Sourdough French toast is a delicious twist on a classic breakfast, perfect for both quick weekday mornings and leisurely weekend brunches. The tangy flavor of sourdough bread adds a unique depth that elevates this simple dish to something truly special.
One of the best things about sourdough French toast is how easy it is to make. With just a few basic ingredients and minimal effort, you can whip up a batch that’s sure to impress.
This article will guide you through everything you need to know to create the perfect sourdough French toast, every single time. Get ready for a breakfast that’s both comforting and exciting!
Understanding Sourdough Bread for French Toast
Sourdough’s tangy, slightly sour flavor, combined with its chewy texture, makes it a perfect choice for French toast.
What is sourdough bread?
Sourdough bread is made with a “starter,” which is a fermented mix of flour and water that contains wild yeast and good bacteria. This fermentation process gives sourdough its unique taste and texture.
The tangy flavor of sourdough balances out the sweetness of the custard you dip the bread in, and its sturdy texture means it’s less likely to get soggy.
Types of sourdough bread to use
Here are a few options to consider:
- Brioche sourdough makes a soft, custardy French toast.
- Sandwich sourdough is a good all-purpose choice.
- Crusty sourdough will need a longer soak in the custard.
Essential Ingredients for Sourdough French Toast
Let’s talk about what you’ll need to make the best sourdough French toast:
The Bread
Day-old sourdough is the way to go here. Stale bread soaks up the custard beautifully and doesn’t get all soggy. If your loaf is fresh, you can leave it out for about 24 hours to dry out. Or, you can pop it in a warm oven for a bit.
Aim for slices that are around ¾ inch thick. This gives you the perfect balance of crust and soft interior.
The Custard Base
The heart of any good French toast is the custard. You’ll need:
- Eggs: 4 of them, to give the toast richness and structure
- Milk: 1 cup, to add moisture and make the texture smooth
- Sweetener: ¼ cup of maple syrup, honey, or sugar for flavor and caramelization
Flavor Enhancers
Now, let’s kick things up a notch:
- Spices: A dash of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom (around 1 ½ teaspoons of cinnamon is great!)
- Extracts: Vanilla extract is a must (1 teaspoon adds a lovely touch)
- Salt: A pinch (¼ teaspoon) balances the sweetness perfectly
Making the Perfect Custard
The key to great sourdough French toast is the custard, which is just a fancy word for the egg mixture you soak the bread in. Use a whisk to combine your eggs, milk, and spices until they’re fully incorporated. Don’t overmix it, though! Overmixing can lead to a tougher texture.
Want a richer, more decadent French toast? Try swapping out the milk for heavy cream. Or, replace some of the sugar with brown sugar for a deeper, more caramelized flavor. You can also add a splash of vanilla or a pinch of cinnamon for extra warmth.
Soaking and Cooking Sourdough French Toast
You can’t rush a good thing, especially when it comes to soaking the bread for French toast. Here’s how to do it right:
Soaking the Bread
Soaking the bread is a crucial step. Plan to soak each slice for at least 45 seconds on each side so the bread really soaks up all the eggy custard. You may have to adjust the soaking time depending on the type of bread you use.
A shallow dish makes soaking easier. If you have two shallow dishes, you can soak two slices at once.
Cooking the French Toast
Use a preheated griddle or skillet and let it get nice and hot before you start cooking. This will help the French toast cook evenly.
Cook the sourdough French toast for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, until it’s golden brown. For the best flavor, fry it in butter, or use clarified butter if you have some on hand.
To avoid burning the French toast, adjust the heat as you cook. And between batches, wipe out the pan to get rid of any burnt bits of butter.
Variations and flavor combinations
Once you’ve mastered the basic sourdough French toast, it’s time to experiment with different flavor combinations. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Sweet additions
Try using different sweeteners such as honey, agave, or brown sugar instead of the traditional granulated sugar. A pinch of nutmeg, cardamom, or allspice can also add a warm, comforting touch.
Savory twists
For a savory take, infuse the custard with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary. After cooking, sprinkle the French toast with grated parmesan or Gruyere cheese.
Other flavor enhancements
Add a teaspoon of espresso powder to the custard for a mocha-flavored French toast. Or, swirl in a spoonful of peanut butter for a nutty, decadent treat.
Serving and topping suggestions
Sourdough French toast is delicious with just about anything! Here are some ideas:
- The classics: You can’t go wrong with maple syrup, butter, and powdered sugar.
- Fresh fruit: Berries, bananas, and peaches are always a good choice.
- Something extra: Try whipped cream, Nutella, or chopped nuts.
Want to keep your French toast warm while you cook the rest? Preheat your oven to 250°F. Put a wire rack on top of a baking sheet. Place the cooked slices on the rack and put the baking sheet in the oven.
Storing and Reheating Sourdough French Toast
Want to save some for later? Here’s how:
- Storing Leftovers: Keep your extra sourdough French toast in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze sourdough French toast for up to 2 months. Wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap before freezing.
To reheat:
- Oven: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat for about 20 seconds.
- Toaster: Toast until it’s warmed through.
The Bottom Line
Sourdough French toast is a delicious and versatile dish that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert.
Feel free to experiment with different flavor combinations and toppings to create your own signature version.
So, what are you waiting for? Try one of these recipes today and share your culinary creations with friends and family!