Sourdough french toast recipe​

Introduction: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Breakfast

French toast is a beloved breakfast dish that brings warmth and nostalgia to any morning. Whether you’re enjoying a lazy weekend at home or serving a special brunch for friends and family, French toast is always a crowd-pleaser. But have you ever tried sourdough French toast? The tangy, slightly chewy texture of sourdough bread takes this dish to the next level, adding depth and complexity to the familiar sweetness we all love.

In this article, we’ll walk you through a simple and delicious sourdough French toast recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. We’ll also explore its many variations, tips for achieving the perfect texture, and ideas for serving and pairing. So, let’s dive in!

If you love comforting and hearty dishes, you might also enjoy our Slow Cooker Chicken and Mushroom Stroganoff for a cozy family meal or our Crockpot Chicken Pot Pie as a perfect dinner to enjoy alongside your French toast.

Why You’ll Love Sourdough French Toast

There are plenty of reasons to love this recipe. For starters, the sourdough bread offers a more complex flavor profile compared to the traditional white bread used in French toast. The tang from the sourdough contrasts beautifully with the sweet and rich custard, making each bite a unique experience. Additionally, sourdough has a hearty texture that holds up well when soaked in the egg mixture, resulting in golden-brown, crispy edges and a soft, custardy center.

Key Benefits:

• Easy to Make: This recipe uses basic ingredients and requires only a few simple steps, making it perfect for beginners or those in a rush.
• Versatile: You can adjust the recipe to suit your dietary preferences, including gluten-free or dairy-free versions.
• Impressive Yet Simple: The richness of the sourdough paired with the sweetness of the custard makes for a visually stunning and delicious dish—perfect for brunch or a weekend treat.

Key Ingredients for Sourdough French Toast

Let’s take a closer look at the key ingredients that make this sourdough French toast recipe so special. These ingredients work together to create the perfect balance of sweetness and tang, with a rich texture that everyone will love.

1. Sourdough Bread

• Purpose: Sourdough bread is the foundation of this recipe, offering a unique flavor and texture. The tangy, chewy bread pairs perfectly with the custard mixture.
• Substitution Tip: If you don’t have sourdough on hand, you can use another hearty bread like whole grain or challah, but the flavor won’t be quite as tangy.

2. Eggs

• Purpose: Eggs form the custard base that soaks into the bread, giving the French toast its rich, silky texture. They also help bind the ingredients together.
• Substitution Tip: For a vegan option, you can use a plant-based egg replacer or flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg).

3. Milk (or Dairy-Free Milk)

• Purpose: Milk adds creaminess to the custard and helps to soften the bread as it soaks. You can use any kind of milk, from cow’s milk to almond, oat, or coconut milk for dairy-free options.
• Substitution Tip: For a dairy-free version, opt for oat milk or almond milk. Both give a nice creamy texture.

4. Vanilla Extract

• Purpose: Vanilla adds a warm, aromatic flavor to the custard, enhancing the sweetness and complexity of the dish.
• Substitution Tip: If you don’t have vanilla extract, you can use cinnamon or nutmeg to bring a similar depth of flavor.

5. Cinnamon

• Purpose: Cinnamon is a classic French toast spice that complements the sweetness of the bread and the richness of the custard. It gives a hint of warmth and spice to every bite.
• Substitution Tip: You can swap cinnamon with pumpkin pie spice or allspice for a different flavor profile.

6. Salt

• Purpose: A pinch of salt enhances the sweetness and balances out the flavors in the custard.
• Substitution Tip: If you’re sensitive to salt, you can omit it, but it does help round out the overall taste.

7. Butter

• Purpose: Butter is used to cook the French toast and gives it a rich, golden color and crisp texture. It also adds flavor as it melts into the bread.
• Substitution Tip: For a dairy-free option, you can use coconut oil or any plant-based butter.

Cooking Time:

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

Serving Time:

• Best served immediately after cooking, while it’s still warm and crispy.

Calories per Serving:

• Each serving (2 slices) contains approximately 300-350 calories, depending on the specific ingredients used (like milk type or butter).

Ingredients List for Sourdough French Toast

Here’s a simple, organized list of ingredients you’ll need to make delicious sourdough French toast:

• 4 slices sourdough bread (preferably slightly stale)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk (or dairy-free alternative)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 pinch salt
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (or plant-based butter)
• Optional: Maple syrup, fresh fruit, powdered sugar, or whipped cream for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Sourdough French Toast

Follow these clear steps to make golden, crispy sourdough French toast:

Prepare the Custard Mixture

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Ensure the mixture is well-blended and the spices are evenly distributed.

Soak the Sourdough Bread

Place the slices of sourdough bread in the custard mixture one at a time, ensuring each slice is fully coated. Let the bread soak for about 15-20 seconds on each side. If the bread is too soft, it may absorb too much custard and become soggy, so be careful not to let it soak too long.

Heat the Pan

Place a large skillet or griddle on medium heat. Add a tablespoon of butter and let it melt, coating the bottom of the pan evenly. You’ll want a hot but not smoking surface for cooking the French toast.

Cook the French Toast

Carefully add the soaked sourdough slices to the pan, cooking for 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy. You may need to adjust the heat to prevent the toast from burning or undercooking. The key is to get a crispy, caramelized exterior while keeping the inside soft and custardy.

Serve Immediately

Once the French toast is cooked to perfection, transfer it to a plate. Serve warm with your favorite toppings, such as maple syrup, fresh fruit, whipped cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar.

Variations on Sourdough French Toast

While this classic sourdough French toast is delicious as-is, there are many creative variations to suit your taste or dietary needs:

1. Vegan Sourdough French Toast

• Substitute eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water per egg) and use a dairy-free milk like almond or oat milk.
• Cook with coconut oil or a plant-based butter.

2. Cinnamon Roll French Toast

• Add a bit of brown sugar to the custard mixture and swirl in some extra cinnamon for a sweeter, richer flavor. You could also drizzle a cinnamon glaze over the French toast once it’s cooked.

3. Stuffed French Toast

• Slice the sourdough bread into thicker slices and stuff them with cream cheese, mascarpone, or fruit jam before dipping them into the custard. Grill until crispy for a decadent treat.

4. Savory Sourdough French Toast

• Skip the cinnamon and vanilla, and add a pinch of salt, garlic powder, and grated cheese to the custard mixture. Serve with a side of scrambled eggs, sautéed vegetables, or bacon (or plant-based alternatives) for a savory version.

Serving Suggestions

To elevate your sourdough French toast, try pairing it with the following:

• Fresh Fruit: Sliced strawberries, bananas, blueberries, or a mix of berries.
• Sweet Toppings: Maple syrup, honey, or agave syrup.
• Savory Sides: Crispy hash browns, scrambled eggs, or avocado toast.
• Beverages: Pair with a hot cup of coffee, fresh juice, or a mimosa for a delightful brunch experience.

Tips for the Best Sourdough French Toast

Here are some pro tips to ensure your sourdough French toast comes out perfect every time:

• Use Slightly Stale Bread: Day-old sourdough is ideal because it soaks up the custard mixture without getting too soggy. If your bread is fresh, lightly toast it before soaking.
• Adjust Soaking Time: Depending on the thickness and dryness of your sourdough, you may need to adjust the soaking time. Don’t let it sit in the custard too long, or it may fall apart.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Give each slice plenty of space in the pan to ensure even cooking and crispness.

Benefits of This recipe

This sourdough French toast is more than just a tasty breakfast—it’s also incredibly adaptable. You can tweak it to suit your dietary needs, and it’s easy to scale up for large groups. Plus, the tangy sourdough provides a sophisticated twist on the classic dish, making it perfect for brunches, holidays, or just a treat for yourself.

Does Sourdough Taste Good for French Toast?

Yes, sourdough can taste delicious in French toast, offering a unique and tangy twist compared to traditional breads like brioche or white bread. The naturally occurring fermentation in sourdough gives it a complex flavor that enhances the sweetness of the syrup and the richness of the egg mixture. Here’s why sourdough works well:

• Flavor Profile: The mild tanginess of sourdough complements the sweetness of French toast, providing an interesting balance between savory and sweet.
• Texture: The chewy and airy texture of sourdough holds up well when soaked in the egg mixture without becoming too soggy, resulting in a crispy exterior and soft, custardy interior.
• Crustiness: Sourdough has a thick, crunchy crust that adds a satisfying texture contrast to the dish.

If you enjoy bold flavors and a denser texture in your French toast, sourdough can be a great choice.

Does Sourdough Bread Make Good Toast?

Yes, sourdough bread makes excellent toast! Here’s why:

• Crisp and Crunchy: The firm, chewy texture of sourdough becomes wonderfully crisp when toasted. Its thicker crust crisps up nicely, providing a satisfying crunch.
• Flavor Depth: The natural fermentation process in sourdough imparts a slightly tangy flavor that adds more depth to your typical toast. This makes it perfect for pairing with both sweet toppings like jam or butter, or savory options like avocado or eggs.
• Golden Brown Finish: When toasted, sourdough develops a rich golden-brown crust, offering both visual appeal and taste.

Whether you’re making simple toast, an open-faced sandwich, or French toast, sourdough holds up beautifully.

Is Brioche or Sourdough Better for French Toast?

Both brioche and sourdough can make fantastic French toast, but they provide different flavors and textures. Here’s how they compare:

• Brioche:
  • Texture: Soft, light, and airy with a slightly sweet flavor.
  • Flavor: Rich and buttery, which adds an indulgent taste to French toast.
  • Best For: Those who prefer a sweeter, more decadent French toast with a custard-like texture.
• Sourdough:
  • Texture: Chewy with a thicker, denser crumb.
  • Flavor: Tangy and slightly sour, which balances well with sweet toppings like maple syrup.
  • Best For: Those who enjoy a more savory twist or a bread with more flavor complexity.

Which is better? It really depends on your preference:

• If you like a rich, buttery French toast, brioche is the way to go.
• If you prefer a more robust, tangy flavor, sourdough is the better choice.

What Kind of Bread is Best for French Toast?

The best bread for French toast is one that can absorb the egg mixture without falling apart. Here are some great options:

• Brioche: A soft, sweet bread that makes for a rich, indulgent French toast.
• Challah: Similar to brioche but slightly less sweet, this bread is soft and fluffy, ideal for soaking up the egg mixture.
• Sourdough: Offers a tangy, hearty flavor and a chewy texture that holds up well when making French toast.
• French Bread: A classic choice for French toast, providing a light, airy texture with a crunchy crust.
• Cinnamon Raisin Bread: Adds a spiced, sweet flavor that works well for a dessert-like French toast.

For the best results, choose a bread that is slightly stale or left out overnight, as it will absorb the egg mixture better. Additionally, thicker slices tend to yield a better texture and result in less sogginess.

Conclusion: Why You Should Try Sourdough French Toast

Sourdough French toast is an elevated version of the classic breakfast favorite. Its unique combination of tangy sourdough and sweet, spiced custard creates a breakfast dish that’s both comforting and exciting. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, this recipe is perfect for beginners and seasoned chefs alike.

So, grab a loaf of sourdough and give this delicious recipe a try you’ll be amazed at how this small twist makes such a big difference. Don’t forget to share your creations with friends or on social media!