Sourdough French Toast Recipe: A Delicious Twist on a Breakfast Classic

If you’re craving a deliciously unique twist on traditional French toast, this sourdough French toast recipe will hit the spot. French toast is beloved for its soft, custardy center and crisp, golden edges, and sourdough brings even more depth to the dish. The slight tanginess of sourdough bread perfectly complements the sweetness of cinnamon, vanilla, and maple syrup, creating a flavor profile that’s satisfying and unique.

Perfect for breakfast or brunch, sourdough French toast is versatile enough to accommodate different dietary needs and offers several nutritional benefits. The bread itself is often easier to digest due to the fermentation process, making this dish ideal for those with a sensitive stomach. Plus, it’s an excellent choice for busy mornings or a lazy weekend breakfast, appealing to a wide audience—from home cooks to students and families. In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to make the perfect sourdough French toast, with tips on variations, substitutions, and dietary adaptations.

Benefits and Advantages of Sourdough French Toast Recipe

Making French toast with sourdough has several distinct advantages. Here’s why you should try this unique twist on a breakfast classic:

1. Rich Flavor and Texture: Sourdough’s naturally tangy flavor contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of traditional French toast ingredients like cinnamon, vanilla, and syrup. Its heartier texture also holds up well to soaking, resulting in a satisfyingly crisp outer crust and a soft, custardy interior.

2. Nutritional Benefits of Sourdough Bread: Sourdough bread is fermented with natural yeast and lactic acid bacteria, breaking down gluten and making it easier to digest. It’s a great choice for those with gluten sensitivities, as the fermentation process can lower gluten content slightly. The fermentation also enhances the bioavailability of nutrients, offering more vitamins and minerals compared to other bread types.

3. Easy to Prepare: The sourdough French toast recipe is simple, with minimal ingredients that you probably already have on hand. It’s an ideal dish for meal prep, making it a great option for feeding a crowd, including picky eaters and those who want a comforting breakfast without much fuss.

4. Versatile and Customizable: This recipe can be adapted for different diets. Whether you need a dairy-free or gluten-free option, there are easy substitutions to keep the recipe flavorful.

Ingredients Overview

Essential Ingredients for Sourdough French Toast Recipe

Sourdough Bread – 6 slices (thickly cut, day-old if possible): The heart of the recipe, sourdough adds a signature flavor and texture.

Eggs – 4 large eggs: Acts as the base for the custard mixture, giving French toast its rich consistency.

Milk or Dairy-Free Alternative – 1 cup: Use whole milk, almond, or oat milk for a creamy texture.

Vanilla Extract – 1 teaspoon: Adds a hint of warmth and enhances the flavors.

Cinnamon – ½ teaspoon: Complements the tanginess of sourdough with a touch of spice.

Salt – a pinch: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.

Butter or Oil – For frying: Ensures a crisp, golden finish on each slice.

Maple Syrup or Powdered Sugar – For topping: Adds a sweet touch when serving.

Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Sourdough French Toast Recipe

Gluten-Free Sourdough: If gluten sensitivity is a concern, opt for gluten-free sourdough bread available at specialty grocery stores.

Dairy-Free Option: Substitute milk with almond, soy, or oat milk and use coconut oil or vegan butter for frying.

Low-Sugar Alternative: If reducing sugar, omit the maple syrup topping or use a sugar-free syrup or fresh berries as a natural sweetener.

Egg-Free Version: Try a mixture of 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg as a vegan substitute.

With these simple ingredients, you can make a restaurant-quality breakfast at home. To add some variety, you might pair your French toast with our Chicken Quinoa Bowl, a high-protein option that rounds out a balanced brunch.

How to Prepare the Perfect Sourdough French Toast Recipe: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Prepare the Custard Mixture

In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk (or dairy-free alternative), vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Whisk until everything is fully combined and the cinnamon is evenly dispersed.

Step 2: Preheat the Pan

Set a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add a pat of butter or a drizzle of oil, allowing it to melt and coat the pan evenly.

Step 3: Soak the Sourdough Slices

Dip each slice of sourdough bread into the egg mixture, ensuring both sides are well-coated. Let each side soak for about 10 seconds to allow the bread to absorb the custard.

Step 4: Cook the French Toast

Top your French toast with fresh fruit, a drizzle of maple syrup, or a dusting of powdered sugar. For an extra treat, add a side of our Dubai Chocolate Bar Recipe for a hint of decadence.

Step 5: Keep Warm (Optional)

If cooking in batches, keep finished slices warm by placing them on a baking sheet in a 200°F (90°C) oven until all slices are done.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Serve the French toast hot, topped with maple syrup, powdered sugar, fresh berries, or your favorite toppings. Enjoy!

Mastering Sourdough French Toast: Advanced Tips and Variations

1. Add Spices to the Custard: Try adding a pinch of nutmeg, allspice, or cardamom to bring additional warmth and complexity.

2. Stuffed Sourdough French Toast: For a decadent variation, create a sandwich with cream cheese or Nutella between two slices of sourdough, then dip in the custard and cook as usual.

3. Experiment with Toppings: In addition to traditional syrup, try caramelized bananas, honey, Greek yogurt, or a sprinkle of granola for added texture.

4. Adjust the Soak Time: If you prefer a custard-heavy interior, soak the bread a little longer. For a firmer texture, reduce the soak time.

How to Store Sourdough French Toast: Best Practices

If you have leftovers, follow these steps to store and reheat your sourdough French toast:

•Refrigeration: Place cooled slices in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

•Freezing: Lay slices on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months.

•Reheating: Reheat French toast in a toaster, oven, or skillet. Avoid microwaving as it may make the toast soggy.

Nutritional Value of Sourdough French Toast

A serving of sourdough French toast (one slice) typically provides:

Calories: ~180 kcal

Protein: 6g

Carbohydrates: 24g

Fiber: 1g

Sugars: 3g (without toppings)

Fat: 6g

Cholesterol: 70mg

These values can vary based on substitutions and toppings. Sourdough bread is often richer in B vitamins, iron, and antioxidants, thanks to the fermentation process.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Sourdough French Toast Recipe

Does sourdough taste good for French toast?

Yes, sourdough is a fantastic choice for French toast! Its slightly tangy flavor adds depth and balance to the sweetness of traditional French toast ingredients like maple syrup and cinnamon. The texture of sourdough bread also holds up well when soaked in the custard mixture, giving you a French toast that is custardy inside with a perfectly crisp crust.

Does sourdough bread make good toast?

Absolutely! Sourdough bread is excellent for toasting. Its firm texture crisps beautifully, and the flavor is robust enough to shine on its own or with a variety of toppings. Whether you’re using it for French toast or enjoying it as a simple toasted slice, sourdough adds complexity and interest.

What kind of bread is best for French toast?

While many types of bread work for French toast, thicker slices of sourdough, brioche, or challah are ideal. These breads can hold up to the custard mixture without falling apart, giving you a soft interior and a crisp exterior. Each type brings its unique flavor—sourdough with its tang, brioche with its sweetness, and challah with its eggy richness.

Is brioche or sourdough better for French toast?

Both brioche and sourdough make excellent French toast, but they offer different flavor profiles. Brioche is buttery and slightly sweet, making it ideal if you prefer a richer, sweeter French toast. Sourdough, on the other hand, has a tangier flavor that pairs well with sweet and savory toppings. If you enjoy a more complex, balanced taste, sourdough is a great choice.

Additional Tips

For the best texture, use day-old or slightly stale sourdough. This type of bread absorbs the custard without falling apart, giving your French toast a perfect consistency. If you’re looking to explore more flavor combinations, our Earl Grey Cookies make a delightful, subtly sweet side treat with coffee or tea alongside your French toast.