Sourdough bread, with its tangy flavor and slightly chewy texture, elevates the classic French toast bake to a whole new level. This decadent brunch dish is perfect for lazy weekend mornings, special occasions, or impressing guests. Forget soggy bread; this recipe guarantees a perfectly custardy interior and a beautifully caramelized crust. Let's dive into creating this delicious masterpiece.
What Makes Sourdough French Toast Bake Different?
The unique character of sourdough bread is the star here. Its slightly acidic nature reacts beautifully with the custard, creating a richer, more complex flavor profile than traditional French toast. The sourdough's slightly chewy texture also holds up better to the soaking process, preventing it from becoming overly soggy. This results in a French toast bake that's both incredibly moist and satisfyingly substantial.
How to Make the Best Sourdough Bread French Toast Bake
This recipe focuses on achieving the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The key lies in selecting a slightly stale sourdough loaf (day-old is ideal), allowing ample time for the bread to absorb the custard mixture, and achieving that perfect golden-brown crust.
Ingredients:
- 1 (1-pound) loaf sourdough bread, slightly stale, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup milk (whole milk recommended)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds), 1/2 cup dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, or chopped apricots)
Instructions:
- Prepare the bread: Cut the sourdough bread into 1-inch cubes. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and let them air dry for about 30 minutes to prevent them from becoming too soggy in the custard.
- Make the custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
- Combine bread and custard: Gently add the bread cubes to the custard mixture, ensuring each cube is evenly coated. Let it sit for at least 15-20 minutes, allowing the bread to fully absorb the custard. This step is crucial for achieving a moist and tender bake. If using add-ins, gently fold them in now.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Pour the bread and custard mixture into the prepared dish, spreading it evenly.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and serve: Let the French toast bake cool slightly before serving. Dust with powdered sugar and serve warm with your favorite toppings, such as maple syrup, whipped cream, fresh berries, or a dusting of cinnamon.
What Kind of Sourdough Bread is Best for French Toast Bake?
Any type of sourdough bread will work, but a classic country loaf or a slightly tangy sourdough is ideal. Avoid overly dense or overly soft sourdough loaves. A slightly stale loaf is preferred as it absorbs the custard better and prevents the bake from becoming too soggy.
Can I Make Sourdough French Toast Bake Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can assemble the French toast bake the night before and refrigerate it overnight. Simply add an additional 15-20 minutes to the baking time the next day. This makes it a perfect make-ahead brunch option.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover sourdough French toast bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave before serving.
What Toppings Go Well with Sourdough French Toast Bake?
The beauty of this dish is its versatility. Experiment with different toppings to find your favorites! Some popular choices include:
- Maple syrup
- Whipped cream
- Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
- Chocolate sauce
- Caramel sauce
- Nuts (pecans, walnuts, almonds)
By following this recipe and utilizing the tips provided, you'll be well on your way to creating a truly unforgettable sourdough bread French toast bake. Enjoy!
