Sourdough French toast is a delicious twist on a classic breakfast dish. If you’re a brunch lover or a sourdough enthusiast, you’re in for a treat. This variation brings a subtle tang, a hearty texture, and a beautifully crisp crust to the traditional recipe — making it a standout on any morning menu. Whether you’re working with day-old homemade sourdough or just found a beautiful loaf at your local bakery, this guide will help you transform it into golden-brown perfection.
In this article, you’ll learn how to make French toast with sourdough bread, discover helpful tips for the best results, and explore topping ideas that elevate the experience. Plus, we’ve included answers to frequently asked questions and useful links to other delicious recipes from Quickly Taste to help you explore even more tasty creations.
Why Choose Sourdough for French Toast?
Sourdough brings more than just flavor — it brings texture and character. Its slightly chewy crust and open crumb structure hold up wonderfully when soaked in custard. Unlike softer breads that can go soggy fast, sourdough keeps a firm bite and toasts up perfectly crisp. If you’re not familiar with the bread’s backstory, here’s a helpful guide on how sourdough is made that explains what gives it that signature tang.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Making sourdough French toast doesn’t require anything fancy, but each ingredient adds to the rich, flavorful outcome.
- 4 slices of sourdough bread (preferably a day old)
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup milk (whole milk, almond, or oat milk all work well)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
- A pinch of salt
- Butter or oil for frying
This base creates a balanced custard with sweet, warm undertones that complement the sourdough’s tangy character.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Bread
Step 1:
Choose thick, 1-inch slices of sourdough bread. Day-old bread is best because it’s slightly drier and will absorb the custard mixture without falling apart. If your bread is fresh, try toasting it slightly or letting it sit out for a few hours. - Make the Custard
In a wide bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, sugar, and a pinch of salt. This mixture should be smooth and evenly blended.
- Soak the Bread
Dip each slice of sourdough into the custard mixture, allowing it to soak for 15–20 seconds on each side. Don’t oversoak — sourdough absorbs well, and too much liquid can result in a mushy center.
- Cook to Perfection
Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add a bit of butter or oil. Once hot, place the soaked bread slices onto the pan and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, or until each slice is golden brown and slightly crispy on the edges.
If you’re making a large batch, keep the cooked slices warm in a 200°F (95°C) oven while you finish the rest.
Topping Ideas to Elevate Your Toast
Once your sourdough French toast is golden and ready, it’s time to top it! Here are some ideas, from classic to gourmet:
Sweet & Traditional
- Maple syrup and powdered sugar
- Whipped cream with fresh berries
- Caramelized bananas or sliced peaches
Gourmet Add-Ons
- Mascarpone cheese with lemon zest
- Toasted pecans and a drizzle of honey
- A dollop of Greek yogurt with cinnamon
Savory Twist
Craving something less sweet? Try going savory by omitting the sugar and cinnamon from the custard. Then top your French toast with:
- Crispy bacon or prosciutto
- Avocado slices and poached eggs
- Fresh herbs and ricotta
For another rich, bakery-style twist, don’t miss this buttery Croissant French Toast from our blog — it’s decadent, flaky, and divine.
Pro Tips for Success
Getting the perfect French toast is easier when you follow a few expert tips:
- Use stale bread: Slightly dry bread absorbs custard better than fresh, soft slices.
- Soak evenly: Let each slice soak up the custard evenly but don’t drench it.
- Cook on medium heat: Too hot, and it burns. Too low, and it doesn’t crisp.
- Use whole milk or cream: For a richer texture, opt for dairy with fat.
- Add spice: A little nutmeg or cardamom can add a twist to your flavor profile.
Want more ways to use sourdough? You’ll love our Sourdough Discard Focaccia, which turns leftover starter into a beautifully golden snack or side.
Recipe Variation: Make It Your Own
French toast is incredibly flexible. Feel free to experiment with:
- Coconut milk or almond milk for dairy-free versions
- Brown sugar or maple syrup in the custard
- Orange zest for a citrusy aroma
- Savory custard with herbs and parmesan cheese
You can also try this McCormick French Toast Recipe for a spice-forward approach using pantry seasonings.
Related Breakfast Recipes You’ll Love
If you’re enjoying your sourdough breakfast vibes, don’t miss:
- Banana Bread Recipe with Oil — moist, flavorful, and perfect with coffee
- Strawberry Cheesecake Bars — great for brunch dessert
- Tuna on Whole Grain Toast — a savory breakfast/lunch option
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Sourdough adds a depth of flavor you don’t get with plain white bread. Its slightly tangy taste balances sweet toppings like syrup, fruit, or whipped cream beautifully, making the dish feel more complex and satisfying.
That depends on your taste. Brioche is soft, rich, and sweet — great for a dessert-like French toast. Sourdough is more rustic with a chewy texture and a tangy edge, offering a more savory and hearty experience. If you’re looking for balance and crispiness, sourdough wins.
The best bread is one that holds up during soaking and brings flavor to the table. Sourdough, brioche, challah, and French bread are all excellent options. They have enough structure to stay firm while soaking and cook up beautifully golden.
Avoid soft, thin-sliced sandwich bread. These tend to become too soggy and fall apart. Also steer clear of breads with strong flavors like garlic or herbs, as they clash with sweet toppings.
A Brief History of French Toast
French toast, or “pain perdu” in French, literally means “lost bread,” referring to stale bread that’s given new life by soaking and frying. Variations of this dish date back to Roman times, and today it’s enjoyed around the world in sweet and savory forms. Curious? Read more on the history of French toast here.
Let’s try it
Sourdough French toast is more than just a trendy take — it’s a flavor-packed upgrade that delivers on texture, richness, and satisfaction. The contrast between the crisp outside and custardy inside is elevated by the bread’s natural tang, and it pairs well with both sweet and savory toppings. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe is guaranteed to impress.
If you’re feeling inspired, explore more delicious brunch ideas on QuicklyTaste.com, and don’t forget to try our Croissant French Toast or bake a batch of Banana Bread to complete your morning.
Happy cooking — and don’t forget to tag us if you share your masterpiece on social!
Sourdough French Toast
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk
- Skillet or griddle
Ingredients
Custard & Bread
- 4 slices sourdough bread preferably day-old
- 3 large eggs
- 0.5 cup milk any type
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp sugar optional
- salt a pinch
- butter or oil for frying
Instructions
- Slice sourdough bread into 1-inch thick slices. Use day-old or slightly toasted bread for best results.
- In a bowl, whisk eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, sugar, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
- Dip each slice into the custard mixture for 15–20 seconds per side.
- Heat butter or oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook each slice for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Serve with toppings like maple syrup, fruit, whipped cream, or a savory twist with herbs and eggs.