This sourdough French toast recipe is about to become your new go-to recipe.
Imagine thick, golden slices of tangy loaf of sourdough bread, soaked in a rich, custardy egg and milk mixture, cream, and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Each bite is a heavenly combination of crispy edges and a pillowy soft interior, bursting with flavor in every mouthful. It's like a hug for your taste buds, but better!
This recipe is so easy to whip up, that even the most kitchen-challenged among us can master it. No fancy techniques or obscure ingredients are required – just a few simple staples and a willingness to treat yourself to something truly delicious.
But don't just take my word for it. The fresh bread adds a delightful tang that perfectly balances the sweetness, while the custard mixture ensures a luxuriously creamy texture. Top it off with your favorite accouterments – whether it's a drizzle of maple syrup, a sprinkle of powdered sugar, or a handful of fresh berries – and you've got a delicious breakfast that's fit for royalty.
Why I Love This Recipe
Homemade sourdough bread is known for its gut-friendly properties, thanks to the natural fermentation process that breaks down gluten and makes it easier to digest. So not only will you be indulging in a scrumptious weekend breakfast, but you'll also be doing your tummy a favor.
And here's the best part – you don't need to be a master chef to whip up this mouthwatering dish. With just a handful of simple ingredients and a few easy steps, you'll be well on your way to impressing your family and friends with your culinary skills.
What You Need To Make French toast
- Sourdough bread: The star of the dish, providing a tangy flavor and sturdy texture that holds up well when soaked in the egg mixture. Slightly stale bread works best.
- Eggs: They create a rich, custardy base that coats the bread and helps it develop a golden-brown exterior when cooked.
- Milk and cream: These dairy ingredients add richness and moisture to the egg mixture, ensuring the French toast is tender and flavorful.
- Vanilla extract: Improves the flavor with its sweet notes.
- Cinnamon and nutmeg: Warming spices that complement the tangy sourdough cinnamon and add depth to the dish.
- Butter: Used for cooking French toast, butter adds flavor and helps achieve a crispy, golden-brown surface.
How To Make Sourdough Bread
- In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg, and add a pinch of salt until well combined.
- Slice the sourdough bread into ¾-inch thick pieces.
- Preheat a skillet to medium heat and melt butter.
- Dip each slice of bread into the mixture, and allow it to soak for 30 seconds on each side. Let the excess drip off before transferring to the hot skillet.
- Cook the French toast for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Adjust the heat if necessary to prevent burning.
- Serve the sourdough French toast warm with your favorite toppings, such as maple syrup, fresh berries, whipped cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
What Can I Serve With French Toast Recipe
- Crispy bacon or sausage: Nothing complements the sweet, custardy goodness of French toast like a side of savory, salty meat. Cook up some crispy strips of bacon or juicy sausage links for a classic breakfast combo that never fails to satisfy.
- Fresh fruit salad: Lighten things up with a colorful array of seasonal fruits. Toss together berries, melon, citrus, and grapes for a refreshing and vitamin-packed side dish that balances out the richness of the French toast.
- Yogurt: Layer creamy yogurt with granola and fresh fruit in pretty glasses for a fun and wholesome addition to your breakfast table. The cool, tangy yogurt is a nice contrast to the warm, spiced French toast.
- Scrambled eggs: For a protein-packed option, whip up a batch of fluffy scrambled eggs. You can keep them simple or jazz them up with cheese, herbs, or veggies for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Smoothies: Whip up a refreshing smoothie to serve alongside your sourdough French toast. Blend frozen fruit, yogurt, and a splash of milk or juice for a cool, creamy drink that's perfect for sipping between bites.
- Mimosas or coffee: Don't forget the beverages! Treat your guests to a round of bubbly mimosas for a festive brunch vibe, or serve up steaming mugs of coffee or tea to help everyone wake up and smell the deliciousness.
Pro Tips For Delicious Sourdough
- Use day-old bread: Slightly stale sourdough bread is your best friend when making French toast. It's drier and more porous, so it soaks up that luscious egg mixture like a champ without falling apart.
- Don't oversoak: While you want the bread to absorb the custardy goodness, letting it sit in the mixture for too long can lead to soggy French toast. Aim for about 30 seconds per side for the perfect balance of moisture and texture.
- Preheat your pan: Make sure your skillet or griddle is nice and hot before adding the butter and your first slice. This helps create that irresistible golden-brown crust and prevents sticking.
- Adjust the heat: Start cooking over medium heat to achieve a good sear, then lower the temperature a bit to ensure the inside cooks through without burning the outside. Slow and steady wins the French toast race!
Toppings You Can Add To This Recipe
Fresh Fruit
Elevate your French toast with a colorful array of fresh, seasonal fruits. Berries like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries add a burst of natural sweetness and vibrant color. Sliced bananas, peaches, or apples sautéed in a bit of butter and cinnamon also make for a delightful fruity topping.
Whipped Cream
A dollop of fluffy, lightly sweetened whipped cream is the perfect finishing touch for your sourdough French toast. You can make your own by whipping heavy cream with a touch of sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. The cool, creamy contrast is heavenly against the warm, custardy bread.
Nut Butters
For a protein-packed and flavorful twist, spread a generous layer of your favorite nut butter over the French toast. Peanut butter, almond butter, or cashew butter all work beautifully, adding a rich nuttiness that complements the tangy sourdough. Sprinkle some chopped nuts on top for extra crunch.
Caramel or Chocolate Sauce
Drizzle warm caramel sauce or melted chocolate over your sourdough French toast for an indulgent treat. The gooey, decadent sauces will melt into every nook and cranny, creating an irresistible flavor combination. For an extra special touch, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream and turn it into a French toast sundae!
Savory Toppings
Don't limit yourself to sweet toppings – sourdough French toast is fantastic with savory additions too. Try crumbled crispy bacon, sliced avocado, a fried egg, or a sprinkle of sharp cheddar cheese. The possibilities are endless.
Flavored Syrups
While classic maple syrup is always a winner, branch out and try some flavored syrups for a fun twist. Vanilla, cinnamon, or even fruit-infused syrups like strawberry or blueberry can add an extra layer of flavor to your French toast. You can easily make your own by simmering simple syrup with your desired flavorings.
How To Store Homemade Sourdough Leftovers
Store in the fridge
- Let the leftover sourdough bread cool completely to room temperature.
- Place the leftover French toast in an airtight container, separating each piece with wax paper or parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
Freeze for later
- Arrange the cooled French toast slices in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Flash freeze for about 2 hours until solid.
- Transfer the frozen slices to a freezer-safe bag or container, placing parchment paper between each piece.
- Label with the date and freeze for up to 1-2 months.
Reheat frozen leftovers
- No need to thaw first. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees (175°C).
- Arrange the frozen slices on a baking sheet and cover with foil.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Flip halfway for even reheating.
- For a crispy exterior, uncover for the last 2-3 minutes of reheating. Serve warm with your favorite toppings.
Sourdough French Toast
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Ingredients
- 8 thick slices of sourdough bread about 400g or 14 oz
- 4 large eggs 200g or 7 oz
- 1 cup whole milk 240ml or 8 fl oz
- ¼ cup heavy cream 60ml or 2 fl oz
- 2 teaspoon vanilla extract 10ml or 0.3 fl oz
- 2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 4g or 0.14 oz
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg 0.5g or 0.02 oz
- 4 tablespoon unsalted butter 60g or 2 oz, plus more as needed
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 200°F (95°C). Place a baking sheet inside to keep the cooked French toast warm.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined. Transfer the mixture to a shallow baking dish.
- Slice the sourdough bread into 1-inch (2.5 cm) thick slices. Dip each slice into the egg mixture, allowing it to soak for about 1-2 minutes per side. Make sure the bread is evenly coated but not overly soggy.
- In a large griddle Melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Once the butter is sizzling, add 2-3 slices of the soaked bread to the pan. Cook for 4-4 minutes per side, until it's golden brown. Adjust the heat if needed to prevent burning.
- Transfer the cooked French toast to the baking sheet in the oven to keep it warm. Repeat the process with the remaining bread slices, adding more butter to the pan as necessary.
- Serve the sourdough French toast warm with your favorite toppings, such as maple syrup, fresh berries, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a pat of butter. Enjoy your delightful breakfast creation!
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, substitute the milk and cream with your preferred non-dairy alternatives, such as almond milk or coconut milk.
- Adjust the amount of cinnamon and nutmeg to your taste preferences. You can also add a pinch of cardamom or ginger for extra warmth and flavor.
- Leftover sourdough French toast can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days old Reheat in the oven or toaster until warmed through and crispy.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular bread instead of sourdough?
Yes, you can use any kind of bread for French toast, but bread like sourdough provides a unique tangy flavor and sturdy texture that works particularly well.
How do I prevent my French toast from getting soggy?
Make sure not to oversoak the bread in the egg mixture. Aim for an even coating that doesn't saturate the bread completely. Also, cook the French toast over medium heat to allow the inside to cook through without burning the outside.
Can I make sourdough French toast ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the French toast batter and soak the bread slices the night before. Cover and refrigerate overnight, then cook in the morning for a quick and tasty breakfast.
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