Does Sourdough Make Good French Toast?

Because sourdough is, well a bit sour, I was skeptical. Could a sourdough make a good, sweet breakfast? Yes. Yes, it does. Quite well. The flavor of the sourdough is a good balance with the sweetness of maple syrup. A crusty loaf of Italian or French bread will do well too. Sourdough is actually really amazing.

sourdough bread, eggs, vanilla, milk, syrup, seasonings and butter on a dish and in bowls

Breakfast and brunch are the best meals of the day if you have time to really enjoy something truly tasty. French toast is super easy, and in my house, I generally always have the ingredients. Making this sourdough French toast recipe is easy… the secret is the milk to egg ratio and having a great, thick bread to absorb the mix, and will hold up in the pan. Try my sourdough French Toast!

What You Need to Make Sourdough French Bread

Bread – As noted, this recipe calls for sourdough. I’m using an entire loaf which is 16 ounces, you can also follow this recipe for a smaller loaf. Keep the egg to milk ratio (1 egg per 1/4 cup milk).
Eggs – Love these eggs, the yolks are so beautiful. You’ll need four for this recipe.
Cinnamon and Nutmeg – Both are completely optional, but the final product will be severely compromised and less than tasty. Use at least one, but definitely use both for optimal flavor.
Milk – I would stick with whole or 2%. I thought about heavy whipping cream, but I think it’s too thick and you don’t really need the richness.
Vanilla – There is imitation vanilla or vanilla extract. Vanilla extract is the real McCoy, but it costs a little more. I think it’s worth the spend because you only have to use a bit. Fun fact, vanilla smells amazing, but it tastes terrible until you add it to other ingredients.
Butta’ – Another key ingredient is butter. Butter in the pan and on top. Be generous with the butter in the skillet and replenish it with each round.

egg yolks in a bowl with a fork, egg shells in a bowl

egg yolks partially mixed in a bowl with a fork

How to Make Sourdough French Toast

Simply put, making French toast with sourdough is easy peasy. In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and pinch of sea salt. The salt not only enhances the flavors, but I feel like it breaks down the ‘snotty’ egg, so you get a smooth mix.

whisked eggs in a bowl with a fork, egg shells in a bowl

whisked eggs with milk pooling in a bowl with fork

Next, add milk to the egg mix and whisk well. I love the way liquids pool and the contrasting colors. This has nothing to do with cooking specifically, but I think it’s a full experience if you observe the way your food looks along the way.

egg mix with cinnamon, vanilla, and nutmeg in a bowl

egg mix with vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg mixed in a bowl with a fork

Lastly, add the vanilla, nutmeg, and cinnamon – because you want to go all in! Mix it well.

Time To Take A Dip

Slice the loaf of sourdough, Italian, or French bread into 1/2″ thick slices. I think it’s even better if you use day old bread. You want the bread to soak up the egg and milk mix.

My recommendation to keep the kitchen clean up simple (by the looks of my photos, I already made a mess), I use a large shallow bowl because you can keep your sourdough slices in the mix until you are ready to cook.

sourdough bread soaking up eggs in a bowl, sliced bread on a cutting board, egg shells in a bowl

First, place a slice of bread in the mix, then flip. Keep the piece in the mix and repeat with each addition piece until they are all coated.

Of course, since we are going to cook our sourdough French toast in a skillet, we will need a fat. Today, we’re using butter. Be generous with your butter. You can use a light vegetable oil too. Heat the butter over low heat and add 2-3 pieces of bread to the pan. Allow the side to cook for 2-3 minutes, or until golden. The specific time will depend on how hot your pan is.

Flip the bread and repeat on the other side. Monitor your pan heat closely, you may need to lower the heat and bring it back. Add butter each time you add a new round of bread. If the butter browns quickly, your pan is too hot.

What Are Tasty French Toast Toppings?

Maple Syrup – Without a doubt, the classic topping is a sweet syrup. I recommend going with a maple because it is maple syrup. Pancake syrup is a lot of corn syrup and other fillers.
Fresh Fruit – So tasty anyway and adds color. A jam would be great too, or just stick with the fresh. Berries, bananas, or maybe a marmalade!
Whipped Cream – We’re wondering far away from the breakfast of champions territory. The sourdough French toast really isn’t that sweet. It’s bread, milk, and eggs. We didn’t add any sugar. The toppings take on that responsibility, and what could be more indulgent than whipped cream. And please, make your own. Simple and you know what’s in it. Homemade Whipped Cream

sourdough french toast with butter and syrup on a plate

sourdough french toast with butter, syrup, and strawberries on a plate

sourdough french toast cut in half with butter and strawberries on a plate

Tips, Tricks, & FAQs

Substitutions – As discussed above, sourdough is an amazing option, but you can use Italian or French bread as well. The key is a sturdy, crusty break. I think Texas toast might hold up as well because it is thick, but I don’t think I would recommend letting it soak. Just a quick dip.
How to Store Leftover French Toast – This will keep well if stored, best without any topping. Give it a quick reheat in the microwave or put it back in the pan with a bit of butter. Toaster ovens are another great option and will give the toast a light crust.
How to Cut a Loaf of Bread – I highly recommend investing in a serrated knife. I have a large and small. This is one of my top 20 kitchen tools. A good, serrated knife is great for slicing crusty breads, tomatoes, meats, and other soft items you don’t want to smash in the cutting process.