If you’re looking for a breakfast recipe that is both indulgent and satisfying, sourdough French toast is the perfect choice. This dish combines the tangy and complex flavors of sourdough bread with the sweet, creamy richness of a well-prepared custard. Moreover, its versatility makes it an excellent option for cozy mornings at home, special brunch gatherings, or even a delightful dessert after a hearty meal.
In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know to create the ultimate sourdough French toast. From selecting the right bread to mastering the cooking process, you’ll discover how easy it is to elevate this classic dish into a showstopping breakfast favorite.
Why Use Sourdough Bread for French Toast?
When it comes to making French toast, choosing the right bread is essential. While brioche and challah are popular choices, sourdough bread offers several unique advantages that make it a standout option.
Firstly, the natural tanginess of sourdough bread adds depth to the overall flavor profile, creating a perfect balance between the savory and sweet components of the dish. Secondly, its sturdy texture holds up well during soaking, ensuring that the bread absorbs just the right amount of custard without falling apart.
For instance, day-old sourdough bread is particularly ideal because it soaks up the rich custard mixture without becoming overly soggy. Furthermore, using sourdough gives the dish a rustic charm that sets it apart from more traditional recipes.
If you’re interested in exploring other creative breakfast ideas, you might enjoy learning about how to prepare cottage cheese eggs, which are both nutritious and delicious.
Ingredients for Sourdough French Toast
Before we dive into the step-by-step instructions, let’s take a closer look at the ingredients you’ll need. Having all your ingredients prepared ahead of time will make the cooking process much smoother and more enjoyable.
For the Custard:
- 3 large eggs: These form the base of the custard, giving it structure and richness.
- 1 cup of heavy cream: Adds creaminess and enhances the overall texture.
- 2 tablespoons of sugar: Provides just the right amount of sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract: Infuses the custard with a warm, aromatic flavor.
- ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon: Brings a hint of spice that complements the tangy sourdough.
- ¼ teaspoon of ground nutmeg: Adds depth and warmth to the flavor.
- Pinch of sea salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
For the Bread:
- 6 slices of sourdough bread: Cut into ¾-inch thick slices. Slightly stale bread works best as it absorbs the custard without falling apart.
For Cooking:
- 2 tablespoons of butter: Provides flavor and helps achieve a golden-brown crust.
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil: Prevents the butter from burning during cooking.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Custard
To start, combine the eggs, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of sea salt in a medium-sized mixing bowl. Whisk the ingredients together until fully combined. This mixture will serve as the flavorful base for your sourdough French toast.
For convenience, transfer the custard mixture into a shallow dish. This makes it easier to soak the bread evenly, ensuring every slice is infused with the rich flavors of the custard.
2. Soak the Bread
Next, place the slices of sourdough bread into the custard mixture. Allow each slice to soak for about 10 minutes per side. This step is crucial because it ensures that the bread absorbs enough custard to become flavorful and moist without becoming too soft or falling apart.
While the bread is soaking, take a moment to prepare your cooking area. Having your skillet, utensils, and additional ingredients ready will make the cooking process more efficient.
3. Heat the Skillet
Once the bread is fully soaked, it’s time to cook. Start by heating a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the butter and vegetable oil to the skillet, allowing them to melt and combine. The oil helps prevent the butter from burning, while the butter adds a rich, savory flavor to the French toast.
4. Cook the French Toast
Carefully place the soaked bread slices onto the preheated skillet. Cook each slice for approximately 3–4 minutes per side, or until the exterior is golden brown and slightly crispy. The key here is to cook the bread slowly over medium-low heat. This ensures that the custard cooks evenly and the bread develops a beautiful golden crust.
As each slice finishes cooking, transfer it to a baking sheet and keep it warm in an oven preheated to 400°F. This step is particularly helpful if you’re making a larger batch, as it allows you to serve the French toast hot and fresh.
Pro Tips for the Best Sourdough French Toast
To ensure your French toast turns out perfectly every time, keep the following tips in mind:
- Use slightly stale bread: Fresh bread tends to become too soft when soaked in custard, while day-old bread holds up better.
- Don’t oversoak: While it’s important to let the bread absorb the custard, soaking it for too long can lead to a mushy texture.
- Cook slowly: Medium-low heat is ideal for achieving a golden-brown exterior without burning the custard.
- Keep slices warm: If you’re cooking in batches, use the oven to keep the finished slices warm until you’re ready to serve.
For more inspiration on complementary dishes, consider pairing your French toast with a side of mashed potatoes and gravy.
Serving Suggestions
Sourdough French toast is incredibly versatile, and there are countless ways to customize it to suit your taste. Here are some topping and serving ideas to inspire you:
Sweet Toppings:
- Maple syrup and powdered sugar
- Fresh fruits like berries, bananas, or peaches
- A dollop of whipped cream
- A drizzle of honey or Nutella
Savory Toppings:
- Crispy bacon or sausage
- A fried egg on top
- Avocado slices and hot sauce
- Shredded cheese and chives
Additionally, you can serve your French toast with a side of sweet potato cornbread for a Southern-inspired breakfast spread.
FAQs About Sourdough French Toast
What Is the Best Bread for French Toast?
While sourdough bread is an excellent choice for its texture and flavor, other great options include brioche and challah.
Can You Make French Toast Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare and store cooked French toast in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze individual slices for up to 3 months. When reheating, use a 350°F oven to maintain the texture.
How Do You Avoid Soggy French Toast?
To prevent sogginess, use day-old bread and avoid oversaturating it in the custard. Additionally, cooking over medium-low heat ensures that the bread cooks evenly.
Conclusion
Sourdough French toast is more than just a breakfast—it’s an experience. With its tangy, custard-soaked bread and perfectly golden crust, this dish is sure to impress anyone who tries it. Whether you’re preparing a special brunch for guests or treating yourself to a cozy morning at home, this recipe is a guaranteed success.
For more delicious breakfast ideas, check out this gluten-free breakfast casserole. Combining hearty ingredients with simple preparation, it’s another great addition to your morning repertoire.
By following these tips and incorporating creative toppings and sides, you’ll transform a simple meal into a memorable culinary delight. Happy cooking!