Remember the smell of cinnamon drifting through the house while cartoons played in the background? That’s the magic of sourdough french toast—warm, golden, with that lil tang that’s got TikTok and Pinterest losing their minds. It’s cozy, craveable, and shockingly simple (15 min, folks). Just whisk, dunk, sizzle, done. Oh—and it tastes like a weekend hug.
It’s a comfy little brunch dish that warms the soul. Think eggy custard, thick sourdough slices, and bubbling butter in the pan. You’ve probably got everything you need: eggs, milk, stale bread, a dash of love. Like mom’s diner-style version, but with a glow-up. Full details in the blog!
We started making this on foggy Saturdays, me and my girls, in socks and pj’s—same way my mom taught me. Been tweaking ever since (yep, no gadget fuss). This version? Lightly crisped, deeply flavored. I tested it. There’s a little splash of magic you’ll wanna try.
Why Sourdough French Toast is Unique
Sourdough French Toast isn’t your average breakfast treat—it’s the perfect mix of fluffy, tangy, and indulgent. The slight sourness of the bread balances beautifully with the sweetness of the custard, giving this dish an elevated flavor that feels special. Plus, sourdough is hearty and holds up well to soaking, so you won’t end up with soggy, limp slices falling apart in the pan. And let’s be honest, it’s a dreamy way to rescue that loaf of stale bread we all forget about at the back of the counter. Waste not, right?
Ingredients Breakdown and Tips

Sourdough Bread: The star! Use slices about ½ inch thick—thinner can break apart, thicker may not soak through. Day-old (or a little stale) bread works best here as it absorbs the custard like a sponge. Pro Tip: Cut your slices evenly for consistent cooking.
Eggs & Milk: These form the base of the custard to coat your bread. Any milk works, even dairy-free options. For creamier results, you can use whole milk. Whisk them together well to avoid streaky eggs on your toast.
Vanilla & Cinnamon: Your flavor boosters! Cinnamon adds warmth, while vanilla brings a touch of sweetness. If you love a stronger spice note, feel free to sprinkle in just a dash of nutmeg—but not too much, it can overpower.
Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect French Toast
Step 1: In a shallow bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and sugar until smooth. This is your custard base—make sure there are no yolk streaks!
Step 2: Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat and melt some butter until it bubbles lightly. Butter gives those golden edges you love.
Step 3: Dip each slice of sourdough in the custard, letting it soak for about 10–15 seconds per side. Don’t overdo it—too long, and it’ll get soggy. Cook in the hot pan for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and crisp. Work in batches and enjoy the sizzle!
Common Mistakes and Fixes
Soggy middles? Your bread might be too thick or soaked for too long. Stick to the ½-inch slices and watch that 15-second soak time.
Burnt edges? Keep your heat at medium—too high, and the outside will cook faster than the inside. A nonstick pan with just enough butter also helps.
Too eggy? This happens if your egg to milk ratio is off. Stick to 6 eggs and 1½ cups of milk for a silky, balanced custard.
Serving, Storage, and Make-Ahead Ideas
Serving: Sourdough French Toast shines with toppings! Try a drizzle of maple syrup, powdered sugar, or sliced fresh berries. Feeling fancy? A little butter melted on top is perfection.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. They reheat surprisingly well!
Reheating: Pop slices in the toaster oven or a hot skillet to bring back that crispy texture. Avoid the microwave—it’ll make your toast chewy.
Step | Soaking Time | Cooking Time |
---|---|---|
Dipping Bread | 10–15 sec per side | – |
Cooking on Each Side | – | 3–4 min |
Reheating | – | 2–3 min |
Expert Insight: The Art of Sourdough French Toast
Sourdough French Toast benefits from the bread’s natural tang and firm texture, which soaks up the custard without becoming mushy. The mild acidity from fermentation not only enhances flavor complexity but also helps create a beautifully crisp exterior when cooked. This makes sourdough French toast uniquely satisfying compared to traditional white bread versions.
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A Cozy Morning Favorite
Every time I make sourdough French toast, I’m reminded of sleepy weekend mornings at my grandparents’ house. That tangy bread soaked up the custard perfectly, filling the kitchen with the smell of cinnamon and warmth. It’s a simple recipe, but it always brings everyone to the table with a smile.
FAQs ( Sourdough French Toast )
How do I make Sourdough French Toast?
To make delicious Sourdough French Toast, start by whisking together eggs, milk, vanilla, and cinnamon. Dip thick slices of sourdough bread into the mixture, letting them soak up all that flavor. Then, cook the soaked bread slices on a preheated skillet until golden brown on both sides. It’s an easy way to enjoy the tangy goodness of sourdough combined with classic French toast comfort.
Why choose sourdough for French toast?
Sourdough bread adds a delightful tangy twist to your French toast, setting it apart from the usual white or brioche bread. Its sturdy texture soaks up the egg mixture beautifully without getting soggy. Plus, the natural fermentation in sourdough enhances flavor complexity, making your breakfast extra special every time you make Sourdough French Toast.
Can I make Sourdough French Toast vegetarian?
Absolutely! Traditional Sourdough French Toast is already vegetarian since it contains no meat. Just be sure to use eggs and milk alternatives if you want to make it vegan. Whether you stick to classic ingredients or swap them out, the tangy sourdough flavor stays front and center.
How can I keep my Sourdough French Toast from getting soggy?
To avoid soggy Sourdough French Toast, choose thick slices of sourdough bread and soak them just long enough to absorb the egg mixture without becoming mushy. Cooking on a well-heated pan helps form a crispy outer layer that seals in moisture. Also, letting cooked slices rest briefly on a wire rack prevents steam from softening them too much.
What are some tasty toppings for Sourdough French Toast?
Sourdough French Toast pairs wonderfully with fresh berries, maple syrup, whipped cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar. For a savory twist, try topping it with cream cheese and smoked salmon. Whether you like it sweet or savory, the tangy bread provides a perfect canvas for your favorite toppings.
Wrapping Up Your Sourdough French Toast Moment
This sourdough french toast comes together in just 15 minutes, delivering a crisp outside with a fluffy, tangy inside you’ll want every weekend. It’s easy, comforting, and made with simple ingredients from your kitchen—no fancy fuss, just that cozy homemade magic.
Feel free to swap the cinnamon for a splash of cardamom or fold in fresh berries for a fruity twist. Leftovers reheat beautifully in a skillet, keeping that lovely texture intact—a little trick I picked up from years of family breakfasts. Keeps you ready for quick, warm mornings anytime.
Did this recipe stir up any breakfast memories for you? I’d love to see your photos or hear your creative spins. Share this with your nearest and dearest—because food tastes best when it’s shared, don’t you think? Here’s to many more cozy mornings in your kitchen.
PrintSourdough French Toast
A fluffy and tangy sourdough French toast recipe that’s irresistibly delicious, perfect for a comforting breakfast or brunch on any weekend.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Pan-Fried
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 6 eggs
- 1 ½ cups milk dairy free works as well
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon sugar optional
- 12 slices sourdough bread sliced ½ inch thick
- butter for greasing the pan
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and sugar.
- Dip each sourdough slice into the mixture, soaking both sides.
- Heat a buttered skillet over medium heat.
- Cook each slice until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Serve warm with maple syrup or toppings of choice.
Notes
- Use slightly stale sourdough bread for better absorption
- For a dairy-free option, substitute milk with almond or oat milk
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 125mg