Name: Sourdough French Toast Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons (25g) granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon table salt; 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg (optional); 2 large eggs; 1/3 cup (151g) half-and-half; 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract; Eight 1/2"-thick slices sourdough bread, fresh or somewhat stale; Vegetable oil, for the pan; Butter, for the pan; Raw sugar, for sprinkling (optional); Maple syrup; Confectioners' sugar; Fresh berries

I absolutely adore starting my weekend mornings with this Sourdough French Toast Recipe. There’s something so comforting and nostalgic about golden slices soaked in a spiced custard blend and fried to perfection. The tang of sourdough adds a unique depth that makes this French toast stand out from the usual, while the hints of cinnamon and vanilla create an irresistible aroma that fills the kitchen. Every bite is a delightful combination of sweet, rich, and slightly tangy flavors that keep me coming back for more.

Why You'll Love This Sourdough French Toast Recipe

What makes this Sourdough French Toast Recipe truly special to me is the balance of flavors and textures. The sourdough bread brings a pleasant tanginess that plays wonderfully against the sweet custard with cinnamon and vanilla. When cooked just right, you get a crisp, caramelized exterior with a soft, custardy center—pure breakfast perfection in my eyes. The optional nutmeg adds a subtle warmth that rounds out the flavor profile without overpowering the dish.

I also appreciate how straightforward and accessible this recipe is. The ingredients are simple and pantry-friendly, yet each one is chosen to maximize flavor and texture. The soaking time is just right to ensure the bread absorbs enough of the egg mixture without becoming soggy, and the cooking process is easy enough for any home cook to master. It’s one of those dishes that makes you feel like you’ve treated yourself without needing a lot of fuss.

Another thing I love is how versatile this recipe is for any occasion. It’s indulgent enough for a special weekend brunch but simple enough to whip up on a busy weekday morning. Whether you’re serving it for family breakfast, a holiday breakfast-in-bed surprise, or a relaxed brunch with friends, this Sourdough French Toast Recipe feels special and inviting. It’s a crowd-pleaser that never disappoints!

Ingredients You'll Need

Two slices of toasted bread with a golden brown color are in a black cast iron pan. On top of the sliced bread, there is a layer of light brown sugar being sprinkled from a woman's hand above the pan. The sugar is shown falling in mid-air, adding texture to the bread. The background shows a white marbled surface, a small clear glass bowl with more brown sugar, a blue pot with a green plant, and a wooden board leaning against a white tiled wall. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe relies on simple, essential ingredients that each play a crucial role in creating that classic French toast taste and texture. The combination of eggs and half-and-half forms a rich custard base, while cinnamon and vanilla bring warmth and sweetness. Using thick slices of sourdough ensures the bread holds up during soaking and cooking, delivering the perfect balance of crispy edges and tender centers.

TIP : You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below

Granulated sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness that caramelizes beautifully when cooking.
Cinnamon: Infuses the custard with warm, cozy spice notes.
Table salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
Nutmeg (optional): Offers a gentle, aromatic warmth for depth.
Large eggs: Provide structure and richness for the custard soak.
Half-and-half: Creates a creamy custard base that’s lighter than heavy cream but richer than milk.
Pure vanilla extract: Brings a fragrant sweetness that complements the spices.
Sourdough bread: Thick, sturdy slices that soak well without falling apart and add tangy flavor.
Vegetable oil and butter: The perfect combo for browning and flavor when cooking.
Raw sugar (optional): Sprinkled for extra caramelization and crunch on top.
Maple syrup, confectioners' sugar, or fresh berries: Classic toppings that bring sweetness, elegance, and freshness to the final plate.

Directions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 200°F and place a wire rack on top of a baking sheet. This will be your warming station to keep the French toast crispy while you finish cooking the batch.

Step 2: In a large, shallow dish, whisk together granulated sugar, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg until evenly combined. Add the eggs, half-and-half, and vanilla extract, and whisk the mixture until smooth with no streaks of egg remaining. This custard is where all the magic happens, so make sure it’s well blended.

Step 3: Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. When it’s hot, coat the bottom of the pan with about 1 to 1 ½ teaspoons of vegetable oil and add a small pat of butter. The vegetable oil ensures even browning, while the butter adds that irresistible flavor and aroma.

Step 4: Working with two slices of sourdough bread at a time, soak each slice in the custard mixture for about 1 minute per side. The bread should be thoroughly saturated but not soggy—this part is key to a perfect texture.

Step 5: Place the soaked bread slices in the skillet and cook until the bottom turns a beautiful golden brown, about 2 minutes. If you’re using raw sugar, sprinkle some on the bread at this point for an extra caramelized crunch. Flip the slices and cook the other side for 1 to 2 minutes until browned and caramelized.

Step 6: Transfer the cooked French toast to the wire rack in the warm oven so it stays crisp while you cook the remaining slices. Wipe the skillet clean if you used raw sugar to prevent burning, then re-grease with oil and butter as needed before continuing.

Step 7: Repeat soaking, cooking, and warming with the rest of the bread slices until all are done.

Step 8: Serve the sourdough French toast warm, topped with your favorite maple syrup, a dusting of confectioners’ sugar, and/or fresh berries. I love how these extras add color, sweetness, and that fresh pop of flavor!

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields about 4 generous servings, perfect for a small family or a brunch with friends. The prep time is quick—about 10 minutes to gather and mix ingredients and soak the bread. Cooking takes approximately 15 minutes, depending on your pan size and heat control. All in all, you’re looking at around 25 minutes total from start to finish, with no resting time needed. This means you can have a warm, delicious breakfast on the table in no time!

How to Serve This Sourdough French Toast Recipe

Two slices of golden brown French toast are on a white plate with a blue design, each slice showing a slightly crisp texture with some darker spots. On the top slice, a small pat of melting butter sits in the center, surrounded by fresh, plump blueberries scattered on and around the bread. A golden fork holds a bite-sized piece of toast at the lower right edge of the plate. The plate rests on a white marbled surface with a soft beige cloth folded to the left. In the background, there is a black and brown coffee mug filled with coffee, a glass of orange juice, and a bottle of maple syrup, slightly blurred. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When it comes to serving this Sourdough French Toast Recipe, I love keeping it simple but elegant. Warm, buttered maple syrup is my go-to, drizzled generously over each slice to complement the rich custard and tangy bread. A dusting of confectioners’ sugar adds a delicate sweetness and a pretty snow-like finish that's perfect for weekends or special occasions.

Fresh berries are another favorite accompaniment. I especially like mixing seasonal berries like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries to add bright colors and a fresh, tangy contrast to the rich toast. For a bit of texture and crunch, chopped toasted nuts or a spoonful of whipped cream can elevate the dish beautifully. Presentation-wise, I arrange the French toast slices slightly overlapping on a large platter or individual plates for an inviting look.

For beverages, I find that a strong cup of freshly brewed coffee or a lightly spiced chai tea pairs wonderfully with the cinnamon and vanilla notes. If I’m serving brunch to friends, a mimosa or a glass of sparkling rosé adds a festive touch. This recipe shines best served warm, right off the pan or from the warming rack, which keeps the exterior crisp and the interior tender—always a crowd-pleaser.

Variations

I love experimenting with variations of this Sourdough French Toast Recipe to suit different tastes and dietary needs. One of my favorite tweaks is swapping half-and-half for coconut milk or almond milk to make a dairy-free version that’s still creamy and flavorful. You can even use a flax egg or aquafaba to create a vegan version, though I find the texture slightly different without real eggs.

Another delicious variation is to add fruit puree or mashed bananas to the custard mixture for added moisture and natural sweetness. For a touch of indulgence, folding in a tablespoon of cream cheese or mascarpone into the egg mixture creates an ultra-rich, velvety French toast. I’ve also played with spices by adding cardamom or ground ginger alongside cinnamon for a unique twist.

For those short on time, baking the soaked bread slices on a greased baking sheet at 375°F for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through, can be a hands-off alternative to pan-frying. I find that the texture is slightly less crispy but still delightful. Whichever way you go, the core flavors of this recipe hold up beautifully to customization.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers, I recommend placing the French toast slices in an airtight container and refrigerating them for up to 2 days. Make sure the slices are cooled completely before sealing to avoid sogginess. I like layering parchment paper between slices if stacking to prevent sticking and preserve texture.

Freezing

This Sourdough French Toast Recipe freezes quite well if you want to prepare ahead. Lay the cooled slices in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a resealable freezer bag or airtight container. They keep well for up to 2 months. Freezing individually allows you to thaw and reheat just the portions you need, which is a time-saver on busy mornings.

Reheating

To reheat, I find the oven or toaster oven works best to restore crispiness without drying out the toast. Set your oven to 350°F, place the slices on a wire rack or baking sheet, and heat for about 8 to 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving when possible, as this tends to make the French toast soggy and less appealing. Adding a small pat of butter during reheating can help boost flavor and texture.

FAQs

Can I use bread other than sourdough for this French toast recipe?

Absolutely! While sourdough lends a wonderful tang and texture, you can use other sturdy breads like brioche, challah, or country white bread. Just choose slices that are about ½ inch thick and slightly stale for the best soaking without falling apart.

What if I don’t have half-and-half? Can I substitute milk or cream?

You can substitute whole milk or heavy cream for half-and-half. Milk will lighten the custard, while cream will make it richer and more indulgent. A 50/50 mix of milk and cream is also a good homemade alternative for half-and-half.

How do I know when the French toast is cooked through?

The exterior should be golden brown and slightly crisp, while the center should feel soft but set—not wet or runny. Cooking for about 2 minutes per side usually achieves this, but adjusting the heat can help prevent burning and ensure thorough cooking.

Can I prepare the custard mixture ahead of time?

Yes, the custard can be mixed and refrigerated for up to 24 hours. Just give it a good whisk before soaking your bread every time, as some ingredients may settle. Fresh custard often gives the best texture, but advance prep is convenient for busy mornings.

What are some fun toppings to serve with this Sourdough French Toast Recipe?

Besides classic maple syrup, I love fresh fruit like berries or sliced bananas, whipped cream, nut butters, toasted nuts, honey, or even a dollop of yogurt. You can also try flavored syrups such as cinnamon or orange blossom to switch things up.

Conclusion

I genuinely can’t recommend this Sourdough French Toast Recipe enough if you want a breakfast that’s both comforting and a little elevated. It’s easy to make, uses simple ingredients, and delivers warm, flavorful slices that feel like a hug with every bite. Whether it’s a lazy weekend morning or a special occasion, this recipe always brings smiles to the table, and I hope you’ll love it as much as I do!