How to Make Sourdough French Toast: The Ultimate Breakfast Recipe

Ever wonder why sourdough French toast just hits differently? It’s like regular French toast went to culinary school and came out with a diploma in deliciousness. The tangy, slightly nutty flavor of sourdough bread pairs perfectly with the rich, creamy custard, giving you a breakfast that’s fancy enough for brunch but easy enough for a lazy Saturday morning.

What makes sourdough so special? It’s all about that texture. Unlike softer breads, sourdough holds its shape even after a good soak in custard, so you get slices that are crisp on the outside and tender in the middle—no soggy disasters here! Plus, let’s be real, this recipe is a hero when it comes to saving slightly stale sourdough bread from going to waste.

Whether you’re a French toast newbie or a seasoned breakfast champion, sourdough French toast is going to change your mornings. Grab your favorite toppings and let’s make something magical!

Why Sourdough Makes the Best French Toast

When it comes to French toast, not all bread is created equal. Sure, you could use soft sandwich bread or a generic loaf, but sourdough? That’s where the magic happens. Trust me, once you’ve had sourdough French toast, there’s no going back.

Flavor That Pops

Sourdough bread has a unique tangy flavor, thanks to the natural fermentation process. When you pair that slightly tart taste with the creamy sweetness of the custard, it’s like a flavor symphony in your mouth—savory, sweet, and just a little funky in the best way possible. It’s the kind of taste that makes you pause after the first bite and say, “Wow, this is good.”

Texture That’s Just Right

One of the biggest challenges with French toast is getting the bread to soak up the custard without turning into a soggy mess. Sourdough’s firm, chewy structure is a game-changer here. Even if it’s a little stale, it soaks up just the right amount of liquid without falling apart. When you cook it up, the outside gets golden and crisp, while the inside stays tender and custardy. Basically, it’s a breakfast dream come true.

The Bonus of Stale Bread

Got sourdough that’s past its prime? Perfect! Slightly stale bread is actually better for French toast. Fresh bread tends to fall apart when dipped in custard, but day-old sourdough holds its ground. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftovers instead of tossing them out. Zero waste, maximum taste.

So, next time you’re deciding what bread to use for French toast, reach for sourdough. Whether it’s fresh from the bakery or a day old, it’s going to elevate your breakfast game in ways you didn’t know were possible.

Want more sourdough inspiration? Check out 10 Creative Sourdough Toast Breakfast Ideas to Start Your Day Right.

Ingredients for Sourdough French toast

Making sourdough French toast is super simple, but the ingredients you choose can take it from good to mind-blowing. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

The Essentials

• Sourdough Bread: Aim for a loaf that’s slightly stale (trust me, it’s better this way). If you only have fresh bread, you can let the slices sit out for a bit to dry out.
• Eggs: These are the backbone of your custard. They give the toast that rich, creamy texture.
• Milk and Cream: A mix of both is ideal for a luscious custard, but you can use just milk if that’s what you have. For a dairy-free option, almond or oat milk works great.
• Sugar: A little sweetness goes a long way. Granulated sugar is classic, but brown sugar adds a subtle caramel note.
• Cinnamon: Because what’s French toast without a warm hint of spice?
• Vanilla Extract: A splash of this adds depth and makes your kitchen smell amazing while you cook.
• Butter: For frying up the toast. It gives you those crispy, golden edges that are to die for.

Optional Toppings (But Highly Recommended!)

• Maple Syrup: The OG French toast topping.
• Powdered Sugar: For that Instagram-worthy finish.
• Fresh Berries: Strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries add a pop of color and flavor.
• Whipped Cream: Because life is better with whipped cream, right?
• Nuts: Toasted almonds or pecans for some crunch.
• Chocolate Chips or Nutella: For those indulgent mornings.

Step-by-Step Recipe for Sourdough French Toast

Ready to whip up the most delicious sourdough French toast ever? Let’s break it down step by step so you can nail it every time.

Step 1: Prep the Bread

Start with your sourdough loaf. Slice it into thick pieces, about ¾ to 1 inch thick. If your bread is fresh, let the slices sit out for 10–15 minutes to dry out a bit. Stale bread works best here because it soaks up the custard without turning mushy.

Step 2: Make the Custard

In a shallow dish or mixing bowl, whisk together:

• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup of milk (or a mix of milk and cream for extra richness)
• 2 tablespoons of sugar
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon of cinnamon

Whisk until everything is well combined and the custard looks smooth. If you like your French toast extra flavorful, add a pinch of nutmeg or a splash of orange juice—it’s a game-changer!

If you’re a fan of homemade breads, you might also enjoy exploring how to bake your own sourdough with our guide to Sourdough Sandwich Bread.

Step 3: Dip the Bread

Take one slice of sourdough at a time and dip it into the custard. Let it soak for about 10 seconds per side. You want the bread to absorb the liquid but not get soggy.

Step 4: Heat the Pan

Place a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a generous pat of butter. Let it melt and start to bubble. Butter is what gives the toast those crispy, golden edges, so don’t skimp!

Step 5: Cook the Sourdough French Toast

Lay the soaked slices onto the hot pan. Cook each side for about 2–3 minutes, or until golden brown and slightly crispy. Adjust the heat if needed to prevent burning—you want that perfect balance of crispy outside and custardy inside.

Step 6: Serve Up Your Sourdough French Toast

Transfer the cooked slices to a plate and keep them warm in a low oven (about 200°F) while you finish the rest. When all the slices are done, pile them high on a serving platter.

Step 7: Add the Toppings to Your Sourdough French Toast

Now for the fun part—toppings! Drizzle with maple syrup, dust with powdered sugar, and add a handful of fresh berries. Or go wild with whipped cream, Nutella, or toasted nuts.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Sourdough French Toast

Even the best recipes can go sideways if you’re not careful. Sourdough French toast is no exception! Avoid these common mistakes to make sure your breakfast turns out perfect every time.

Using Fresh Bread for Sourdough French Toast

Fresh sourdough might seem like the obvious choice, but it’s not ideal for French toast. Why? It soaks up too much custard and can get soggy. Slightly stale bread is firmer and holds up better when dipped. If all you have is fresh bread, slice it and let it sit out for 10–15 minutes to dry out a bit.

Over-Soaking the Bread for Sourdough French Toast

We’ve all been there—dunking the bread and letting it sit too long, thinking it’ll be extra flavorful. Nope! Over-soaked bread can fall apart or cook unevenly. Aim for about 10 seconds per side in the custard, just enough to coat the bread and let it absorb slightly.

3. Skipping the Butter

Butter isn’t just for flavor—it helps create those crispy, golden edges that make French toast so irresistible. Cooking without butter (or using too little) can leave your toast dry and less flavorful. Be generous, and don’t let the pan go dry between batches.

4. Cooking on Too High Heat

It’s tempting to crank up the heat to speed things along, but cooking on high can burn the outside while leaving the inside undercooked. Stick with medium heat and be patient. If your toast is browning too quickly, lower the heat a bit.

5. Not Whisking the Custard Enough

Custard that isn’t fully combined can leave streaks of egg white on your bread—not cute and definitely not tasty. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and uniform before dipping.

6. Forgetting to Warm the Pan Properly

If your pan isn’t hot enough when you start cooking, the bread can stick, or worse, soak up too much butter and turn greasy. Wait until the butter starts bubbling before adding the first slice.

7. Neglecting the Toppings

Toppings are the cherry on top (sometimes literally!). Don’t skip this step—whether it’s fresh fruit, syrup, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar, the right toppings can take your French toast from good to unforgettable.

Creative Variations of Sourdough French Toast to Try

Sourdough French toast is already a winner, but why stop at the classic version? With a few tweaks, you can transform this breakfast favorite into something totally new and exciting. Here are some creative ideas to spice things up:

1. Savory Sourdough French Toast

Who says French toast has to be sweet? Skip the sugar in the custard and add a pinch of salt, black pepper, and a sprinkle of your favorite herbs like thyme or parsley. Top with grated cheese, a fried egg, or even some crispy bacon. It’s like brunch and dinner had a delicious baby.

2. Stuffed Sourdough French Toast

Take things up a notch by making stuffed French toast. Spread a layer of cream cheese, Nutella, or fruit preserves between two slices of sourdough, then dip the “sandwich” in custard and cook as usual. The result? Ooey-gooey goodness in every bite.

3. Sourdough French Toast Casserole

If you’re feeding a crowd, a casserole is the way to go. Cube the sourdough bread and layer it in a greased baking dish. Pour the custard over the top and let it soak overnight in the fridge. Bake it in the morning until golden and bubbly, and voila—a hands-off breakfast that everyone will love.

4. Cinnamon Roll Style

Add a swirl of cinnamon sugar to your French toast by mixing cinnamon and brown sugar with softened butter. Spread it onto each slice of bread before dipping in custard. When it cooks, the butter and sugar caramelize, giving you all the vibes of a gooey cinnamon roll.

5. Tropical Twist

Want to feel like you’re on vacation? Add a splash of coconut milk to the custard and top your French toast with fresh pineapple, shredded coconut, and a drizzle of honey. It’s sweet, tangy, and totally transportive.

6. Chocolate Lover’s Dream

Mix cocoa powder into the custard for a subtle chocolate flavor, then top with chocolate chips or a drizzle of melted chocolate. If you’re feeling fancy, a dollop of whipped cream and some chocolate shavings will take it over the top.

7. Seasonal Flair

In the fall, add pumpkin spice to the custard and top with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg. For summer, go for fresh berries and lemon zest. Adjust the flavors to match the season, and you’ve got a winner every time.

Tips for Making Ahead and Storing Leftovers

Sourdough French toast is delicious fresh off the skillet, but it’s also super flexible if you need to prep ahead or save leftovers. Here’s how to keep it convenient and tasty:

Making Ahead

1. Prep the Custard in Advance:
   • Mix up the custard (eggs, milk, sugar, cinnamon, vanilla) the night before. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and give it a good whisk before using.
   • This saves time in the morning, especially if you’re feeding a crowd or just not a morning person (no judgment).
2. Slice the Bread Ahead of Time:
   • Cut your sourdough loaf into slices the night before and let them sit out to dry slightly. This ensures they’ll soak up just the right amount of custard without getting soggy.
3. Overnight French Toast Casserole:
   • For a make-ahead option, assemble the casserole version by layering cubed sourdough in a baking dish and pouring the custard over it. Cover and refrigerate overnight, then bake in the morning for an effortless breakfast.

Storing Leftovers

1. Refrigerating Cooked French Toast:
   • Let the French toast cool completely, then layer the slices in an airtight container with parchment paper in between to prevent sticking. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
2. Freezing for Long-Term Storage:
   • Place cooled slices on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid (about 2 hours). Then transfer the slices to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months.
   • Tip: Label the bag with the date so you don’t forget how long they’ve been in there.
3. Reheating for Best Results:
   • Oven: Preheat to 350°F, place the slices on a baking sheet, and heat for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
   • Toaster: Pop a slice in the toaster for a quick and crispy reheat.
   • Microwave: Not ideal, but if you’re in a rush, heat a slice for 20–30 seconds. The texture may be softer than freshly cooked.

Conclusion

Sourdough French toast isn’t just breakfast—it’s an experience. The tangy, chewy sourdough bread paired with rich, flavorful custard creates a dish that’s both comforting and sophisticated. Whether you keep it classic with maple syrup or venture into creative variations like savory or stuffed French toast, this recipe is bound to become a favorite in your kitchen.

And the best part? It’s flexible! You can prep it ahead of time for stress-free mornings or save leftovers to reheat when the craving strikes. No matter how you enjoy it, sourdough French toast proves that breakfast doesn’t have to be boring.

So, grab some sourdough, whip up that custard, and get cooking. And hey, don’t forget to share your favorite toppings or creative twists in the comments—I’d love to hear how you make it your own!