Cracker Barrel French Toast with Sourdough Recipe
Introduction
Enjoy a classic breakfast treat with this Cracker Barrel-style French Toast made using tangy sourdough bread. This recipe offers a perfect balance of sweet, cinnamon-spiced custard and crispy, buttery toast that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 8 slices sourdough bread
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Step 1: In a shallow bowl, beat together the eggs, milk, sugar, cinnamon, salt, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Step 2: Soak each slice of sourdough bread in the egg mixture, pressing gently to ensure the bread absorbs as much liquid as possible without falling apart.
- Step 3: Heat 1 to 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a pan over medium-low heat. Place the soaked bread slices in the pan and cook until golden brown, about 5 minutes per side. Add more butter as needed between batches.
- Step 4: Serve the French toast warm, topped with maple syrup and a light dusting of powdered sugar for a classic finish.
Tips & Variations
- Use slightly stale sourdough bread for better absorption and less sogginess.
- For extra flavor, sprinkle a pinch of nutmeg into the egg mixture.
- Try topping with fresh berries or whipped cream instead of powdered sugar.
- Cook on medium-low heat to ensure the inside cooks through without burning the outside.
Storage
Store any leftover French toast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm slices in a skillet over low heat or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through for best texture. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use bread other than sourdough?
Yes, sturdy breads like brioche, challah, or Texas toast work well, but sourdough adds a unique tangy flavor and texture that’s characteristic of this recipe.
Do I need to soak the bread for a long time?
Soak the bread just long enough to absorb the custard without falling apart, usually about 15–30 seconds per side, depending on the bread’s thickness and freshness.
PrintCracker Barrel French Toast with Sourdough Recipe
This Cracker Barrel-inspired French Toast recipe uses hearty sourdough bread soaked in a cinnamon-vanilla egg mixture and pan-fried to golden perfection. It yields a deliciously rich and comforting breakfast ideal for family gatherings or weekend brunches.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
French Toast
- 8 slices sourdough bread
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 2 Tbsp. sugar
- 1 Tbsp. vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp. salt
- 4 Tbsp. unsalted butter (for cooking)
Instructions
- Prepare the batter: In a shallow bowl, beat together the eggs, milk, sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined and smooth.
- Soak the bread: Dip each slice of sourdough bread into the egg mixture, gently pressing down to ensure it soaks up as much liquid as possible without falling apart.
- Heat the pan and cook: Melt 1 to 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large skillet or pan over medium-low heat. Place the soaked bread slices in the pan and cook until golden brown, about 5 minutes per side. Add more butter to the pan as needed to prevent sticking and develop a rich crust.
- Serve warm: Remove the cooked French toast from the pan and serve immediately while warm. Enhance with maple syrup and a light dusting of powdered sugar for the classic finish.
Notes
- Use day-old sourdough bread for best soaking and texture.
- Adjust cinnamon and sugar quantities to taste.
- Cook on medium-low heat to avoid burning the butter and ensure even cooking.
- Maple syrup and powdered sugar are optional but recommended for authentic flavor.
Keywords: Cracker Barrel French Toast, Sourdough French Toast, Breakfast recipe, Pan-fried French Toast, Cinnamon vanilla French Toast
