Sourdough French Toast
Thick slices of tangy sourdough bread soaked in a rich, cinnamon-spiced custard and griddled to golden-brown perfection. A delightful twist on a breakfast classic, ready in under 20 minutes.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 10 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Custard Base
- b.In a wide, shallow dish (a pie plate or baking dish works well), crack the eggs.
- c.Whisk the eggs vigorously for about 30 seconds until the yolks and whites are completely blended and slightly frothy.
- d.Add the whole milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt to the dish.
- e.Whisk again for another minute until the sugar is fully dissolved and the custard is smooth and uniform in color.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Soak the Sourdough Slices
- b.Place a large non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
- c.Working one slice at a time, dip a slice of sourdough bread into the custard mixture.
- d.Allow it to soak for 15-20 seconds per side. The bread should be fully saturated but not so delicate that it falls apart. The tanginess of sourdough is best when it still has some structure.
- e.Lift the slice out, allowing any excess custard to drip back into the dish. Set aside on a wire rack or plate.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Griddle to Golden Perfection
- b.Add 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter to the preheated skillet. Swirl it around until it's melted and lightly bubbling.
- c.Carefully place 2-3 soaked bread slices in the skillet, ensuring there is space between them.
- d.Cook for 2-4 minutes on the first side, until a deep golden-brown crust forms and the edges are slightly crisp.
- e.Flip the slices and cook for another 2-3 minutes on the other side until equally golden and the center is cooked through and feels slightly firm to the touch.
- f.Transfer the cooked French toast to a serving plate. Keep warm in a 200°F (95°C) oven if cooking in multiple batches.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Repeat and Serve
- b.Wipe the skillet clean with a paper towel if needed, then add another tablespoon of butter for the next batch.
- c.Repeat the soaking and cooking process with the remaining slices of bread.
- d.Serve the Sourdough French Toast immediately, garnished with your favorite toppings like a drizzle of maple syrup, a handful of fresh berries, and a light dusting of powdered sugar.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use stale, day-old sourdough. It's drier and will absorb the custard more effectively without becoming soggy.
- 2For a perfectly smooth custard without any 'scrambled egg' bits, whisk the eggs very well before adding the other ingredients.
- 3Don't overcrowd the pan. Cooking in batches ensures each slice has enough contact with the hot surface to develop a beautiful, even crust.
- 4Maintain a consistent medium heat. If the heat is too high, the outside will burn before the custard in the center has a chance to cook.
- 5Keep cooked slices warm on a wire rack set on a baking sheet in a low oven (200°F / 95°C) while you finish the rest.
- 6For an extra decadent, custardy texture, substitute half of the milk with heavy cream or half-and-half.
Adapt it for your goals.
Flavor Boost
Add a teaspoon of orange zest or a pinch of ground cardamom to the custard mixture for a bright, aromatic twist.
Savory French ToastSavory French Toast
Omit the sugar, vanilla, and nutmeg. Instead, add 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, 1 tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of garlic powder to the custard. Serve with a fried egg and avocado.
Stuffed French ToastStuffed French Toast
Spread a thin layer of cream cheese and your favorite jam between two thin slices of sourdough before dipping the 'sandwich' in the custard and cooking as directed.
Nutty CrunchNutty Crunch
After soaking, press one side of the bread into a plate of finely chopped pecans or almonds before placing it in the skillet for a crunchy texture.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Source of Complete Protein
The eggs in the custard provide high-quality, complete protein, which is essential for muscle repair, immune function, and overall body maintenance.
Supports Gut Health
Sourdough bread is made through a fermentation process that creates prebiotics, which help feed the beneficial bacteria in your gut. This can make it easier to digest compared to standard white bread.
Provides Essential Nutrients
This dish offers a range of nutrients, including calcium and Vitamin D from fortified milk for bone health, and B vitamins from the eggs and bread, which are crucial for energy metabolism.
Frequently asked questions
A serving of two slices of Sourdough French Toast, without toppings, contains approximately 495 calories. This can vary based on the thickness of the bread and the amount of butter used.