Good morning, sunshine! Are you ready to start your day off with a smile? Well, look no further than this delicious sourdough French toast recipe. Not only is it the perfect way to use up any leftover bread, but it's also a guaranteed way to put a grin on your face. The tangy flavor of the sourdough adds a delightful twist to this classic breakfast dish, and with just a few simple ingredients, it's super easy to whip up in no time. So, let's grab our aprons, turn up the music, and get cooking!
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the history of French toast
Ah, French toast - that delicious breakfast treat that's been around for centuries. But have you ever wondered where it all began? Well, let me take you on a journey through time to discover the history of this beloved dish.
Believe it or not, French toast can be traced all the way back to ancient Rome, where it was called "Pan Dulcis". Made with bread soaked in milk and then fried, this sweet treat was often served with honey and enjoyed by both the rich and the poor.
Fast forward to the 15th century, and we find the first mention of French toast in English literature, where it was referred to as "pain perdu" or "lost bread". Legend has it that this name came about because it was a clever way to use up stale bread that would otherwise have been lost.
But it wasn't until the 17th century that French toast truly became the dish we know and love today. This was thanks to the French chef Francois Massialot, who published a recipe for "Pain a la Romaine." His recipe called for the bread to be soaked in a mixture of milk, sugar, and egg before being fried, giving it the custardy texture that we all know and love.
And the rest, as they say, is history! French toast has since become a beloved breakfast staple all around the world, with countless variations and toppings to suit every taste. So, next time you sink your teeth into a deliciously fluffy slice of French toast, remember the rich history and tradition that goes into every bite.
Ingredients for French toast
- butter
- stale sourdough bread
- eggs
- heavy cream
- salt
- madagascar bourbon vanilla
- sugar
Instructions for French toast
Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, and set aside. Preheat a cast iron skillet over medium heat for several minutes.
In a small casserole dish large enough to hold two pieces of bread snuggly, whisk together the eggs, cream, salt, sugar, and vanilla. Stir until smooth but not foamy.
Place two pieces of bread in the pan; let them soak for about 30 seconds, then turn them over, and let soak for about 30 seconds on the other side. You want the bread to absorb some of the liquid, but not to become soggy.
Place the bread in the skillet or on the griddle, and fry until both sides are golden brown; this should take about 2 minutes each side.
Transfer the French toast to the baking sheet, and place it in the preheated oven. Allow it to remain in the oven while you cook the remaining pieces.
When all the pieces are cooked, serve the French toast with soft butter and maple syrup. Or dust it with powdered sugar.
Hint: Want to make a delicious holiday version of this recipe? Substitute eggnog for the ¾ cup cream called for in the recipe.
Variations for a sourdough French toast recipe
There are many variations for French toast that you can try out! Here are just a few examples:
- Savory French Toast: Instead of adding sugar and cinnamon to the egg mixture, you can add salt, pepper, and herbs like thyme or rosemary. This makes for a delicious and savory breakfast dish that's perfect for those who prefer savory flavors over sweet. Serve it with sausage patties or bacon.
- Stuffed French Toast: This variation involves cutting a pocket into the bread and stuffing it with sweet or savory fillings such as cream cheese and jam, Nutella, or ham and cheese. It takes your French toast game to the next level!
- Baked French Toast: Instead of frying the bread, you can arrange it in a baking dish and pour the egg mixture over it. Then bake it in the oven until it's golden brown and puffed up. This is a great option for serving a crowd, as you can make a large batch all at once.
- Fruit Topped French Toast: Top your French toast with fresh berries, sliced bananas, or even grilled peaches for a burst of fruity flavor. This adds a refreshing touch and also makes for a pretty presentation.
So go ahead and try out some of these variations to keep things interesting at breakfast time!
Storage
If you have leftover French toast that you want to store for later, there are a few different methods you can use depending on how long you want to keep it:
- In the Refrigerator: If you plan to eat the French toast within a day or two, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Be sure to let it cool to room temperature before storing, or it may get soggy. To reheat, simply pop it in the toaster or warm it in the oven for a few minutes.
- In the Freezer: If you want to store the French toast for longer, you can freeze it for up to a month. To do this, place the cooled French toast in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer the slices to a freezer-safe container or bag. When you're ready to eat, simply reheat in the toaster or oven.
- In the Fridge Overnight: If you're prepping French toast ahead of time for an easy breakfast the next day, you can store it in the fridge overnight. Just place the slices in an airtight container or wrap them in plastic wrap and refrigerate. In the morning, you can reheat in the toaster or warm them up in the oven.
No matter which method you choose, be sure to keep the French toast in an airtight container or tightly wrapped to prevent it from drying out or absorbing any odors in the fridge or freezer.
More delicious brunch recipes!
Looking for other recipes like this? Try my savory Asparagus Tart with bacon and cheese. It is delicious and perfect for a garden fresh spring breakfast! The most popular recipe on this website (as I am writing this post) is for Sourdough Coffee Cake. This is a simple discard recipe that is kid-friendly and quick. It can be dressed up with blueberries and maple syrup, or dusted with powdered sugar.
My favorite way to serve this French toast recipe is with a generous drizzle of 3 Ingredient Caramel Sauce! I always assumed that homemade caramel sauce was difficult to make, but it couldn't be easier!
If you make this recipe, please leave a comment below! This provides helpful feedback to both me and other readers. For more delicious recipes from scratch and homesteading tips, follow me on instagram @NinnescahHomestead
📖 Recipe
Sourdough French Toast
Equipment
- cast iron skillet or griddle
- 8 " baking dish
- cookie sheet with parchment liner
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 6 bread slices thick cut
- 3 eggs
- ¾ cup whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons madagascar bourbon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, and set aside. Preheat a cast iron skillet over medium heat for several minutes.
- In a small casserole dish large enough to hold two pieces of bread snuggly, whisk together the eggs, cream, salt, sugar, and vanilla. Stir until smooth but not foamy.
- Place two pieces of bread in the pan; let them soak for about 30 seconds, then turn them over, and let soak for about 30 seconds on the other side. You want the bread to absorb some of the liquid, but not to become soggy.
- Place the bread in the skillet or on the griddle, and fry until both sides are golden brown; this should take about 2 minutes each side.
- Transfer the French toast to the baking sheet, and place it in the preheated oven. Allow it to remain in the oven while you cook the remaining pieces.
- When all the pieces are cooked, serve the French toast with soft butter and maple syrup. Or dust it with powdered sugar.
Notes
Storage
If you have leftover French toast that you want to store for later, there are a few different methods you can use depending on how long you want to keep it:-
- In the Refrigerator: If you plan to eat the French toast within a day or two, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Be sure to let it cool to room temperature before storing, or it may get soggy. To reheat, simply pop it in the toaster or warm it in the oven for a few minutes.
-
- In the Freezer: If you want to store the French toast for longer, you can freeze it for up to a month. To do this, place the cooled French toast in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer the slices to a freezer-safe container or bag. When you're ready to eat, simply reheat in the toaster or oven.
-
- In the Fridge Overnight: If you're prepping French toast ahead of time for an easy breakfast the next day, you can store it in the fridge overnight. Just place the slices in an airtight container or wrap them in plastic wrap and refrigerate. In the morning, you can reheat in the toaster or warm them up in the oven.
Storage
If you have leftover French toast that you want to store for later, there are a few different methods you can use depending on how long you want to keep it:- In the Refrigerator: If you plan to eat the French toast within a day or two, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Be sure to let it cool to room temperature before storing, or it may get soggy. To reheat, simply pop it in the toaster or warm it in the oven for a few minutes.
- In the Freezer: If you want to store the French toast for longer, you can freeze it for up to a month. To do this, place the cooled French toast in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer the slices to a freezer-safe container or bag. When you're ready to eat, simply reheat in the toaster or oven.
- In the Fridge Overnight: If you're prepping French toast ahead of time for an easy breakfast the next day, you can store it in the fridge overnight. Just place the slices in an airtight container or wrap them in plastic wrap and refrigerate. In the morning, you can reheat in the toaster or warm them up in the oven.
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