges the gap between sweet and savory. It’s hearty, cozy, and made for memorable mornings. Whether you’re cooking for your family, entertaining friends, or treating yourself to a solo brunch, this recipe strikes the perfect balance. I hope your kitchen smells like warm cinnamon and that you have a plateful of golden-brown toast to enjoy very soon.

Don’t forget to leave a comment below to share your thoughts or any creative spins you tried. Did you top it with caramelized bananas or go the savory route? Let me know! And if you’re looking to shake up your breakfast lineup, I have plenty more ideas on my blog—so take a peek around and tell me what catches your eye next.