Sourdough French Toast Recipe

This sourdough French toast recipe is quick, easy, and unbelievably delicious. Each slice is golden and slightly crisp on the outside while staying soft and custardy inside, with just the right hint of sweetness to tie it all together. Honestly, it’s so good that it’s become a breakfast and brunch staple in our house. If you’ve tried some of my other classic breakfast favorites—like my crispy pancakes or mini waffles—then you already know this one is going to deliver the same consistent and delicious results.

Why I Love This Sourdough French Toast Recipe

What makes this sourdough French toast recipe so special is the way the bread transforms when dipped in custard and cooked. Sourdough’s tangy flavor and sturdy texture hold up well, giving you slices that are golden and slightly crisp on the outside while staying soft, fluffy, and custardy inside.

I also love how quick and simple it is to make—just a few staple ingredients and about 20 minutes are all you need. The first time I tried this, I was in the mood for breakfast-for-dinner and only had sourdough bread in the house. I figured I’d give it a shot, and after that first bite, I knew I’d never go back to plain French toast again.

Now, this recipe has become a weekend breakfast tradition in our home, and I always keep sourdough on hand just for it. Paired with million dollar bacon and sweet potato hash browns, it turns into a breakfast spread fit for any occasion. 

Don't just take my word for it though, here's what one of our readers who made it had to say about it:

This is probably my favorite French toast that I have ever had. For real it is so delicious and I will totally make it again. -Cara

Ingredients for Sourdough French Toast

• 6 slices of sourdough bread
• ¾ cup of milk
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Pinch of salt
• 2 tablespoons butter 

Now, you'll want to grab the sourdough bread from the store a few days before making this recipe. Stale sourdough bread yields the best results.

But if you have a craving for this recipe and want to make it immediately, fresh sourdough bread still works well too! And if you're feeling extra, you can even use homemade sourdough bread with a sourdough starter.

How To Make Sourdough French Toast

Step 1: Make the Batter

 In a shallow bowl, add the milk, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Whisk together, and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare To Cook

Add some butter to a pan or griddle and heat it over medium heat until melted. Dip the slices of bread into the batter until coated on both sides.

Step 3: Cook the French Toast and Serve

 Immediatley transfer the coated bread to the pan. Fry for 3 to 5 minutes until crispy on the outside. Flip and pan-fry on the other side for another 3 to 5 minutes until golden brown and crisp. Serve the French toast warm, topped with maple syrup, powdered sugar, and fresh fruit.

Expert Tips To Make The Best Sourdough French Toast

• Cook on a griddle. Using a large griddle lets you cook multiple slices of sourdough French toast at the same time, so they’re all hot and ready to serve together. This is especially helpful if you’re making brunch for a crowd.
• Butter the surface. Buttering the griddle before each batch adds flavor and helps create a crisp, golden-brown crust on the bread. The combination of the custard-soaked bread and sizzling butter is what gives French toast that diner-style finish.
• Add more butter between slices. Don’t be afraid to re-butter the griddle as you cook. A light coating of fresh butter before each slice keeps the bread from sticking and it gives the french toast that golden brown crust that makes it so good.
• Dip, don’t soak. Quickly dip each slice of sourdough into the egg mixture rather than letting it sit and soak. This prevents the bread from becoming soggy and ensures the center stays fluffy while the outside gets crispy.
• Choose the right bread. Crusty sourdough or thick slices of slightly stale sourdough bread work best. Fresh bread can fall apart, but day-old bread holds up to the custard and cooks evenly without becoming mushy.
• Use whole milk or heavy cream. For an indulgent, custardy texture, make your egg mixture with whole milk or even heavy cream. It adds richness and gives you that melt-in-your-mouth interior.
• Make it gluten-free. Swap in gluten-free sourdough bread to create the best gluten-free French toast recipe—you’ll get the same crisp edges and fluffy middle without the gluten.
• Control the heat. Medium heat is ideal. Too high, and the outside will brown before the inside cooks through. Too low, and the bread will dry out instead of caramelizing.
• Add a flavor boost. For extra flavor, whisk in a teaspoon of vanilla extract, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or even a pinch of nutmeg into the egg mixture before dipping your bread.

Topping Ideas To Try

• Classic Diner-Style: Spread 1 teaspoon butter on each slice while it’s hot, then drizzle with 1–2 tablespoons pure maple syrup per slice and finish with 1 tablespoon powdered sugar (use a small sieve for an even dusting).
• PB&J French Toast “Sandwich”: Make two slices, then spread 2 tablespoons peanut butter on one slice and spoon on 2–3 tablespoons strawberry compote (or jam) on the other. Press together, slice in half, and add an extra ½ tablespoon powdered sugar on top if you want it dessert-style.
• Almond Butter and Banana: Spread 1½ tablespoons almond butter per slice, then top with ½ banana, thinly sliced. Add 1 teaspoon maple syrup over the top for a little sweetness (optional but so good).
• Fresh Fruit + Maple: Add ½ cup fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, or a mix) per serving and drizzle with 1–2 tablespoons maple syrup. If the fruit isn’t super sweet, add a tiny pinch of salt—it makes the flavor pop.
• Cinnamon-Sugar and Whipped Cream: While the toast is warm, spread 1 teaspoon butter per slice. Mix 1 tablespoon granulated sugar + ¼ teaspoon cinnamon, then sprinkle it over the top (that’s enough for 2 slices). Finish with 1–2 tablespoons maple syrup and a dollop of ¼ cup whipped cream per serving.
  
   

Sourdough French Toast FAQS

Breakfast Recipes To Try Next

• French toast without milk
• McGriddle
• Churro pancakes
• Mochi donuts
• Breakfast burrito
• Banana muffins
• Easy waffles
• Egg McMuffin