Sourdough French Toast

French toast is one of those timeless breakfast dishes that’s loved by many for its comforting, sweet, and savory flavors. Whether you’re preparing it for a leisurely weekend brunch or as a quick weekday breakfast, French toast is always a crowd-pleaser. But what if we told you there’s a way to take this classic dish to the next level? Enter Sourdough French Toast — a rich, tangy twist on the beloved recipe that will elevate your breakfast to new heights.

By swapping out your regular white bread for sourdough, you add depth and complexity to the dish. The slightly tangy, chewy texture of sourdough complements the sweetness of the eggs and cinnamon, creating a French toast that’s both indulgent and sophisticated. Plus, sourdough's crusty edges add a satisfying crunch, making each bite an absolute delight.

If you’ve been wondering how to make the best French toast using sourdough, look no further! We’ve got you covered with a simple, foolproof recipe that you can whip up in no time. Let’s dive into this savory-sweet breakfast experience.

Why Sourdough for French Toast?

You might be wondering, why sourdough? Sourdough’s unique tangy flavor, chewy texture, and crispy edges make it an ideal candidate for French toast. Traditional French toast recipes typically call for soft white bread or brioche, but sourdough offers something different. Its slightly sour taste balances perfectly with the sweetness of the egg batter and toppings, providing a more complex flavor profile.

Sourdough also has a heartier texture that soaks up the egg mixture without falling apart. It holds up beautifully in the pan, resulting in a perfectly crispy and golden exterior while maintaining a soft, custardy interior. Plus, if you’ve got some leftover sourdough bread that’s a bit too stale to eat on its own, French toast is the perfect way to use it up!

What You'll Need

For the French Toast:

• 4 slices of sourdough bread (about 1-inch thick, preferably slightly stale)

• 3 large eggs

• 1/2 cup milk (or your preferred dairy or non-dairy milk)

• 1 tbsp sugar (optional, depending on your sweetness preference)

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

• Pinch of salt

• Butter (for cooking)

For the Toppings:

• Maple syrup (or your preferred syrup)

• Powdered sugar (optional)

• Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, etc.)

• Whipped cream (optional)

Instructions for Making Sourdough French Toast

Step 1: Prepare the Egg Mixture

In a large bowl, crack the eggs and whisk them together until fully beaten. Add the milk, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Whisk everything together until the mixture is smooth and well-combined. The cinnamon adds a nice warmth to the French toast, and the sugar helps with caramelization, giving your French toast that beautiful golden brown color when cooked.

If you want to experiment with flavors, feel free to add other spices like nutmeg or cardamom to the mixture. A splash of orange zest can also lend a refreshing twist.

Step 2: Heat the Pan

Set a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a tablespoon of butter. Allow the butter to melt and bubble in the pan. Once the butter has melted, you can adjust the heat slightly to ensure the pan is hot but not smoking.

If you’re making several slices of French toast, you may need to add more butter to the pan to ensure each slice cooks evenly without sticking.

Step 3: Soak the Sourdough Bread

While your pan is heating up, take your slices of sourdough bread and dip each one into the egg mixture. Make sure to coat both sides of each slice thoroughly but don’t let the bread soak for too long. Sourdough, with its denser texture, will absorb the egg mixture more slowly than regular bread, so it doesn’t need as much time to soak.

Let any excess egg mixture drip off before transferring the bread to the hot skillet. This will help prevent the French toast from being too soggy.

Step 4: Cook the French Toast

Place the soaked sourdough slices onto the hot skillet or griddle. Let them cook for about 2 to 3 minutes on one side until golden brown and slightly crispy. Flip the slices over and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes on the other side, ensuring both sides are crispy and browned.

Don’t rush this process — the key to perfect French toast is to cook it slowly over medium heat, allowing the eggs to cook through without burning the bread. Adjust the heat as needed to prevent the French toast from getting too dark before it’s fully cooked.

Step 5: Keep the French Toast Warm

If you’re making several slices of French toast, you can place the cooked slices in a warm oven (around 200°F or 90°C) to keep them warm while you finish cooking the rest. This way, all your French toast will be hot and ready to serve at the same time.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Once all the French toast is cooked, it’s time to serve. Stack the slices on a plate and top with your favorite toppings. Classic maple syrup is a must, but you can get creative with toppings. A dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of sweetness and elegance, while fresh berries can bring a pop of freshness and color to the dish.

If you’re feeling extra indulgent, a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce wouldn’t hurt either. And don’t forget a sprinkle of extra cinnamon if you love that warm, spiced flavor.

Tips for the Best Sourdough French Toast

• Use Stale Sourdough Bread: Fresh sourdough can be a bit too soft to make French toast. If you have slightly stale bread, it will absorb the egg mixture better and hold up in the pan without falling apart.

• Adjust Sweetness to Your Taste: The sugar in the egg mixture is optional, depending on how sweet you like your French toast. If you prefer a more savory French toast, skip the sugar entirely.

• Add-ins: For a fun twist, add some sliced bananas, chocolate chips, or even a few spoonfuls of peanut butter to your French toast for an extra treat.

• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If you’re cooking multiple slices, make sure there’s enough room in the pan for the bread to cook evenly. Overcrowding will lead to soggy French toast.

Conclusion

Sourdough French toast is an easy yet delicious way to take your breakfast to the next level. The combination of the tangy, chewy sourdough and the creamy, spiced egg batter creates a flavor experience that’s truly unforgettable. Whether you enjoy it with classic maple syrup or get creative with toppings, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your breakfast rotation.

Next time you’re craving French toast, try using sourdough bread instead — you’ll be amazed by how a simple swap can elevate this beloved dish. So, gather your ingredients, fire up the skillet, and enjoy the comforting flavors of homemade sourdough French toast. Happy cooking!