Hey y'all! If you're searching for the ultimate cozy breakfast or brunch to feed a hungry crowd, this Sourdough French Toast Bake is your new best friend. Each bite brings together tangy sourdough, creamy custard, and sweet cinnamon—perfect for holidays, weekends, or anytime you want to treat yourself! Plus, it's make-ahead friendly and super simple, leaving you more time to enjoy with family and friends. Let’s get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Sourdough French Toast Bake
- This recipe is easy to prepare ahead, making breakfast stress-free.
- The sourdough gives a deliciously tangy flavor and chewy texture.
- Perfect for holidays, brunches, or meal prepping mornings.
- Feeds a crowd effortlessly—just bake, slice, and enjoy!
- Customizable with toppings, mix-ins, and alternative milks.
Ingredients for Sourdough French Toast Bake
- 1 loaf (about 450g, 1 lb) stale sourdough bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (plus extra for greasing)
- Optional: ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- Optional: ½ cup fresh berries or sliced bananas for serving
- Powdered sugar & maple syrup for topping
Directions: How to Make Sourdough French Toast Bake
Step 1: Prep the Bread and Pan
Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter. Spread the cubed sourdough bread evenly in the dish. If your bread is fresh, consider toasting the cubes in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes to dry them out for better absorption.
Step 2: Make the French Toast Custard
In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until completely blended and slightly frothy.
Step 3: Assemble the Sourdough French Toast Bake
Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes. Lightly press bread cubes with the back of a spoon so they absorb the custard. Drizzle melted butter over the top, and sprinkle with nuts if using.
Step 4: Soak & Chill
Cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight. (If you're short on time, 45 minutes of soaking will do, but overnight yields the best flavor and texture!)
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the dish from the fridge and let sit at room temperature while the oven preheats. Bake uncovered for 40-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set. If the top is browning too quickly, loosely cover with foil for the last 10 minutes of baking.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Let the Sourdough French Toast Bake cool for 10 minutes, then dust with powdered sugar. Slice and serve with maple syrup, fresh berries, or your favorite toppings.
Notes for Making the Perfect Sourdough French Toast Bake
- Day-old or slightly stale bread works best—fresh bread may get mushy.
- If the custard looks thin, a few extra cubes of bread will help soak it up.
- Let the bake rest before slicing so it holds its shape.
Sourdough French Toast Bake Variations
- Berry Delight: Swirl in 1 cup of mixed berries before baking.
- Apple Cinnamon: Add 1 cup of diced apples and a pinch of extra cinnamon for a cozy twist.
- Chocolate Lover's: Toss in ½ cup chocolate chips and finish with a drizzle of chocolate syrup.
Required Equipment for Sourdough French Toast Bake
- 9x13-inch baking dish
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk or hand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
Sourdough French Toast Bake Storage Instructions
To store leftovers, cover the baking dish tightly or transfer slices to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 45-60 seconds or in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10 minutes. You can also freeze slices for up to 2 months—wrap tightly and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Serving Suggestions for Sourdough French Toast Bake
- Serve with crispy bacon or breakfast sausage for a hearty meal.
- Pair with freshly brewed coffee or a tangy mimosa.
- Top with Greek yogurt and a drizzle of honey or maple syrup for extra richness.
Pro Tips for the Best Sourdough French Toast Bake
- Letting the bread soak overnight delivers unbeatable flavor and texture.
- Don’t skip the resting time after baking—this helps the casserole set for clean slices.
- Use real maple syrup for an extra burst of natural sweetness and depth.
Sourdough French Toast Bake FAQ
- Can I use other types of bread?
- Absolutely! Challah, brioche, or French bread all work, but sourdough adds unique tang and chew.
- Does the crust need to be removed from the bread?
- Not at all—crusts add rustic texture and help prevent sogginess.
- Can I prepare Sourdough French Toast Bake in advance?
- Yes! Assembling the night before is ideal and saves time in the morning.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 2 hours or overnight
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours minimum (includes chill time)
Ingredients
- 1 loaf sourdough bread (about 14 oz), cut into 1-inch cubes
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
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1Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray. Arrange the cubed sourdough bread evenly in the dish.
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2In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
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3Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread cubes. Gently press the bread to ensure it soaks up the custard. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for best results.
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4Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Uncover the baking dish and drizzle melted butter over the top.
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5Bake for 40 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is set. If desired, broil for 1-2 minutes for extra crispiness.
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6Allow to cool slightly before serving. Serve with maple syrup, fresh berries, or powdered sugar if desired.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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