Sourdough French Toast Recipe

Slice and rest bread

Use four large hand-sliced pieces of sourdough, about 1 inch thick each. If the bread is very fresh and soft, let the slices sit uncovered on a rack for 20–30 minutes or toast lightly on one side to slightly dry the interior so they absorb custard without falling apart.

Make custard

In a shallow wide dish (pie plate or rimmed baking sheet works well), whisk together 4 large eggs, 240 ml whole milk, 60 ml heavy cream, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon fine salt until smooth and slightly frothy. Taste and adjust sweetness if desired.

Preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium to medium-low heat. Add 1 tablespoon of the unsalted butter and the 1 teaspoon neutral oil to the pan; the oil raises the butter's smoke point and helps achieve an even golden crust.

Working one slice at a time, place a sourdough slice in the custard dish and let it soak for about 20–30 seconds per side. Press down gently with a spatula so the custard penetrates but avoid oversaturating—sourdough should be moist through but not falling apart. Transfer briefly to a wire rack for 10–20 seconds to let excess drip off.

Place soaked slices into the preheated skillet (you may cook 2 at a time depending on pan size) and cook undisturbed for 3–4 minutes until the underside is deep golden brown. Flip and add the remaining 1 tablespoon butter to the pan, then cook the second side 2–3 minutes more until golden and cooked through. Adjust heat as needed so they brown slowly without burning; reduce to medium-low if crust forms too quickly.

If cooking in batches, keep finished slices warm in a single layer on a baking sheet in a 200°F (95°C) oven while you cook remaining slices.

Arrange four golden-brown slices on each serving plate (or stack if preferred). Dust each portion generously with powdered sugar (divide the 2 tbs among servings). Add a pat of butter and serve with maple syrup on the side. Serve immediately while warm.