Best Sourdough French Toast – 5 Easy Steps!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Sourdough French toast is a delicious twist on the classic—crispy on the outside, soft and custardy on the inside, with a slight tangy flavor from the sourdough bread. This recipe is perfect for weekend brunch, special occasions, or a comforting breakfast any day of the week.

Whether you love sweet or savory French toast, sourdough adds an incredible depth of flavor and holds up beautifully to the rich custard mixture. Plus, it’s a great way to use up day-old sourdough bread for a no-waste breakfast!

Let’s dive into how to make the best sourdough French toast with simple ingredients and easy steps.

Ingredients for the Best Sourdough French Toast

To make perfectly crispy, custardy sourdough French toast, you’ll need simple pantry staples.

French Toast Base:

• Sourdough Bread – A slightly tangy and sturdy bread that holds up well to the egg mixture. Day-old sourdough works best.
• Eggs – The key to a rich and custardy texture. Large, fresh eggs work best.
• Milk – Adds creaminess to the batter. Whole milk is ideal, but you can use half-and-half for extra richness or a dairy-free alternative like almond or oat milk.
• Vanilla Extract – Enhances the sweetness and aroma of the French toast. Use pure vanilla extract for the best flavor.
• Cinnamon – Enhances the dish with a cozy, rich warmth.
• Nutmeg (Optional) – A small pinch gives a hint of spice and complexity.
• Sugar or Maple Syrup – Helps caramelize the toast while cooking and adds a subtle sweetness.
• Salt – A small pinch balances and enhances the flavors.
• Butter – For cooking, adds a rich, golden crisp to the toast.

Optional Additions:

• Orange or Lemon Zest – Adds a bright, citrusy note to the batter.
• Heavy Cream – Replaces milk for an extra creamy, indulgent texture.
• Rum or Bourbon – A splash deepens the flavor for a gourmet twist.

Toppings & Garnishes:

• Maple Syrup – The classic sweet drizzle for French toast.
• Powdered Sugar – A delicate sprinkle brings a touch of elegance.
• Fresh Berries – Strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries add natural sweetness and freshness.
• Whipped Cream – For a decadent, dessert-like finish.
• Chopped Nuts – Pecans, almonds, or walnuts for added crunch.
• Nut Butter – Peanut butter or almond butter for a creamy, nutty flavor.

(Note: The complete list of ingredients with measurements can be found in the recipe card below.)

Sourdough bread has a unique texture and tangy flavor that makes it perfect for French toast. Learn more about how sourdough fermentation works from King Arthur Baking.

How to Make Sourdough French Toast – Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s go through the step-by-step process to make perfectly golden and custardy sourdough French toast.

Step 1: Prepare the Custard Mixture

1. In a shallow bowl or dish, whisk together:
   • Eggs
   • Whole milk
   • Heavy cream
   • Granulated sugar
   • Vanilla extract
   • Ground cinnamon
   • Pinch of salt
2. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

Step 2: Soak the Sourdough Bread

1. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium-low heat.
2. Add 1 tbsp of butter and let it melt until slightly foamy.
3. Dip each slice of sourdough bread into the custard, letting it soak for 10–15 seconds per side.
   • Don’t oversoak! Sourdough is more absorbent than regular bread and can get soggy if left in too long.

Step 3: Cook Until Golden Brown

1. Place the soaked bread slices on the hot skillet.
2. Cook for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and slightly crispy.
3. Flip carefully and cook the other side for another 3–4 minutes.

For the best texture, cook French toast over medium-low heat to ensure the inside is custardy without burning the outside. Check out this guide to pan temperatures for cooking breakfast foods from Serious Eats.

Step 4: Serve with Your Favorite Toppings

1. Transfer the French toast to a warm plate.
2. Top with maple syrup, powdered sugar, and fresh berries or any of your favorite toppings.
3. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Pro Tips for the Best Sourdough French Toast

• Use day-old sourdough – It holds up better and absorbs the custard without getting mushy.
• Don’t skimp on butter – It adds flavor and creates a crispy, golden crust.
• Cook on medium-low heat – Too high, and the outside burns before the inside is cooked; too low, and it won’t get crispy.
• For extra crunch, sprinkle a little sugar on the bread before flipping.

Now you have perfect sourdough French toast—crispy on the outside, custardy on the inside, and packed with flavor!

If you’re looking to expand your breakfast repertoire, try our Mini Pancakes Recipe for another delicious option.

Variations & Serving Ideas for Sourdough French Toast

One of the best things about sourdough French toast is its versatility! Whether you prefer sweet, savory, or a gourmet twist, here are some delicious ways to customize your dish.

1. Sweet Variations 🍓🍫

If you love classic, dessert-like French toast, try these variations:

• Caramelized Banana French Toast – Sauté sliced bananas in butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon, then serve over your toast.
• Chocolate Lover’s Delight – Drizzle with melted chocolate or Nutella and top with fresh berries.
• Stuffed French Toast – Spread cream cheese and strawberry jam between two slices before dipping in the custard.
• Coconut Crunch French Toast – Coat the soaked bread in shredded coconut before frying for a crispy texture.

2. Savory Variations 🥓🧀

Sourdough’s tangy flavor makes it perfect for savory French toast:

• Cheesy French Toast – Sprinkle grated Parmesan or cheddar on top while cooking.
• Avocado & Egg Toast – Top with smashed avocado, a fried egg, and red pepper flakes.
• Bacon & Maple Syrup – Serve with crispy bacon and a drizzle of real maple syrup for a sweet-savory combo.
• Herb & Garlic French Toast – Mix chopped fresh herbs and garlic powder into the custard for a more savory twist.

3. Gourmet Upgrades

Take your French toast to the next level with these gourmet toppings:

• Mascarpone & Honey – Spread mascarpone cheese on the toast and drizzle with honey.
• Fig & Brie Toast – Top with sliced figs, creamy brie, and a touch of balsamic glaze.
• Almond & Berry Delight – Add sliced almonds, fresh berries, and a dusting of powdered sugar.

4. Kid-Friendly Fun Ideas 🧸

If you’re making French toast for kids, try these fun ideas:

• French Toast Sticks – Cut the bread into strips before soaking and frying.
• Peanut Butter & Jelly French Toast – Spread peanut butter and jelly inside for a fun twist.
• Rainbow Sprinkles French Toast – Top with whipped cream and colorful sprinkles for a fun breakfast treat.

No matter how you make it, sourdough French toast is always a crowd-pleaser!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are answers to some common questions about making sourdough French toast to help you achieve the perfect results every time!

1. Why Use Sourdough Bread for French Toast?

Sourdough is denser and sturdier than regular white bread, meaning it soaks up the custard without falling apart. It also has a slightly tangy flavor, which balances beautifully with the sweetness of French toast.

2. Can I Use Fresh Sourdough Bread?

Yes, but day-old sourdough works best! Fresh sourdough can be too soft and may turn soggy when soaked in the custard. If using fresh bread, lightly toast it before dipping to help it hold its shape.

3. How Do I Make French Toast Without Dairy?

For a dairy-free version, substitute:

• Almond, oat, or coconut milk for whole milk.
• Coconut cream for heavy cream.
• Vegan butter or coconut oil for frying.

4. How Do I Keep My French Toast from Getting Soggy?

• Use thick, day-old sourdough slices.
• Don’t soak the bread too long—10–15 seconds per side is enough.
• Cook on medium-low heat to allow the inside to cook fully without burning the outside.

5. Can I Make This Recipe in the Oven?

Yes! To make baked sourdough French toast:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Arrange soaked bread slices on a greased baking sheet.
3. Bake for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
4. Serve warm with your favorite toppings!

6. What’s the Best Way to Add Extra Crispiness?

• Use butter instead of oil when frying.
• Sprinkle a little sugar on each side before flipping for a caramelized crust.
• Finish in the air fryer or oven for extra crispiness.

With these pro tips, you’ll always have perfectly crispy, custardy sourdough French toast!

Conclusion

Sourdough French toast is the perfect combination of crispy, custardy, and flavorful, making it an excellent choice for breakfast or brunch. With its slightly tangy taste and sturdy texture, sourdough bread absorbs the rich custard beautifully without becoming soggy.

Whether you enjoy it classic with maple syrup, savory with bacon and eggs, or gourmet with mascarpone and berries, this versatile dish can be customized to suit any craving. Plus, with easy make-ahead, storage, and reheating options, you can enjoy delicious French toast anytime!

Now it’s time to grab your sourdough bread, whip up the custard, and start cooking!

Best Sourdough French Toast – 5 Easy Steps!

---

• Author: Walter
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Sourdough French toast is a delicious twist on the classic—crispy on the outside, soft and custardy on the inside, with a slight tangy flavor from the sourdough bread. This recipe is perfect for weekend brunch, special occasions, or a comforting breakfast any day of the week.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 6 slices sourdough bread (¾-inch thick)
• 3 large eggs
• ¾ cup milk (or dairy-free alternative)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
• 1 tablespoon sugar or maple syrup
• A pinch of salt

 

• 1 tablespoon butter (for cooking)

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the Custard Mixture: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, sugar, and salt until smooth.

2. Soak the Sourdough Bread: Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Add 1 tbsp butter and let it melt. Dip each slice of sourdough bread into the custard mixture for 10–15 seconds per side. Avoid oversoaking.

3. Cook Until Golden Brown: Place the soaked bread slices on the hot skillet. Cook for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Flip carefully and cook the other side for another 3–4 minutes.

4. Serve with Your Favorite Toppings: Transfer to a warm plate and top with maple syrup, powdered sugar, and fresh berries, or your choice of toppings.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Pan-Fried
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 350mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 12g
• Cholesterol: 150mg

Keywords: Sourdough French toast, custardy French toast, easy breakfast, brunch recipe, classic French toast