Sourdough French Toast (Simple 20-Minute Recipe)
This post contains affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
If you love simple homemade breakfasts that fill your home with the aroma of cinnamon sugar goodness, this sourdough French toast is for you! Slices of homemade sourdough French bread are dipped in a warm custard batter and cooked to perfection in a cast-iron skillet. For more French toast recipes, check out our Sourdough French Toast Casserole!
New to sourdough? Check out our How to Make Sourdough Starter Guide!
Table of Contents
Sourdough French toast is what cozy Saturday mornings are made of. Imagine being five years old on Saturday morning. You have nowhere to be. You slept in and woke up to the smell of maple syrup and vanilla wafting through the air.
Is it pancakes? Cinnamon rolls? French toast?
Doesn't matter because it smells like home. Like everything is going to be ok.
That's what sourdough French toast brings to the table, even if you're well past five years old and sleeping in on Saturday mornings-comfort. And, in this case, nutrition.
Sourdough French toast is infinitely healthier than regular French toast because when you use long-fermented sourdough French bread, your body can digest and absorb nutrients from the food more efficiently. This way, you can feel good about the meal you're serving your family, prevent blood sugar spikes and crashes, and feel better for your day.
That's a win all the way around!
If you've been looking for a better and more delicious way to enjoy French toast, you're in the right place!
Why You'll Love This Sourdough French Toast Recipe
- Perfect texture: Sourdough French Toast is golden and crisp on the outside, soft and custardy on the inside.
- Naturally delicious: Sourdough adds a subtle tang that balances the sweetness perfectly.
- Simple ingredients: You only need pantry staples like eggs, milk, cinnamon, and vanilla. You'll never be without French toast again!
- Quick and easy: Ready in about 20 minutes - ideal for a slow morning breakfast that lets you sit down and enjoy the meal with your family (instead of slaving over the stove).
- Great way to use leftover bread: Slightly stale sourdough works great, so nothing goes to waste.
Ingredients You'll Need
You only need a few pantry staples to make this delicious sourdough French bread:
- Sourdough French bread: Thick, hearty slices soak up the custard without falling apart.
- Eggs: The base of the custard - they create structure and richness.
- Milk: Adds moisture and creaminess to the batter.
- Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and flavor depth to every bite.
- Cinnamon: Adds that cozy, sweet-spice aroma French toast is known for.
- Butter: For frying the slices to golden, crisp perfection.
- Maple syrup: The classic topping that ties everything together.
Why Use Sourdough for French Toast
Sourdough bread makes French toast taste gourmet without any extra effort (score!). Its naturally chewy crumb and tangy flavor balance the sweetness of the custard and syrup beautifully. Because sourdough is sturdier than typical sandwich bread, it absorbs the egg mixture without turning soggy - giving you that perfect combination of crisp edges and a soft, custardy center.
Long-fermented sourdough is also easier to digest and more nutritious than conventional bread, so you won't feel sluggish or bloated after this meal.
How to Make Sourdough French Toast (Step-by-Step Instructions)
Step 1: Slice the bread. Cut your sourdough loaf into thick, 1-inch slices and set aside.
Step 2: Make the custard. In a shallow dish or bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla, and cinnamon until smooth and well-blended.
Step 3: Soak the slices. Place the bread into the custard mixture, turning to coat both sides. Let each slice soak for 1-2 minutes per side.
Step 4: Heat the skillet. Warm a cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add a pat of butter and let it melt to coat the surface.
Step 5: Cook the French toast. Place the soaked slices onto the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crisp around the edges.
Step 6: Serve. Top with butter, a drizzle of maple syrup, and your favorite toppings - berries, whipped cream, or powdered sugar all work beautifully.
Tips for the Best Sourdough French Toast
- Use day-old bread - it soaks up the custard perfectly without getting soggy.
- Whisk the custard well so the egg and milk combine evenly.
- Soak, don't drown: Let the bread absorb just enough custard to moisten through, but not so much that it falls apart.
- Keep your skillet on medium heat - too hot will burn the outside before the inside cooks.
- Add fresh butter to the pan before each batch for that golden, caramelized finish.
Variations & Toppings
- Add-ins: Mix a dash of nutmeg or brown sugar into the custard for extra warmth.
- Fruity twist: Top with sliced bananas, berries, or stewed apples.
- Indulgent version: Spread a little cream cheese or Nutella between slices for stuffed French toast.
- Holiday touch: Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar or drizzle with maple cream glaze.
- Use flavored sourdough: Try cinnamon swirl bread or honey sourdough for a sweeter loaf.
How to Store and Reheat
- To store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- To reheat: Warm in a skillet or toaster oven until heated through and crisp again.
- To freeze: Arrange cooked slices on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Toast directly from frozen for quick breakfasts later.
FAQs About Sourdough French Toast
What kind of sourdough bread works best?
A sturdy loaf like sourdough French bread or sandwich-style loaves like cinnamon sourdough bread. Avoid loaves with large holes that let the custard seep through.
Can I make the custard ahead of time?
Yes! Whisk it together and refrigerate overnight. Just give it a quick stir before using.
Can I bake French toast instead of frying it?
Yes - arrange the soaked slices on a buttered baking sheet and bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute your favorite non-dairy milk and use coconut oil or vegan butter for frying.
Sourdough French Toast
Ingredients
- 2 loaves sourdough French bread (see note 1)
- 6 eggs
- 1 ½ cups whole milk
- 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoon cinnamon
- butter for frying
- maple syrup (for serving)
Instructions
- Slice the bread: Cut your sourdough French bread into thick 1-inch slices and set aside.
- Make the batter: In a shallow bowl or baking dish, whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla, and cinnamon until smooth.
- Soak the bread: Place the slices into the egg mixture, turning to coat both sides. Let them soak for about 1-2 minutes per side so the bread absorbs the batter.
- Heat the skillet: Warm a cast iron skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add a little butter to coat the surface.
- Cook the French toast: Place the soaked slices onto the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crisp on the edges.
- Serve: Serve warm with butter and maple syrup, or your favorite toppings like berries, powdered sugar, or whipped cream.
Notes
- I recommend our sourdough French bread for this French toast recipe.
You're going to Love this Sourdough French Toast Recipe
Whether you're making a special treat for breakfast or enjoying breakfast for dinner, this sourdough French toast is going to be a hit for your whole family. Thick slices of sourdough French bread or cinnamon sourdough bread, dipped in cinnamon-vanilla custard and topped with maple syrup, is something everyone can get behind -and something you can feel good about serving. Happy baking!
