Sourdough French toast is a delightful twist on the classic breakfast favorite. Its slightly tangy flavor, crisp edges, and chewy texture make it a top choice for those who love a balance of sweet and savory. In this guide, we’ll explore why sourdough is perfect for French toast, how to prepare it step by step, and essential tips to elevate your breakfast game.
If you’re looking for a flavorful and crispy alternative to traditional French toast, sourdough French toast is your best bet. This article covers everything from selecting the right bread to creating the perfect custard mixture and toppings.
Table of Contents
1. Why Sourdough Bread is Perfect for French Toast
Unique Tangy Flavor
Sourdough bread stands out due to its naturally tangy taste, a result of the fermentation process. This slight sourness balances the sweetness of traditional French toast toppings like maple syrup, powdered sugar, and fruit.
Ideal Texture for Soaking
Sourdough’s firm structure allows it to soak up the egg mixture without becoming overly soggy. Unlike softer breads, which may fall apart when dipped, sourdough maintains its integrity, ensuring a crispy outside and a tender inside when cooked.
| Bread Type | Texture | Best for French Toast? |
|---|---|---|
| Sourdough | Firm, chewy, tangy | Yes, holds up well |
| Brioche | Soft, buttery | Great, but softer |
| White Bread | Flimsy, absorbs too much | Becomes soggy |
| Whole Wheat | Dense, hearty | Good but heavier |
Health Benefits of Sourdough
Sourdough bread is naturally fermented, making it easier to digest compared to conventional white bread. The fermentation process also lowers the glycemic index, meaning it has less impact on blood sugar levels.
Looking for a healthier way to enjoy breakfast? Discover great ideas like healthy pancake alternatives that pair perfectly with your morning meal.
2. Essential Ingredients for Sourdough French Toast
Choosing the Right Sourdough Bread
Not all sourdough loaves are created equal. For the best results, use a thick, slightly stale sourdough loaf. Freshly baked sourdough may be too soft and could absorb too much liquid, leading to a mushy texture.
Key Ingredients for the Custard Mix
The custard mixture is the heart of a great sourdough French toast recipe. A well-balanced mix of eggs, milk, and spices enhances the bread’s natural flavors.
| Ingredient | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Eggs | Provides structure and binding |
| Whole Milk | Adds richness and moisture |
| Cinnamon | Gives warmth and depth of flavor |
| Vanilla Extract | Enhances sweetness naturally |
| Sugar | Caramelizes for a golden-brown crust |
Optional Flavor Enhancers
Want to take your French toast to the next level? Try these additions:
- Nutmeg – Adds a subtle spice kick.
- Orange Zest – Brightens up the flavors.
- Heavy Cream – For an extra-rich custard mix.
- Almond Extract – Gives a nutty aroma.
Need more inspiration? Check out our best breakfast recipes to upgrade your morning routine
3. Step-by-Step Guide to Making Sourdough French Toast
Preparing the Egg Mixture
A well-balanced egg mixture is the key to rich, flavorful French toast. Here’s how to create the perfect custard:
Ingredients for the Custard Mix:
| Ingredient | Measurement | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Eggs | 3 large | Provides structure and binds ingredients |
| Whole Milk | ¾ cup | Adds creaminess |
| Heavy Cream | ¼ cup | Enhances richness |
| Vanilla Extract | 1 tsp | Boosts natural sweetness |
| Cinnamon | ½ tsp | Adds warmth and depth |
| Nutmeg | ¼ tsp | Provides a subtle spice |
| Sugar | 1 tbsp | Caramelizes for a crispy texture |
Instructions:
- In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and sugar.
- Ensure the mixture is well combined to prevent uneven coating on the bread.
Soaking the Bread for Perfect Absorption
Sourdough bread’s firm structure allows it to absorb just the right amount of custard.
Best Practices for Soaking:
- Use stale bread: Day-old sourdough absorbs liquid without falling apart.
- Dip each slice for 15–20 seconds: This ensures even absorption without making the bread too soggy.
- Let excess mixture drip off: This prevents the bread from becoming too wet before cooking.
Cooking Tips for a Golden-Brown Finish
A perfect sourdough French toast should have crispy edges with a soft, custardy center.
Steps to Achieve the Best Texture:
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
- Melt 1 tablespoon of butter to coat the pan.
- Place the soaked bread in the pan, ensuring it’s not overcrowded.
- Cook for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
- Transfer to a baking sheet and keep warm in an oven at 200°F (93°C) while finishing the rest.
4. Best Toppings for Sourdough French Toast
Classic Toppings: Syrup, Butter & Powdered Sugar
The traditional way to enjoy sourdough French toast is with a drizzle of maple syrup, a pat of butter, and a sprinkle of powdered sugar. These simple additions highlight the toast’s crispy edges and soft center.
Fruity Additions: Berries, Bananas, and Compotes
Adding fresh or cooked fruit enhances both the sweetness and texture of your French toast.
| Fruit | How to Use It |
|---|---|
| Strawberries | Sliced fresh or cooked into a compote |
| Blueberries | Mixed in with syrup or cooked with sugar |
| Bananas | Sautéed in butter and cinnamon |
| Apples | Caramelized in brown sugar |
Looking for more fruity inspirations? Check out what to eat with waffle cookies for more pairing ideas.
Savory Twist: Cheese, Herbs, and Avocado
If you prefer a less sweet breakfast, try topping your sourdough French toast with:
- Cream cheese or ricotta with honey
- Sliced avocado and feta cheese
- A poached egg with black pepper and hot sauce
For those who love savory flavors, discover great pairings like hot honey chicken toppings that can complement your toast.
5. Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even with the best ingredients, sourdough French toast can go wrong if not prepared properly. Here are the most common mistakes and how to fix them.
Over-Soaking or Under-Soaking the Bread
Sourdough is a sturdy bread, but soaking it too long can make it too soggy, while not soaking it enough results in dry toast.
| Issue | Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Too soggy | Bread absorbed too much custard | Dip for only 15-20 seconds |
| Too dry | Bread didn’t soak enough or was too fresh | Use slightly stale bread and soak evenly |
| Uneven texture | Egg mixture not mixed well | Whisk thoroughly before soaking |
Cooking at the Wrong Temperature
- Too high heat: The outside burns before the inside cooks properly.
- Too low heat: The toast turns out soft and lacks crispiness.
Solution: Use medium heat and cook for 3–4 minutes per side for an even golden-brown texture.
Using the Wrong Type of Sourdough
Some sourdough loaves are too tough or too fresh for French toast.
- Avoid very fresh sourdough: It can be too soft and break apart.
- Use rustic sourdough with an airy crumb: It absorbs the egg mixture better.
Want to explore more about bread options? Check out waffle vs. pizzelle differences for insights into different textures.
6. Sourdough vs. Other Breads for French Toast
Not all bread types are equal when making French toast. Sourdough offers a unique texture and flavor, but how does it compare to other popular options?
Sourdough vs. Brioche: Which is Better?
Brioche and sourdough are two of the best choices for French toast, but they have different qualities.
| Bread Type | Texture | Flavor | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sourdough | Firm, chewy | Slightly tangy | A crispier, more complex French toast |
| Brioche | Soft, buttery | Sweet, rich | A softer, melt-in-your-mouth experience |
Verdict: If you prefer richer and sweeter French toast, go with brioche. If you like a crispier, more textured French toast, sourdough is the way to go.
White Bread vs. Sourdough: Flavor & Texture Differences
Basic white bread is often used for French toast, but it lacks structure and can become too soggy.
| Feature | Sourdough | White Bread |
|---|---|---|
| Absorption | Soaks up custard without falling apart | Can become too soft and mushy |
| Texture | Crispy on the outside, chewy inside | Soft and spongy |
| Flavor | Tangy, slightly nutty | Neutral, slightly sweet |
Verdict: White bread works if you like a soft, traditional texture, but sourdough wins for a firmer bite and deeper flavor.
Bread Types to Avoid
Some breads don’t hold up well for French toast. Avoid:
❌ Super fresh bread – Too soft, absorbs too much custard
❌ Ultra-thin slices – Prone to falling apart
❌ Very dense whole wheat bread – Too heavy, doesn’t soak up enough mixture
Looking for more ways to enjoy breakfast? Discover great ideas like what are the 4 ingredients in honey chicken to pair with your meal.
7. Healthier Variations of Sourdough French Toast
French toast can be indulgent, but with a few adjustments, you can make it healthier without sacrificing flavor. Whether you need a dairy-free, gluten-free, or high-protein version, these alternatives will keep your breakfast nutritious and delicious.
Dairy-Free & Vegan Alternatives
If you’re avoiding dairy or eggs, try these substitutes in your custard mixture:
| Ingredient | Dairy-Free/Vegan Alternative |
|---|---|
| Whole Milk | Almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk |
| Heavy Cream | Coconut cream or cashew cream |
| Eggs | Mashed banana, flaxseed eggs, or silken tofu |
| Butter | Coconut oil or vegan butter |
How to Make Vegan French Toast:
- Mix 1 cup of plant-based milk with 1 tbsp ground flaxseed and let it sit for 10 minutes.
- Add cinnamon, vanilla, and a natural sweetener like maple syrup.
- Soak the sourdough slices and cook as usual.
Looking for more plant-based options? Check out what goes well with hot honey chicken for sweet and savory pairing ideas.
Low-Carb & Gluten-Free Options
If you’re watching your carb intake, consider using gluten-free sourdough or keto-friendly bread alternatives.
| Alternative | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Gluten-free sourdough | Maintains the tangy flavor while being wheat-free |
| Almond flour bread | Lower in carbs, higher in protein |
| Coconut flour bread | Adds a slight sweetness and extra fiber |
Tip: Reduce the sugar in your custard mix and use sugar-free syrup for an even healthier twist.
High-Protein Additions
For a protein boost, try:
- Adding protein powder to the egg mixture
- Using Greek yogurt as a topping
- Pairing with scrambled eggs
Need more inspiration for breakfast? Discover ideas like waffle vs. pizzelle differences to explore different textures.
8. FAQs About Sourdough French Toast
Before wrapping up, let’s answer some of the most common questions about making sourdough French toast.
Does sourdough taste good for French toast?
Yes! Sourdough has a slightly tangy flavor that balances well with sweet toppings like maple syrup, cinnamon, and powdered sugar. Its chewy texture also gives the toast a crispy outside and soft inside.
Is sourdough or brioche better for French toast?
It depends on your preference.
- Sourdough: Crispier, tangy, and holds up well to soaking.
- Brioche: Soft, buttery, and naturally sweeter.
If you love a richer, melt-in-your-mouth experience, go for brioche. If you prefer a slightly crispy, flavorful bite, sourdough is the better choice.
Does sourdough bread make good toast?
Absolutely! Sourdough crisps beautifully when toasted, making it perfect for both sweet and savory toppings. It’s especially great for French toast because it absorbs the custard mixture without falling apart.
What bread should not be used for French toast?
Avoid these types of bread:
- Fresh white bread – Too soft, becomes soggy.
- Very thin slices – Prone to breaking apart.
- Ultra-dense whole wheat – Doesn’t absorb the custard well.
For more breakfast ideas, check out what to eat with waffle cookies to explore delicious pairings.
9. Conclusion & Final Thoughts
Sourdough French toast is a fantastic way to elevate your breakfast with a balance of crispiness, chewiness, and a hint of tangy flavor. Whether you prefer a classic version with maple syrup or a healthier twist with dairy-free and protein-packed alternatives, sourdough offers the perfect texture for French toast.
Key Takeaways:
✔ Sourdough’s firm texture makes it ideal for soaking up the custard without becoming soggy.
✔ It pairs well with both sweet and savory toppings, offering versatility in flavor.
✔ Avoid using fresh, soft bread to prevent overly soggy results.
✔ Experiment with healthier versions using plant-based milk, gluten-free options, or added protein.
Looking to explore more breakfast ideas? Check out what are the 4 ingredients in honey chicken for a delicious pairing!