Name: Sourdough French Toast Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup whole milk; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 4 eggs; butter, for cooking (clarified is ideal); 1/4 cup brown sugar; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 1 vanilla bean, split and seeds scraped (optional); 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/2 tsp kosher salt; 1 lb loaf crusty sourdough bread, sliced into eight 1-inch thick slices; maple syrup, for serving; fresh fruit and berries, for serving

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If you have a soft spot for breakfast classics with a delightful twist, this Sourdough French Toast Recipe is about to become your new favorite. The tangy, crusty sourdough bread soaks up a rich custard infused with vanilla and cinnamon, creating a perfect balance of flavors that will warm your soul. Each bite is golden, crisp on the outside, yet tender inside, making it a luscious treat for mornings that deserve a little extra love. Whether you’re serving a crowd or just craving comfort, this Sourdough French Toast Recipe delivers a satisfying and elegant start to your day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a round loaf of golden brown bread with a dusting of white flour on top, placed on a wooden board with a serrated knife beside it. Above the bread, there is a bowl filled with a bright yellow mixture and a spoon inside it. To the left of the bowl, a white plate holds several slices of pale yellow butter. Below the plate with butter, a small white cup contains light brown sugar, and near the bottom left corner, a clear glass bowl holds a handful of dark blueberries and blackberries. On the right side of the image, two brown cinnamon sticks and two dark brown vanilla pods lie on a white marbled surface. A white cloth with thin stripes is partially visible under the bread board. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Creating the perfect Sourdough French Toast Recipe relies on a handful of simple, quality ingredients that come together to make something truly special. Each element plays a crucial role, from the creamy custard base to the fragrant vanilla and cinnamon that infuse every slice with warmth and sweetness.

Whole milk: Provides a creamy texture that softens the bread without overpowering the custard.
Heavy cream: Adds richness to the custard, making the French toast decadently tender.
Eggs: The base of the custard that helps bind everything together and create a luscious coating.
Brown sugar: Brings a subtle caramel sweetness that enhances the vanilla and cinnamon.
Vanilla extract: Offers a warm, inviting aroma that complements the other flavors beautifully.
Vanilla bean (optional): Scraping the seeds adds an extra depth of vanilla flavor that’s hard to beat.
Ground cinnamon: Introduces a gentle spice that pairs perfectly with sourdough’s tang.
Kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall taste.
Sourdough bread: The star of the show, with its tangy flavor and sturdy texture that holds up wonderfully to soaking.
Butter (clarified preferred): For frying, giving a golden crisp finish without burning too quickly.
Maple syrup: The classic topping that brings sweetness and a hint of woodsy flavor.
Fresh fruit and berries: Adds brightness and a fresh counterpoint to the rich French toast.

How to Make Sourdough French Toast Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Setup

Start by preheating your oven to 250°F and placing a wire rack on a baking sheet. This warm resting spot is where your cooked French toast will stay perfectly crisp and warm as you finish cooking the rest of the batch. Preparing this ahead ensures that none of your slices lose their golden crunchiness.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Custard

In a wide, shallow container like a baking dish, combine whole milk, heavy cream, eggs, brown sugar, vanilla extract, the scraped vanilla bean seeds if you’re using them, cinnamon, and kosher salt. Whisk everything until the mixture is smooth and well blended. This custard is the heart of your Sourdough French Toast Recipe, so make sure the sugar has dissolved well and the spices are evenly distributed for a consistent flavor.

Step 3: Soak the Bread

Carefully dip each slice of sourdough bread into the custard mixture, allowing it to soak for about 45 seconds per side. You want the bread to absorb plenty of that custard while still holding its shape without falling apart. Use a slotted spatula or your fingers to lift the bread, letting any excess drip off before transferring to a clean baking sheet. This step is crucial to achieve that tender center without sogginess.

Step 4: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat a small pat of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Using clarified butter is ideal here because it has a higher smoke point and lends a beautiful buttery crisp to your toast. Fry the bread slices two at a time, cooking each side for 3 to 4 minutes until golden brown. If the toast browns too fast, lower the temperature to prevent burning. Once cooked, place the slices on your wire rack in the warm oven to keep them crisp.

Step 5: Repeat and Serve

Continue frying the remaining slices, adding more butter to your skillet as needed and adjusting the heat to keep that perfect golden color. Serve your Sourdough French Toast Recipe warm, with ample maple syrup drizzled over the top and a scattering of fresh fruit or berries for a bright and refreshing finish.

How to Serve Sourdough French Toast Recipe

Two large slices of light beige bread with many holes are placed flat inside a white square dish. The bread is soaked in a pale, milky liquid with some small bits floating in it. The dish is on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh berries such as blueberries, strawberries, or raspberries not only add a pop of color but provide juicy bursts that contrast wonderfully with the rich custard-soaked bread. A dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of chopped nuts like toasted pecans elevates the texture and presentation, turning your breakfast into a visual and gustatory delight.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs beautifully with crispy bacon or savory sausage links to balance the sweetness with some hearty, smoky notes. A side of creamy yogurt or a simple spinach salad with a light vinaigrette can also provide a fresh and tangy element, rounding out the meal with variety and nutrition.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive brunch, try stacking the French toast slices and layering them with mascarpone cheese and fruit compote between each layer. Another beautiful twist is to cut the toast into sticks for dipping in warm maple syrup or flavored whipped cream. Playing with presentation can turn this classic Sourdough French Toast Recipe into a crowd-pleasing centerpiece at your next gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This keeps the toast moist but still allows you to enjoy its flavors later. Just make sure the slices are completely cooled before storing to avoid sogginess.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked slices of sourdough French toast by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transferring them to a freezer bag. Frozen French toast keeps well for up to one month, making it a fantastic make-ahead option for busy mornings.

Reheating

To bring leftovers back to life, heat them in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. This method restores the crisp edges and warm custard center much better than a microwave. If using a microwave, do so briefly and expect a softer texture.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of bread for this recipe?

Absolutely! While sourdough provides a wonderful tang and texture, you can substitute with brioche or challah for a sweeter, softer French toast. Keep in mind the soaking time might vary based on the bread’s density.

Is it necessary to use both milk and heavy cream?

The combination of milk and heavy cream gives the custard richness without being overly heavy. You can substitute all milk for a lighter version or all cream for extra indulgence, but the balance in this recipe offers the best texture and flavor.

What if I don’t have clarified butter?

Clarified butter is ideal for its higher smoke point, but regular unsalted butter works perfectly well if you watch the heat carefully. You can also use a neutral oil with a bit of butter mixed in for flavor and burning prevention.

Can I prepare the custard ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the custard up to a day in advance and keep it refrigerated. Make sure to whisk it again before soaking your bread to refresh the mixture and evenly distribute the vanilla and cinnamon.

How thick should the sourdough slices be?

Try to slice your sourdough bread about 1 inch thick. This thickness ensures the bread soaks up enough custard without falling apart, maintaining a sturdy structure when fried.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly comforting about a classic breakfast elevated by a loaf of crusty sourdough and a rich, spiced custard. This Sourdough French Toast Recipe invites you to slow down, indulge in the simple joy of layered flavors and textures, and start your day on a delicious note. Trust me, once you make it, your mornings will never be quite the same. So grab your loaf, gather your ingredients, and enjoy the magic of French toast done the sourdough way!