Description
A crispy, custardy brunch dish that rescues stale sourdough bread by soaking it in a rich egg and cream mixture, then pan-frying it to golden perfection and topping it with homemade cinnamon sugar.
Ingredients
Scale
- 6–8 slices stale sourdough bread (1 inch thick)
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2–3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for topping)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for topping)
Instructions
- If using fresh bread, slice it and let it dry out on a wire rack or toast at 200°F for 10 minutes to ensure it is stale.
- In a shallow dish, whisk together eggs, heavy cream, milk, vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1 tablespoon sugar, and salt until smooth.
- Dip each slice of bread into the custard mixture, soaking for about 30 seconds per side until saturated but not falling apart. Let excess drip off.
- Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of butter. Wait until the butter foams and smells nutty.
- Place soaked bread slices in the pan, ensuring they are not crowded. Cook for 3-4 minutes on the first side until deep golden brown and crispy.
- Flip the toast carefully and cook for another 3-4 minutes on the second side until the inside is hot and custardy.
- While cooking, mix the topping sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
- Remove toast from the pan and immediately sprinkle generously with the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Serve immediately with maple syrup, fresh berries, or whipped cream.
Notes
Use day-old or stale bread for best results; fresh bread will become mushy. Do not overcrowd the pan to ensure even browning. If cooking for a crowd, keep finished toast warm in a 200°F oven on a wire rack to maintain crispiness.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 slices
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 18
- Sodium: 350
- Fat: 20
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 55
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 12
Keywords: sourdough french toast, cinnamon sugar, brunch, stale bread recipe, easy breakfast, custardy french toast, zero waste cooking