Sourdough French toast - The ultimate brunch and breakfast recipe with eggs, milk, bread and sugar which takes less than 15 minutes to make.
Why this recipe works
1. Quick breakfast with easy everyday ingredients.
2. Though sourdough bread needs a longer soak, it crisps up better without being soggy.
3. Perfect way to use up stale sourdough bread.
This is the most indulgent weekend breakfast that can be made in less than 15 minutes. Buttery, eggy, crispy caramelized bread, topped with syrup and powdered sugar.
You can build it up and serve with ice cream or whipped cream or dial it down a notch and serve it with honey or maple syrup.
There are only a handful recipes that can be served on a fancy brunch and packed in your child's lunch box too. This is one of them.
Another brunch recipe that I make quite often, especially on Christmas is my brioche French toast casserole. You can prep it a day in advance, pop it in the oven an hour before serving.
We have also been obsessing over burrata hot honey toast lately. You must try it!
Ingredients for sourdough french toast
Here are the simple ingredients you need to make this French toast recipe.
See the recipe card for quantities.
Sourdough bread - You can use any other bread like ciabatta and brioche too. This recipe is great to use up stale sourdough bread.
Butter - I like using salted butter. The contrast of sweet and salty is just pure heaven!
Milk - You can use any kind of milk. Whole milk and half and half are great options. I really do not see the need for heavy cream but if you want to go there, then you can!
Egg & granulated sugar
Beyond this, you can choose the kind of sugar, flavors and toppings that you want to add.
On a regular day, I rarely add cinnamon and vanilla but that said, they do turn an otherwise busy mom recipe to something you would serve at a restaurant.
How to make sourdough French toast
Step 1: Make the custard & soak the bread
Use a flat dish so you can soak the bread in a single layer without folding it. If you are cooking for more than one person, use a baking sheet. Whisk together egg, milk, sugar, vanilla extract and cinnamon.
Unlike softer breads, sour dough bread will need to be soaked for longer. But on the plus side, it is easier to handle and wont play dead for you.
Flip the bread midway. If the slices are thin, a 10 minute soak will do. But if the bread is old and cut into thick slices, you might have to let the bread soak for a whole 20 minutes.
Step 2: Cook the French toast
Heat a well seasoned cast iron or a nonstick pan on medium heat. Add a teaspoon of butter and swirl it around.
Place the soaked bread and cook till it turns golden brown. Flip and repeat on the other side.
Tip!
Sprinkle some granulated sugar on the bread while cooking to get a crispy, caramelized finish !
Variations
We love making all kinds of homemade French toasts.
Christmas special- overnight baked brioche French toast casserole. It's perfect when you have to feed a crowd! Another holiday favorite it making nutella babka bread.
Stuffed French Toast- Make a cream cheese and blueberry jam sandwich with two bread slices. Soak it in the custard and make a stuffed French toast. You can also make this with peanut butter and jelly instead.
Savory French toast - I grew up with the Indian masala version of French toast with chilies and cilantro, served with ketchup. We also make a cheesy, herby savory French toast.
Here are more breakfast recipes and ideas for you. And if sweet breakfasts are your jam, try my Nutella banana crepes. They are amazing!
Sourdough French Toast
Ingredients
- 2 Slices Sour dough bread
- 1 Egg
- ¼ Cup Milk
- 1 Tablespoon Sugar
- ¼ Teaspoon Vanilla extract optional
- 1 Pinch Ground Cinnamon optional
- 1 Teaspoon Butter more for serving.
- 1 Teaspoon Honey to serve ; or maple syrup.
Toppings- Choose any
- ¼ Cup Berries
- 1 Bananas or caramelized bananas
- ¼ Cup Chocolate chips
Instructions
- Make the custard mixture by whisking egg, milk, sugar, vanilla essence and cinnamon in a shallow tray or dish.
- Place the sour dough bread slices in the custard. Soak for 5 minutes on each side. Increase the soaking time to 10 on each side if you are using stale bread.
- Heat the nonstick or well-seasoned cast iron pan. Add butter. Swirl it around to coat the pan.
- Place the soaked bread in the hot pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes each side till it turns golden brown.
- Serve with a knob of butter and honey or maple syrup. Dust with caster sugar for a decadent look.
Notes
Toppings
Syrups & spreads like honey, maple syrup & Nutella are great. Fruits, fresh berries, compotes, chocolate chips, and air fried caramelized bananas are some of my son's favorites.Storing
Unlike French toasts made with softer bread, sourdough French toast can last on the counter for a long. Which also makes it a perfect make-ahead snack for school. If you are not eating the French toast in a couple of hours, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.Nutrition
Related
Here are some more easy recipes
Gwen says
This was delicious! I have never used sourdough to make my french toast and now it will be my go-to when I have company. I used Nutella on the top because hubby is a fanatic, lol.
Pearl says
I tried this with brioche instead of sourdough and it turned out delicious. The eggy, buttery flavor was perfect, and the crispy edges were a nice touch. Definitely making it again.
chhavi says
oh nice...how long did you have to dip the bread for?
Claire says
This recipe was so good! My family said it was the best french toast they'd ever had.
Paula says
I've had an excess of sourdough to use lately, and been looking for tasty recipes to use it for, and this did not disappoint. packed full of flavour and so simple too!
chhavi says
Thankyou! This recipe is especially good with old sourdough bread.
Mina says
Never thought using sourdough will turn out great! First time to make this and I love this recipe. I just added a lil more cinnamon. My husband loved it! Bookmarked this!
chhavi says
Thankyou so much...