Sourdough french toast recipe

Have you ever found yourself with a loaf of sourdough bread that's just starting to get a little stale and wondered what to do with it? Well, I've got the perfect solution for you! This sourdough French toast recipe is my absolute favorite way to transform day-old sourdough into something magical for breakfast. The tangy flavor of the sourdough bread pairs perfectly with the sweet, cinnamon-spiced batter, creating a breakfast that feels both comforting and special.

I discovered this recipe by accident one Sunday morning when I was out of regular bread but desperately craving French toast. I had some sourdough left from dinner the night before, and thought "why not?" The result was so much better than regular French toast that it's become our weekend tradition! Emily asks for it almost every Saturday now, and I'm not complaining one bit!

This version is completely egg-free, using chickpea flour and flax meal instead, which makes it perfect for anyone with egg allergies or following a plant-based diet. But trust me when I say you won't miss the eggs at all! The texture is still perfectly custardy inside with that golden-brown crisp exterior we all crave.

why you will like this sourdough french toast

• Super easy to make – ready in just 15 minutes from start to finish!
• Uses simple pantry ingredients that you likely already have on hand
• The tangy sourdough adds an amazing depth of flavor that regular bread just doesn't have
• Completely egg-free but still has that classic custardy texture
• Versatile – can be topped with maple syrup, fresh fruit, whipped cream, or anything else you love
• Perfect way to use up slightly stale sourdough bread
• Healthier than traditional French toast with added protein from chickpea flour
• Kid-approved (Emily gives it two enthusiastic thumbs up!)
• Great for meal prep – the batter can be made ahead of time

ingredients for sourdough french toast

• 4 slices sourdough bread (slightly stale works best!)
• 1 cup whole milk (or plant-based milk for a dairy-free version)
• 2½ tablespoons chickpea flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder or ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon flax meal
• A pinch of salt
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter for toasting (or coconut oil for plant-based)
• Maple syrup or powdered sugar for serving

how to make sourdough french toast

step 1: make the batter

1. In a wide, shallow bowl, add the milk first (I find this prevents the flour from sticking to the bottom).
2. Add the chickpea flour, baking powder, cinnamon powder, vanilla extract, salt, sugar, and flax meal.
3. Grab a whisk and mix everything until completely combined. Don't worry if the cinnamon floats on top at first – it will mix in with a bit of whisking! (I always end up with a cinnamon mustache after blowing on the mixture to get it to mix in... who does that at my age???)

step 2: microwave the batter

1. Take your bowl of batter and pop it in the microwave for 30-40 seconds, or until the mixture becomes slightly thickened.
2. This is a crucial step! The heat activates the starches in the chickpea flour and helps the batter stick to the bread much better. If you skip this, your French toast won't have that amazing custardy texture.
3. Give it another quick whisk after microwaving to ensure everything is smooth.

step 3: soak the bread

1. Take a slice of sourdough bread and place it in the French toast batter.
2. Let it sit for about 10-15 seconds on each side. You want it to absorb some of the batter but not get too soggy!
3. The thickness of your sourdough will determine how long to soak it – thicker slices might need a bit longer.
4. Pick up the soaked bread carefully to avoid it falling apart. I like to use a fork to lift it from the edge.

step 4: toast to perfection

1. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a bit of butter to coat the surface.
2. Place your soaked sourdough slices on the skillet (I can usually fit two at a time in my large pan).
3. Let them cook for 2-3 minutes on low to medium heat. This part requires patience! Too high heat and you'll burn the outside while the inside stays raw.
4. Flip carefully and cook the other side for another 2-3 minutes until golden brown and slightly crispy on the edges.
5. Transfer to a plate and repeat with remaining slices.
6. Serve immediately topped with maple syrup, fresh berries, whipped cream, or whatever your heart desires!

Storage & reheating tips

• French toast is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• To reheat, place in a toaster oven for a few minutes until warmed through and crispy again. Microwaving works too but you'll lose the crispy texture.
• You can freeze cooked French toast! Place cooled slices on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They'll keep for up to a month.
• The batter can be made the night before and stored in the refrigerator. It may thicken overnight, so you might need to add a splash more milk before using.
• For meal prep, I sometimes make a double batch on weekends and freeze the extras for quick weekday breakfasts. Emily loves having these as a special before-school treat!

variations of sourdough french toast

• Berry-stuffed: Create a pocket in thicker sourdough slices and fill with cream cheese and berries before dipping and cooking
• Banana bread French toast: Add ¼ cup mashed ripe banana to the batter for extra natural sweetness
• Chocolate lover's: Add 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder to the batter and serve with chocolate chips sprinkled on top
• Pumpkin spice: Replace cinnamon with pumpkin pie spice and add 2 tablespoons of pumpkin puree to the batter
• Savory version: Skip the sugar and vanilla, add herbs like thyme or rosemary, and serve with avocado and cherry tomatoes
• Coconut: Use coconut milk in the batter and sprinkle with toasted coconut flakes before serving
• Gingerbread: Use molasses instead of sugar and add ½ teaspoon each of ginger, nutmeg, and cloves

Have you ever tried a savory version of French toast? It might sound strange, but it's actually amazing with some avocado and a poached egg on top!

sourdough french toast faqs

Recipes you may like

• Easy Buttermilk Pancake Mix Recipe – Another fantastic breakfast option that can be prepared ahead of time!
• Homemade Waffle Cookies with Maple Glaze – If you love maple syrup with your French toast, you'll adore these cookies!

conclusion

This sourdough French toast has become a weekend staple in our house, and I have a feeling it will in yours too! There's something so satisfying about transforming simple ingredients into something that feels special enough for a celebration but easy enough for any morning. The tanginess of the sourdough bread adds a whole new dimension to classic French toast, and the egg-free batter is a game-changer for anyone with dietary restrictions.

What I love most about this recipe is how versatile it is – you can dress it up with fresh berries and whipped cream for a fancy brunch, keep it classic with maple syrup for cozy family mornings, or even go savory for something completely different. Emily's favorite way to eat it is with sliced strawberries and a drizzle of chocolate sauce (special occasions only, I promise!).

Have you ever tried making French toast with sourdough before? If not, this is your sign to give it a try this weekend! Don't forget to save this to Pinterest for later, and let me know in the comments how it turned out for you!

Sarah