This Sourdough French Toast Recipe has a crispy outside and a soft, custardy center with a hint of tangy flavor. Made with eggs, milk, and cinnamon, it comes together in under 20 minutes for an easy, irresistible breakfast!
For a similar baked option, try our Brioche French Toast Casserole. Our Dubai Chocolate Waffles or this Blueberry Belgian Waffle Recipe is also perfect for a weekend brunch!
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French toast, known in France as pain perdu ("lost bread"), is a simple dish made by soaking bread in a mixture of eggs and milk before frying. Using sourdough bread adds a tangy depth of flavor and a firm texture, preventing it from becoming soggy.
Why We Love This Recipe
- Perfectly Crispy Texture: Sourdough bread holds its shape and gets beautifully golden brown.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just 20 minutes with simple ingredients.
- Healthier Choice: Sourdough bread has natural gut-friendly probiotics and is easier to digest than regular white bread.
- Customizable: Pairs well with sweet or savory toppings, from maple syrup to bacon!
Ingredients for Sourdough French Toast
- Sourdough Bread: Thick-cut slices work best, preferably day-old for better absorption.
- Eggs: Five large eggs provide a rich, custardy texture and help the batter cling to the bread.
- Heavy Cream & Whole Milk: A mix of ¾ cup heavy cream and ¼ cup whole milk ensures a luxurious, silky consistency without being too heavy.
- Sugar: 1-2 tablespoons, depending on how sweet you like it.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances flavor with warm notes.
- Cinnamon: Adds a hint of warmth and spice, balancing the tanginess of sourdough.
- Nutmeg or Cardamom (Optional): A pinch (⅛ teaspoon) adds depth without overpowering.
- Butter: Used for frying, ensuring a crisp, golden-brown exterior.
A full ingredient list with exact measurements can be found in the recipe card below.
Substitutions & Variations
- Milk Alternatives: Use almond, oat, or coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
- Sweeteners: Swap sugar for maple syrup or honey.
- Bread Options: Try brioche or whole wheat sourdough for a different flavor.
How to Make Sourdough French Toast
STEP ONE: Mix the Custard
In a shallow dish, whisk together the 5 eggs, heavy cream, whole milk, vanilla extract, sugar, and cinnamon until smooth and well combined.
STEP TWO: Coat the Bread
Dip each slice of sourdough bread into the custard, allowing it to soak for 10-15 seconds per side to absorb the flavors without becoming overly saturated.
STEP THREE: Cook Until Golden Brown
Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease with butter. Cook the coated slices for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy on the edges.
STEP FOUR: Serve with Toppings
Serve warm, lightly dusted with powdered sugar, and topped with whipped cream and blueberry syrup or compote, if desired.
Expert Tips for Success
👩🍳Jami's Pro Tips: Want to take this recipe to the next level? Check out my expert tips below for the best flavor, texture, and meal prep hacks!
✔️ DO Use slightly stale bread – it absorbs the batter better.
✔️ DO Let the bread soak properly but not too long to avoid falling apart.
✔️ DO Use medium heat to cook evenly without burning.
❌ DO NOT press the bread while cooking – it’ll lose its fluffiness.
MEAL PREP: Make the custard in advance by whisking the egg mixture the night before and storing it in the refrigerator for easy morning prep.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat in a toaster oven or skillet until warm.
Recipe FAQs
The best bread for French toast is one that absorbs the egg mixture well without falling apart. Sourdough, brioche, and challah are all excellent choices. Sourdough offers a slightly tangy flavor and firm texture, brioche and challah provide a rich, buttery taste.
Yes! Use oat milk, almond milk, or coconut milk as a substitute. Oat milk provides a creamy texture, almond milk gives a nutty taste, and coconut milk adds a slight sweetness.
Yes! Sourdough’s firm texture and tangy flavor make it ideal for soaking without getting soggy. It holds up better than soft bread and adds a rich, slightly chewy bite. Day-old sourdough works best for extra crispiness.
Yes! Let slices cool, then freeze them in a single layer before stacking with parchment paper. Store in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Reheat in a toaster oven, air fryer, or skillet for a crispy finish.
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📖 Recipe
Sourdough French Toast Recipe
Equipment
- Shallow dish
- Whisk
- Large skillet or griddle
- Spatula
Ingredients
- 8 slices sourdough bread preferably thick-cut and slightly stale
- 5 large eggs
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup whole milk
- 1-2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg or cardamom optional
- Butter or cooking spray
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Whipped cream for serving
- Blueberry syrup optional, for topping
Instructions
- In a shallow dish, whisk together the 5 eggs, heavy cream, whole milk, vanilla extract, and sugar until smooth and well combined.
- Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease with butter or cooking spray.
- Dip each slice of sourdough bread into the custard mixture, letting it soak for 10-15 seconds per side to fully absorb the flavors without becoming overly saturated.
- Place the soaked slices onto the preheated skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and slightly crisp around the edges.
- Transfer the French toast to serving plates. Dust with powdered sugar, add a dollop of whipped cream, and drizzle with blueberry syrup or compote, if desired. Serve immediately.
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Notes
- Milk Alternatives: Use almond, oat, or coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
- Sweeteners: Swap sugar for maple syrup or honey.
- Bread Options: Try brioche or whole wheat sourdough for a different flavor.
Jami Powell says
This is our family's go-to holiday breakfast treat!