Homemade Sourdough French Toast Recipe

If you’re a fan of breakfast foods that are both satisfying and full of flavor, homemade sourdough french toast is a must-try. This classic dish takes the familiar French toast recipe and adds a delicious twist with the use of tangy sourdough bread. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast or a special treat, sourdough French toast offers a crispy, fluffy texture that pairs perfectly with a variety of toppings.

In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps of making sourdough french toast, share a casserole version for busy mornings, and explain the health benefits and nutritional value of this delicious dish. Let’s dive in!

Why Choose Sourdough for French Toast?

Sourdough bread is not only tasty but also offers several benefits that make it a great choice for french toast with sourdough bread.

Flavor Profile

Sourdough has a unique tangy flavor due to the natural fermentation process. This gives your French toast a distinct taste that sets it apart from the sweeter, fluffier brioche or plain white bread used in traditional French toast recipes.The subtle tanginess complements sweet maple syrup, fresh berries, or a light sprinkle of powdered sugar perfectly.

Health Benefits

Sourdough is made through a fermentation process that is easier to digest compared to most other breads. Natural fermentation reduces gluten and phytic acid, making sourdough gentler on the stomach. Plus, it is rich in beneficial probiotics, which are great for gut health.

Nutritional Value

Compared to regular bread, sourdough has a lower glycemic index, which means it doesn’t spike your blood sugar as much. This makes it a more suitable choice for individuals aiming to regulate their blood sugar levels.

Ingredients

Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make your sourdough french toast:

2 large eggs
1 cup of milk (or dairy-free alternative)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Pinch of salt
4 slices of sourdough bread
Butter for frying
Maple syrup, powdered sugar, or your favorite toppings (such as fresh berries, whipped cream, or chocolate chips)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making sourdough french toast at home is easy and fun, but a few details can make all the difference. Follow these step-by-step instructions closely to achieve the perfect French toast, with a golden, crispy outside and a soft, custardy inside.

Prepare the Batter
- Crack the eggs: Begin by cracking 2 large eggs into a shallow dish or a wide bowl. This will make it easier to dip the bread slices.
- Add the milk: Pour in 1 cup of milk (or a dairy-free alternative like almond or oat milk) into the eggs. The milk helps create a rich, creamy batter.
- Whisk the ingredients: Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1 tablespoon of sugar (optional, depending on how sweet you like your French toast), 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Use a whisk or a fork to thoroughly mix everything together. The cinnamon will add a warm, comforting flavor, while the vanilla brings sweetness and depth to the batter.
Soak the Bread
- Select your sourdough: Choose 4 slices of sourdough bread. It’s best to use bread that’s a day or two old, as it’s firmer and will soak up the egg mixture without falling apart. Fresh sourdough can be too soft and may become soggy.
- Dip the bread: Place each slice of sourdough into the batter. Let each side of the bread soak for approximately 10 to 15 seconds. Be sure to cover the entire surface, but avoid letting it sit too long in the mixture—over-soaking the bread can make it too soggy. If you prefer your French toast extra custardy, you can let it soak for a bit longer.
- Shake off excess batter: After soaking, gently shake each slice to remove any excess batter before cooking. This will prevent the French toast from becoming too runny and give you a crispier texture.
Cook the French Toast
- Prepare your pan by preheating a non-stick skillet or griddle on medium heat. Allow it to heat up for a couple of minutes before you start cooking. A well-preheated pan ensures that the bread will brown evenly and creates that satisfying crispy crust.
- Add butter to the pan: Once the pan is hot, add a small amount of butter (about 1 tablespoon). Let it melt and spread evenly in the pan. If you prefer a healthier option, you can use oil, but butter will give it a rich, golden-brown finish.
- Place the bread on the skillet: Gently place the soaked sourdough slices onto the skillet. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can prevent the bread from browning properly. Cook the French toast in batches if needed.
- Cook until golden brown: Let each slice cook for about 2-3 minutes on the first side. You’ll know it’s time to flip when the bottom turns a golden-brown color and you start to see a slight crispness around the edges.Carefully flip the slices over using a spatula.
- Cook the other side: After flipping, cook the second side for another 2-3 minutes, until it’s golden brown and crispy. Don’t rush this step—ensure that the pan is at the right temperature to avoid burning the bread.
Check for Doneness
- Test the texture: To check if the French toast is fully cooked, press gently on the center of a slice with a spatula. The bread should feel firm and not soggy. If you notice any uncooked batter in the center, cook it for another minute or so. The inside should be soft and custardy, while the outside should be crisp.
- Adjust heat if needed: If the bread is browning too quickly, lower the heat slightly. If it’s not browning fast enough, raise the heat. You want the French toast to cook evenly on both sides.
Serve and Enjoy
- Transfer to a plate: Once both sides of the French toast are golden and crispy, use your spatula to remove the slices from the pan and place them on a plate.
- Garnish and top: This is where you can get creative! Top your sourdough french toast with your favorite toppings, such as fresh berries, sliced bananas, whipped cream, or a drizzle of maple syrup. For an extra burst of flavor, sprinkle some powdered sugar or a dash of cinnamon on top.

Sourdough French Toast Casserole Option

If you’re looking for a make-ahead breakfast or a dish to serve a crowd, try making a sourdough french toast casserole. This variation allows you to prepare everything the night before and bake it in the morning, saving time on busy mornings.

Ingredients for Sourdough French Toast Casserole:

6 slices of sourdough bread (cut into cubes)
6 large eggs
2 cups milk (or dairy-free milk)
1/4 cup maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Pinch of salt
1/4 cup butter, melted
1/2 cup chopped nuts or berries (optional)

Instructions:

Prepare the Casserole: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Add the sourdough cubes to the bowl and stir to coat evenly. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes, allowing the bread to soak up the mixture.
Assemble: Pour the soaked bread mixture into a greased baking dish and spread it out evenly. Drizzle melted butter over the top and sprinkle with chopped nuts or berries, if desired.
Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40-45 minutes. To achieve a golden, crispy top, uncover the dish during the final 10 minutes of baking.
Serve: Let the casserole cool slightly before cutting it into servings. Top with syrup, whipped cream, or additional fruit.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutritional value for a serving of sourdough french toast (using the basic recipe with 1 slice of bread):

Calories: 250-300
Protein: 8g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fat: 12g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 5g

This can vary depending on the toppings and exact ingredients used. Using whole milk or adding butter will increase the calorie count, while using a dairy-free alternative may reduce it.

Health Benefits of Sourdough French Toast

There are several reasons why sourdough french toast can be a healthy breakfast option:

Gut Health: The probiotics in sourdough, created during the fermentation process, are known to support good bacteria in the gut. This can help improve digestion and support overall health.
Lower Glycemic Index: The natural fermentation process reduces the glycemic index of sourdough, making it a better choice for those managing blood sugar levels.
Rich in Nutrients: Sourdough contains essential vitamins and minerals like B vitamins, iron, and magnesium, which are important for energy and overall health.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your sourdough french toast turns out perfectly every time, avoid these common mistakes:

Using Fresh Bread: Fresh sourdough bread can be too soft and doesn’t soak up the egg mixture well. Day-old sourdough is ideal because it’s firmer and absorbs the batter better.
Soaking Too Long: Don’t let the bread soak for too long, or it can become soggy. A quick dip on both sides is all you need.
Not Preheating the Pan: Make sure your skillet or griddle is hot before adding the soaked bread. This ensures that your French toast will be crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.

Key Takeaways

Sourdough French Toast offers a tangy twist on the traditional recipe, making it a unique and tasty breakfast option.
It’s easy to make and can be customized with different toppings and variations like sourdough french toast casserole.
The health benefits of sourdough bread, including better digestion and a lower glycemic index, make it a great choice for a balanced breakfast.
Avoid common mistakes like using fresh bread or soaking for too long to ensure the best results.

FAQs

Q: Does sourdough taste good for French toast?
A: Yes, sourdough adds a unique tangy flavor to French toast, making it stand out from other varieties. The slight sourness complements the sweetness of the syrup and toppings, creating a delicious balance.

Q: Does sourdough bread make good toast?
A: Absolutely! Sourdough bread makes excellent toast thanks to its hearty texture and tangy taste. When toasted, it develops a crispy crust with a chewy interior, making it perfect for both savory and sweet toppings.

Q: Is sourdough or brioche better for French toast?
A: Both sourdough and brioche have their advantages. Brioche is softer and sweeter, making it ideal for those who prefer a rich, fluffy French toast. However, sourdough adds a unique, slightly tangy flavor and a firmer texture, which many people enjoy for a more savory twist. It all comes down to your personal taste preference.

Q: What not to do with sourdough?
A: Avoid refrigerating sourdough, as it can alter its texture and flavor. Additionally, don’t let it get too stale before using it in recipes like French toast—stale bread soaks up the custard mixture better. Finally, don’t rush the fermentation process; give it time to rise properly for the best flavor and texture.

Conclusion

Making sourdough french toast is a great way to enjoy a delicious and satisfying breakfast. The tangy flavor of sourdough bread adds a unique twist, and you can easily customize the recipe with your favorite toppings. Whether you make it as a simple breakfast or as a sourdough french toast casserole for a special occasion, this dish is sure to become a favorite. Don’t forget to experiment and make it your own! Enjoy your breakfast! Be sure to experiment and add your personal touch!