Perfect Sourdough French Toast Recipe

Transform your sourdough bread into the most incredible French toast you’ve ever tasted! This foolproof recipe creates perfectly crispy edges with a custardy center that melts in your mouth like butter on a warm summer day.

This sourdough French toast recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with tangy sourdough bread soaked in rich, vanilla-scented custard. Every bite balances the perfect contrast of textures and flavors that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance.

Make these for lazy weekend mornings, special occasions, or whenever you crave something extraordinary. Your kitchen will smell like heaven, and your family will beg for seconds (trust me, they always do).

Why You’ll Love Sourdough French Toast

• Perfect Texture Balance – Crispy golden exterior meets creamy, custard-like interior in breakfast harmony
• Works with Any Sourdough – Fresh or day-old bread both create amazing results, so no waste here
• Naturally Tangy Flavor – Sourdough’s signature tang elevates traditional French toast to gourmet status
• Foolproof Technique – Simple method that works every single time, even for breakfast rookies

Ingredients You Need

Here’s what you’ll need to create this easy sourdough French toast masterpiece:

• Sourdough Bread – 8 thick slices (¾-inch thick works best)
• Large Eggs – 4 eggs (room temperature for smoother mixing)
• Whole Milk – ¾ cup
• Heavy Cream – ¼ cup (this is your secret weapon for richness)
• Pure Vanilla Extract – 1 tablespoon
• Ground Cinnamon – 1 teaspoon
• Fine Sea Salt – ¼ teaspoon (enhances all the flavors)
• Unsalted Butter – 3 tablespoons (for cooking)
• Maple Syrup – For serving (because life’s too short for fake syrup)

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Large shallow dish or baking pan (for soaking)
• Large skillet or griddle
• Wire whisk
• Spatula (preferably thin and flexible)
• Measuring cups and spoons

How to Make the Best Sourdough French Toast Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Custard Base

Whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt in your shallow dish until completely smooth. No lumps allowed – we want silky perfection here! The cream adds richness that makes this thick sourdough French toast absolutely divine.

Step 2: Slice and Soak Your Bread

Cut your sourdough into ¾-inch thick slices – this thickness is crucial for achieving that perfect crispy-outside, custardy-inside texture. Gently place each slice in the custard mixture and let it soak for exactly 30 seconds per side. Day old sourdough French toast works beautifully here since slightly stale bread absorbs the custard without falling apart.

Step 3: Heat Your Pan to Perfection

Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in your skillet over medium heat until it starts foaming. This foaming tells you the pan’s ready – it’s like your skillet saying “I’m ready for action!”

Step 4: Cook the First Side

Carefully transfer your soaked bread to the hot pan. Listen for that gentle sizzle – music to any cook’s ears! Cook for 3-4 minutes until the bottom turns golden brown. Resist the urge to peek too early; patience creates perfection.

Step 5: Flip and Finish

Using your spatula, flip each slice carefully. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the second side matches that beautiful golden color. The center should feel slightly firm when gently pressed.

Step 6: Serve Immediately

Transfer your masterpiece to plates and serve right away with warm maple syrup. This healthy sourdough French toast is best enjoyed hot off the griddle when the contrast between crispy exterior and creamy interior is at its peak.

Expert Tips for Success

• Use day-old sourdough – Slightly stale bread absorbs custard perfectly without turning mushy
• Don’t oversoak – 30 seconds per side prevents soggy centers that nobody wants
• Medium heat is your friend – Too high burns the outside before the inside cooks properly
• Test for doneness – Gently press the center; it should spring back slightly when ready
• Work in batches – Don’t overcrowd your pan or you’ll end up with steamed instead of crispy French toast

Delicious Variations & Substitutions

Dietary Adaptations

• Dairy-Free Version: Replace milk and cream with full-fat coconut milk for rich, creamy results
• Sugar-Free Option: Skip added sweeteners and top with fresh berries and a drizzle of sugar-free syrup
• Lighter Version: Use half milk, half water and skip the heavy cream

Flavor Variations

• Stuffed Sourdough French Toast: Spread cream cheese and berry preserves between two thin slices
• Savory Twist: Skip the cinnamon, add fresh herbs, and serve with cheese
• Orange Zest Delight: Add 1 tablespoon fresh orange zest to your custard for citrusy brightness

Want more weekend breakfast inspiration? Check out our best weekend breakfast ideas for a complete morning feast, or try our homemade sourdough bread recipe if you want to go completely from scratch.

Perfect Serving Suggestions

• Classic Combo: Fresh berries, whipped cream, and warm maple syrup
• Decadent Delight: Caramelized bananas with chopped pecans and a drizzle of honey
• Savory-Sweet: Crispy bacon strips alongside your sweet toast
• Elegant Touch: Powdered sugar dusting with fresh lemon zest

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Storing Leftovers

• Refrigerate leftover French toast for up to 3 days in airtight containers
• Freeze cooked slices for up to 1 month – perfect for busy mornings
• Reheat in your toaster for crispy texture that rivals fresh-made

Make-Ahead Magic

Prepare your custard mixture the night before and store it covered in the fridge. This actually improves the flavor as the vanilla and cinnamon have time to meld together. Just give it a quick whisk before using.

For crowd-pleasing brunches, you can even make a sourdough French toast casserole – just layer everything in a baking dish and bake in the oven!

Frequently Asked Questions

This sourdough French toast recipe has become my go-to weekend breakfast, and I’m confident it’ll become yours too. The combination of tangy sourdough with rich custard creates something truly special that regular bread just can’t match. So grab that loaf of sourdough and get ready to create breakfast magic!