Sourdough French toast gives a tangy flavor that’s different from regular French Bread toast. This tangy taste blends well with sweet toppings like syrup or powdered sugar.
Besides the flavor, sourdough has a firm texture that stays soft inside and crispy outside. It’s a tasty way to upgrade your morning meal.
In short, sourdough French toast is a simple yet special way to enjoy breakfast.
This Sourdough toast works well for any meal, whether it’s breakfast or brunch. It’s perfect for family mornings, weekend gatherings, or even holiday celebrations.
Moreover, you can customize it with different toppings to suit everyone’s taste. From kids to adults, everyone will enjoy this fun and flavorful dish.
For any occasion, sourdough French toast is sure to please your guests.
Table of Contents
What Is Sourdough French Toast?
The Basics of French Toast with Sourdough Bread
Sourdough French toast is made with thick slices of sourdough bread dipped in a mix of eggs, milk, cinnamon, and vanilla. The bread soaks up the mix, making it soft on the inside and golden on the outside when cooked.
Unlike softer bread, sourdough holds its shape during cooking. This makes it perfect for French toast, giving it a balance of crispy edges and a tender middle.
Altogether, sourdough French toast is an easy and delicious twist on the classic recipe.
Why Sourdough Is Unique
Sourdough is special because it’s made differently from regular bread. Its natural sour flavor comes from a fermentation process that makes it taste tangy and rich.
Additionally, sourdough is firmer than most breads, so it doesn’t fall apart when soaked. This strong texture makes it great for recipes like French toast where bread needs to hold up well.
All in all, sourdough’s flavor and texture make it an ideal choice for this dish.
Why Sourdough Is Perfect for French Toast
The Flavor of Sourdough Bread
Sourdough bread has a tangy and slightly sour taste that makes it special. This flavor blends well with the sweetness of the egg and milk mixture.
Additionally, the tangy taste balances the sweetness of toppings like syrup or powdered sugar. This combination creates a delicious and unique flavor that everyone will enjoy.
All in all, sourdough bread makes French toast more flavorful and exciting.
The Texture of Sourdough Bread
Sourdough bread is firm and absorbs the egg mixture without falling apart. Its texture stays strong while cooking, giving it crispy edges and a soft center.
Moreover, sourdough doesn’t get soggy like softer breads often do. This makes it perfect for French toast, especially if you like your bread crispy on the outside.
Overall, sourdough bread adds the perfect texture and taste for a satisfying breakfast.
Ingredients Needed for Sourdough French Toast
Basic Ingredients
You don’t need many ingredients to make sourdough French toast. Here’s what you need:
- 4 slices of sourdough bread (day-old or slightly stale works best)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup of milk (use any type you like)
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- A pinch of nutmeg (optional)
- 1 tablespoon of butter for cooking
These simple ingredients make a tasty French toast that’s easy to prepare. Sourdough bread is the key to getting the best flavor and texture.
Substitutions for Ingredients
If you need to adjust the recipe, here are a few easy swaps:
- Use almond, soy, or oat milk instead of regular milk for a dairy-free option.
- Try honey or maple syrup instead of sugar to make it naturally sweet.
- Replace butter with coconut oil or vegan butter for a plant-based version.
These changes let you make French toast that works for your diet or preferences. Feel free to try different combinations to find what you like best.
How to Make Sourdough French Toast
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make sourdough bread french toast:
1. Whisk the batter: In a bowl, mix 2 eggs, 1/2 cup of milk, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, and a small pinch of nutmeg. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
2. Soak the bread: Dip a slice of sourdough bread into the mixture. Let it soak for 10 seconds on each side so it absorbs the flavors. Repeat for all slices.
3. Cook the French toast: Heat a skillet or griddle on medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of butter and let it melt. Place the soaked bread slices in the skillet. Cook for 2–3 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for 2–3 minutes on the other side.
Continue until all slices are cooked. Serve warm with syrup, powdered sugar, or fresh fruit.
Tips for Perfect Sourdough French Toast
Here are some helpful tips to make your French toast just right:
- Use day-old or slightly stale sourdough bread. It soaks up the batter better and stays firm.
- Keep the heat at medium to prevent burning. High heat can cook the outside too fast.
- To keep slices warm, place cooked French toast in an oven set to low heat.
These tips ensure your French toast is crispy, soft, and delicious every time.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are mistakes to avoid and how to fix them:
- Soaking too long: Do not leave the bread in the batter for over 10 seconds. Soaking too long can make it soggy.
- Cooking on high heat: High heat can burn the outside while leaving the inside undercooked. Medium heat works best for even cooking.
Following these tips, your French toast will turn out perfectly every time.
Creative Variations of Sourdough French Toast
The Casserole Variation
If you’re cooking for many people, try a casserole version. To make it, cut sourdough bread into cubes and place them in a greased baking dish.
In a bowl, whisk eggs, milk, vanilla, and cinnamon, then pour over the bread. Add layers of fruit, nuts, or cream cheese for more flavor. Bake at 350°F for 30–40 minutes until golden brown.
This casserole is great for brunches, holidays, or family gatherings.
The Sticks Variation
For a fun twist, cut sourdough bread into strips before soaking. Dip each strip in the egg mixture, making sure it’s fully coated.
Cook the strips on a skillet until golden on all sides. These sticks are great for kids and easy to dip into syrup or honey.
Serve them with small bowls of syrup or fruit dips for a fun meal.
The Bagels Variation
For something new, use sourdough bagels instead of bread. Slice the bagels in half and soak each piece in the egg mixture.
Cook the bagel halves on a skillet until golden and crispy. Add cream cheese, fruit jam, or fresh berries for extra flavor.
This version is perfect for breakfast lovers who want to try something different.
FAQs About Sourdough French Toast
Does Sourdough Taste Good for French Toast?
Yes, sourdough tastes great in French toast. Its tangy flavor adds something different and blends well with sweet toppings like syrup or powdered sugar. Besides this, its firm texture helps it cook perfectly without falling apart.
Is Sourdough or Brioche Better for French Toast?
Both sourdough and brioche are great for French toast, but they are different. Sourdough has a tangy flavor and firmer texture, while brioche is soft and sweet. Choose sourdough for a unique flavor or brioche if you prefer something rich and buttery.
How Long Should You Let French Toast Soak?
Soak the bread for about 10 seconds on each side. This gives enough time for the bread to absorb the batter without becoming too soft. Additionally, soaking evenly ensures every bite is full of flavor.
Is Sourdough Bread Healthier Than Brioche?
Yes, sourdough is often healthier than brioche. It has less sugar and fewer calories. Furthermore, the natural way sourdough is made makes it easier to digest. If you want a lighter and healthier choice, sourdough is a better option.
Can I Freeze Sourdough Bread for French Toast?
You can freeze sourdough bread and use it later for French toast. To do this, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store it in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to use it, let it thaw or warm it up slightly before dipping it in the batter.
Why Is Day-Old Sourdough Better for French Toast?
Day-old sourdough is better because it is firmer and absorbs the batter well. Fresh bread can become too soft and break apart when soaked. Using slightly stale bread, your French toast will turn out crispy on the outside and soft inside.
Nutritional Benefits of Using Sourdough Bread
Is Sourdough Bread Healthier Than Other Bread?
Sourdough has some health benefits compared to regular bread. It has a lower glycemic index, so it doesn’t cause blood sugar to rise quickly. Also, sourdough is made using a natural process that makes it easier to digest.
Moreover, sourdough is a good source of vitamins and minerals. Because of this, it’s a great option for balanced meals and can help keep you full for longer.
Calorie Count for Sourdough French Toast
The calories in sourdough French toast depend on the toppings you add. One slice with syrup and powdered sugar usually has about 200–250 calories. Adding fruit, honey, or yogurt will add more calories but also more nutrients.
If you want a lighter version, skip sugary toppings and use cinnamon or fresh berries instead. Small changes like these make the dish healthier and still delicious.
Serving and Topping Ideas for Sourdough French Toast
Sweet Topping Options
Sourdough French toast tastes amazing with sweet toppings. Here are a few easy ideas:
- Pour maple syrup on top for a simple and classic taste.
- Dust powdered sugar over the toast to add a light sweetness.
- Spread whipped cream for a rich and creamy finish.
- Add fresh berries like strawberries or blueberries for a fruity touch.
These toppings are simple to prepare and will make your French toast even better.
Savory Topping Options
If you enjoy savory flavors, here are some topping ideas to try:
- Add crispy bacon for a delicious mix of salty and sweet flavors.
- Top with sliced avocado for a creamy and healthy twist.
- Place a fried egg on top to make it a complete meal.
These savory toppings turn sourdough French toast into a filling and tasty dish for any time of day.
Take Your Breakfast to the Next Level with Sourdough French Toast
A Flavorful and Flexible Recipe for Any Occasion
Sourdough French toast is a dish you can enjoy anytime. It’s great for breakfast, brunch, or even a quick dinner when paired with your favorite sides.
Moreover, it works with both sweet and savory toppings, making it easy to adjust for your cravings. Whether you’re cooking for family or guests, this recipe is sure to impress.
Get Creative with Toppings and Variations
One of the best things about sourdough French toast is how easy it is to change up. You can add fresh fruit, nuts, or even chocolate chips for a sweet twist.
Additionally, you can try savory toppings like cheese or fresh herbs for a unique flavor. Don’t hesitate to mix different ingredients to find the combination you love most.