This ultimate sourdough french toast transforms yesterday’s crusty loaf into restaurant-quality breakfast magic. Using an overnight custard method, each slice develops incredible depth while maintaining that perfect crispy-meets-creamy texture that makes French toast legendary.
Get ready for the most incredible sourdough french toast that combines the tangy complexity of fermented bread with a luxuriously creamy custard center. This recipe will become your weekend breakfast obsession, I promise!
Picture this: golden-brown slices with crackling edges giving way to custardy centers, each bite bursting with sourdough’s signature tang balanced by warm vanilla and cinnamon. Perfect for lazy Sunday mornings or when you want to impress your brunch guests without breaking a sweat.
Why You’ll Love This Sourdough French Toast
- Transforms day-old bread into gourmet breakfast without any waste—your wallet and taste buds will thank you
- Overnight prep option makes busy mornings completely effortless (because who has time for complicated breakfast?)
- Naturally fermented benefits support digestive health while delivering incredible flavor
- Superior texture delivers that coveted crispy exterior with perfectly custardy interior every single time
Ingredients You Need
Here’s what you’ll need to create this easy sourdough french toast masterpiece:
- Sourdough bread – 8 thick slices (day-old preferred, about 1-inch thick)
- Large eggs – 4 whole eggs
- Whole milk – 1 cup
- Heavy cream – ½ cup
- Pure vanilla extract – 2 teaspoons
- Ground cinnamon – 1 teaspoon
- Kosher salt – ¼ teaspoon
- Unsalted butter – 3 tablespoons
- Pure maple syrup – for serving
The beauty of this homemade sourdough french toast lies in its simplicity—you probably have most of these ingredients sitting in your kitchen right now!
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
You won’t need any fancy gadgets for this best sourdough french toast recipe:
- Large shallow baking dish (9×13 works perfectly)
- Large skillet or griddle
- Wire whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wide spatula for flipping
How to Make Sourdough French Toast
Ready to create breakfast magic? Here’s your step-by-step guide to sourdough bread french toast recipe perfection:
1. Create the Custard Base
Whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl until completely smooth. The mixture should look like liquid silk—no streaks of egg whites should remain.
2. Prepare Your Sourdough Slices
Arrange the sourdough slices in your shallow baking dish in a single layer. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread, making sure each slice gets completely coated. The dense texture of sourdough bread means it can handle this generous soaking without falling apart.
3. Let It Soak (The Secret Step!)
Allow the bread to soak for at least 10 minutes, flipping once halfway through. For the ultimate overnight sourdough french toast experience, cover and refrigerate overnight—this creates an incredibly rich, custard-like interior that’ll blow your mind.
4. Heat Your Pan
Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat until it’s foaming and fragrant. Medium heat is crucial here—too hot and you’ll burn the outside before the custard center cooks through.
5. Cook to Golden Perfection
Cook the soaked slices for 3-4 minutes per side until they’re gorgeously golden brown and crispy. You’ll hear that satisfying sizzle when they hit the pan—that’s the sound of breakfast perfection happening.
6. Serve Immediately
Transfer to warm plates and serve immediately with warm maple syrup. Trust me, this sourdough french toast casserole style richness is best enjoyed piping hot.
Expert Tips for Perfect Results
Here are my tried-and-true secrets for healthy sourdough french toast success:
- Use day-old bread for optimal absorption—fresh bread gets too soggy, while day-old sourdough maintains its structure while soaking up all that creamy goodness
- Don’t oversoak your slices—sourdough’s dense texture requires precise timing. More than overnight and you risk mushiness
- Medium heat is your best friend—it prevents burning while ensuring the custard center cooks through completely
- Warm your plates in a 200°F oven—this restaurant trick keeps your french toast at the perfect serving temperature
Delicious Variations & Substitutions
Want to switch things up? Try these creative twists on the classic:
Stuffed Sourdough French Toast: Create pockets in thick slices and fill with cream cheese and fresh berries before soaking.
Dairy-Free Version: Substitute coconut milk for regular milk and use plant-based butter—the results are surprisingly creamy!
Protein-Packed: Add a scoop of vanilla protein powder to your custard base for a post-workout breakfast treat.
Seasonal Spice: Swap cinnamon for pumpkin pie spice in fall or add a pinch of nutmeg for holiday vibes.
Perfect Serving Suggestions
Elevate your sourdough french toast with these delicious accompaniments:
- Fresh seasonal berries and a dollop of whipped cream
- Caramelized banana slices with a drizzle of honey
- Crispy turkey sausage or chicken sausage for protein
- Greek yogurt swirled with maple syrup for added richness
Check out our Best Breakfast Recipes collection for more morning inspiration that pairs beautifully with this french toast.
Smart Storing Solutions
Got leftovers? (Lucky you!) Here’s how to keep them fresh:
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a toaster oven at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to restore that crispy exterior.
Freeze portions for up to 2 months—wrap individual slices in parchment paper, then store in freezer bags. Perfect for those “I need breakfast NOW” moments.
Make-ahead prep: Prepare your custard base the night before and store covered in the fridge. In the morning, just soak and cook!
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! Fresh bread works, but day-old sourdough absorbs the custard better without becoming soggy. If using fresh, reduce soaking time to 5-7 minutes.
Ten minutes minimum for good absorption, overnight maximum for incredible depth of flavor. The overnight method creates an almost custard-like interior that’s absolutely divine.
Yes! Substitute whole milk with coconut milk and use plant-based butter. The texture remains creamy and delicious—you won’t miss the dairy at all.
Toaster oven at 350°F for 3-4 minutes maintains that crispy exterior perfectly. Avoid the microwave—it makes everything soggy.
Definitely! Double or triple the recipe and use a large griddle or multiple pans. The overnight soaking method actually makes crowd cooking easier since everything’s prepped ahead.
This sourdough french toast recipe has become my go-to weekend breakfast for good reason—it’s foolproof, incredibly delicious, and transforms simple ingredients into something truly special. Whether you’re treating yourself to a leisurely Sunday morning or impressing guests at brunch, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results every single time.
Want to make your own sourdough bread for this recipe? Check out our comprehensive How to Make Sourdough Bread guide to get started on your fermentation journey!
Happy cooking, and enjoy every crispy, custardy bite!