01 -
First things first, grab a wide, shallow dish – something that can comfortably fit a slice of your beautiful sourdough bread. Whisk together your eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and that all-important pinch of salt. Whisk it really well until everything is combined and the sugar has dissolved. You want a smooth, creamy custard. This is where the magic starts to happen; you can already smell the vanilla and cinnamon, oh, it's heavenly!
02 -
Now for the bread. Slice your stale sourdough about 1-inch thick. Don't go too thin, or it'll fall apart; too thick, and it won't cook through. Lay a slice into your custard mixture, letting it soak for about 30 seconds to 1 minute per side. The key here is to let it really absorb the liquid without becoming oversaturated. This is where I sometimes get impatient, but trust me, a good soak makes all the difference for amazing Sourdough French Toast.
03 -
While your bread is soaking, get your skillet or griddle nice and hot over medium heat. Add a knob of unsalted butter – enough to coat the bottom. You want it shimmering but not smoking. If it smokes, your pan is too hot, and your Sourdough French Toast will burn before it cooks through. I’ve definitely had a few too many smoky kitchen moments learning this one!
04 -
Carefully transfer your soaked sourdough slices to the hot pan, making sure not to overcrowd it. Give them some space! Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they're beautifully golden brown and the center feels set. You're looking for that perfect crust on the outside and a soft, custardy interior. The smell filling your kitchen right now? That's pure joy, honestly!
05 -
As you finish cooking each batch of Sourdough French Toast, you can keep them warm by transferring them to a baking sheet in a preheated oven set to a low temperature (around 200°F or 95°C). This is a lifesaver if you're cooking for a crowd or just want everything hot at once. I always do this, otherwise, someone gets cold French toast, and that's just a tragedy.
06 -
Pile those golden beauties high! This is the best part. Serve your Sourdough French Toast immediately with your favorite toppings. Think fresh berries, a dusting of powdered sugar, and a generous drizzle of maple syrup. The outside should be slightly crisp, and the inside soft and custardy. It’s truly a masterpiece, if I do say so myself!