Looking for a breakfast that feels fancy but is super easy to make? This sourdough French toast is everything you want in the morning: crispy on the outside, soft in the middle, and full of cozy flavors like cinnamon and vanilla. Whether you’re cooking for your family or treating yourself on a slow weekend, this recipe makes every bite feel special without taking hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love Sourdough French Toast

Crispy edges with a soft and fluffy center
Uses basic ingredients you already have at home
Perfect way to use slightly stale sourdough bread
Easy to prepare in under 20 minutes
Great for breakfast, brunch, or even a sweet dinner
Kid-approved and grown-up friendly
Customizable with your favorite toppings

Ingredients of Sourdough French Toast

Ingredients for sourdough French toast recipe

Main Ingredients

Sourdough bread
Eggs
Whole milk
Ground cinnamon
Vanilla extract
Unsalted butter
Salt
Maple syrup

Optional Garnishes

Fresh berries
Powdered sugar
Whipped cream
Chopped nuts
Greek yogurt

Equipment

Non-stick skillet or frying pan
Mixing bowl
Shallow dish or baking dish
Measuring cups and spoons

Utensils

Whisk or fork
Spatula
Knife
Serving plate

Variations for Sourdough French Toast

Want to give this recipe your own twist? Here are some tasty ideas:

Use plant-based milk like almond or oat for a dairy-free version.
Add a splash of orange juice or zest to the custard for a fresh flavor.
Mix in a tablespoon of brown sugar to the egg mixture for extra sweetness.
Swap sourdough with brioche or challah for a softer texture.
Make it savory by skipping the sugar and adding herbs and cheese instead.

This recipe is your playground—feel free to experiment and find your favorite version.

How to Make Sourdough French Toast

Step 1: Make the Custard

To begin with, crack the eggs into a mixing bowl. Add milk, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Whisk everything together until it’s smooth and well combined. The mixture should be light and creamy.

Mixing egg custard for sourdough French toast

Step 2: Soak the Bread

Next, pour the custard into a shallow dish. Lay the sourdough slices flat in the mixture and let them soak for about 20 seconds on each side. Don’t leave them too long or they’ll get soggy—just enough to absorb the flavor.

Step 3: Cook the French Toast

Meanwhile, heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a bit of butter and let it melt. Place the soaked sourdough slices into the pan. Cook for about 2–3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.

Step 4: Plate and Top

Once cooked, transfer the slices to a plate. Add your favorite toppings—fresh berries, a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of maple syrup, or even a dollop of whipped cream. Serve warm and enjoy right away.

Finished sourdough French toast with toppings

Tips and Tricks

Slightly stale sourdough works best because it soaks up the custard without falling apart.
Don’t overcrowd the pan—cook in batches for the best texture.
Wipe the skillet between batches if the butter starts to brown too much.
For extra crispiness, toast the bread lightly before soaking.

How to Serve Sourdough French Toast

This sourdough French toast pairs beautifully with:

Fresh fruit like strawberries, blueberries, or banana slices
A hot cup of coffee or a creamy latte
Crispy bacon or scrambled eggs for a balanced breakfast
Greek yogurt and honey for a lighter twist

It’s great for Sunday brunches, birthday breakfasts, or lazy weekend mornings.

Make Ahead and Storage

You can prep the custard mix ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just give it a quick stir before using.

Cooked French toast can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a toaster or skillet to bring back the crisp edges. You can also freeze it—just separate slices with parchment paper and reheat directly from frozen.

FAQs

Can I make this with gluten-free sourdough?
Yes! Just make sure it’s a sturdy loaf that can hold up to soaking.

What’s the best bread thickness?
About ¾ inch is perfect. Too thin and it falls apart, too thick and it stays soggy inside.

Can I use low-fat milk instead of whole milk?
You can, but whole milk makes the custard richer and more flavorful.

Is it okay to skip the cinnamon or vanilla?
Of course. You can keep it plain or swap in other flavors like nutmeg or almond extract.

Conclusion

In summary, this sourdough French toast is a simple, cozy breakfast that feels like a treat. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and totally customizable. Try it once, and you’ll want to make it every weekend.

Ready to try it? Grab your ingredients, fire up the skillet, and let’s make breakfast magic.

If you loved this sourdough French toast, you’ll definitely want to try a few more easy and delicious breakfast ideas from our kitchen. For a fruity twist, these soft and moist Blueberry Yogurt Muffins are perfect with your morning coffee. If you’re craving something sweet and citrusy, don’t miss our light and fluffy Mandarin Orange Cake—it’s a crowd-pleaser every time. And for nut lovers, our Pistachio Muffin Recipe brings a lovely crunch and rich flavor to the table.

French toast has been enjoyed for centuries and goes by many names around the world. It’s believed to have originated as a way to use up stale bread, making it both practical and delicious. You can read more about the history of French toast and its variations globally. The key ingredient in this recipe, sourdough bread, adds a tangy depth of flavor and a chewy texture that works beautifully when soaked and toasted. And if you’re curious about the rich, creamy mixture that transforms plain bread into something special, learn more about custard and how it’s used in both sweet and savory dishes.