Sourdough French Toast: A Tangy Twist on a Classic

Sourdough French Toast.

Sourdough French Toast: A Tangy Twist on a Classic

This sourdough French toast recipe puts a tangy twist on a classic breakfast dish. Made with simple ingredients, it's easy to follow and perfect for a weekend brunch or a special occasion breakfast. The slightly sour flavor of the sourdough bread complements the sweetness of the maple syrup, creating a delicious and satisfying meal. Unlike enriched bread, sourdough is naturally flavorful and can absorb more of the custard without getting soggy, resulting in a perfectly textured French toast

Ingredients:

• 1 loaf of sourdough bread, sliced 1-inch thick (Use day-old bread for best results, as it soaks up the custard better.)

• 6 large eggs (Choose pasture-raised eggs whenever possible for better quality and flavor.)

• 1 cup whole milk (Whole milk is preferred, but you can substitute with skim milk, 2% milk, or any other type of milk you have on hand.)

• 1/2 cup heavy cream (Adding heavy cream creates a richer and creamier custard.)

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (Use high-quality vanilla extract for the best flavor.)

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (High-quality cinnamon enhances the flavor of the French toast.)

• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

• Pinch of salt (Salt enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.)

• Butter, for cooking (Use high-quality butter for the best flavor.)

• Maple syrup, for serving

• Fresh berries, for serving (optional)
  

Instructions:

1. Prepare the custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined. Whisk the egg batter very well using a fork or whisk to blend the egg whites and yolk together well. This will help keep the French toast from being too "eggy."  Make sure there are no streaks of egg remaining.
   

2. Soak the bread: Dip each slice of sourdough bread into the egg mixture, ensuring both sides are evenly coated. For standard-sized slices, soak for about 5-10 seconds per side, lightly pressing the bread into the mixture. For thicker slices, soak for 1 minute per side. If the bread is heartier, like whole wheat sourdough, you might want to soak it a touch longer. The thicker the bread, the longer it will take the liquid mixture to soak through, and for your French toast to cook. Don't over soak the bread, as this can make the French toast soggy.
   

3. Heat the pan: Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of butter to the skillet and swirl to coat the bottom. Wait until the butter foams before adding the bread.
   

4. Cook the French toast: Place the soaked bread slices in the hot skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Start with medium-high heat to sear the bread, then reduce to medium-low after flipping to ensure it cooks evenly without burning. For extra crispiness and caramelization, sprinkle the bread with raw sugar before flipping it.
   

5. Keep warm: If you're making multiple batches, keep the cooked French toast warm in a 200°F oven while you finish cooking the remaining slices.
   

Serve and enjoy: Serve the sourdough French toast immediately with maple syrup and fresh berries, if desired.

Tips and Variations:

Tip/Variation	Description
Bread	Use day-old sourdough bread, as it soaks up the custard better. You can use any type of sourdough bread, but a crusty sourdough loaf works best. If you don't have sourdough bread, you can use another type of bread, but sourdough is preferred for its flavor and texture.
Custard	For a richer custard, use half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cream. You can also use almond milk or coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
Sweetener	You can use honey instead of sugar in the custard.
Cooking	Don't overcrowd the pan when cooking the French toast. Cook in batches to ensure even cooking.
Serving	Get creative with your toppings! Try adding whipped cream, fruit compote, chocolate chips, or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar.

Conclusion

This sourdough French toast recipe offers a delicious and easy way to elevate your breakfast experience. The tangy sourdough bread combined with a rich custard and your favorite toppings creates a truly satisfying meal. Whether it's a lazy weekend brunch or a special occasion breakfast, this recipe is sure to impress. So grab your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a tangy twist on a classic!