Dessert

Cracker Barrel French Toast Recipe (with Sourdough) Recipe

Byreem everly February 23, 2026February 23, 2026

Introduction

Enjoy a comforting breakfast with this Cracker Barrel-style French Toast made using sourdough bread. The combination of cinnamon, vanilla, and a rich egg mixture creates a classic dish that’s crispy on the outside and tender inside.

A white plate holds four thick slices of golden-brown French toast stacked slightly overlapping each other, topped with a light dusting of powdered sugar and a few sliced strawberries placed on the top slice. Surrounding the toast on the left and right are several whole and halved bright red strawberries. Amber syrup pools underneath the toast on the right side, with some syrup spilling slightly over the plate edge. A silver fork rests on the syrup next to more strawberries. The scene is set on a white marbled texture surface, with a rustic white speckled cup filled with dark coffee positioned in the top right corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

8 slices sourdough bread
4 large eggs
1 cup milk
4 Tbsp. unsalted butter
2 Tbsp. sugar
1 Tbsp. vanilla extract
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. salt

Instructions

Step 1: In a shallow bowl, beat together the eggs, milk, sugar, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
Step 2: Dip each slice of sourdough bread into the egg mixture, pressing gently to help it absorb as much liquid as possible.
Step 3: Heat 1-2 tablespoons of butter in a pan over medium-low heat. Cook the soaked bread slices in the melted butter until golden brown on each side, about 5 minutes per side. Add more butter as needed for cooking.
Step 4: Serve the French toast warm, topped with maple syrup and a light dusting of powdered sugar if desired.

Tips & Variations

Use day-old sourdough bread for best absorption without becoming too soggy.
Add a pinch of nutmeg to the egg mixture for extra warmth and flavor.
For a richer taste, substitute whole milk with half-and-half or heavy cream.
Try topping with fresh berries or whipped cream for a refreshing twist.

Storage

Store leftover French toast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a toaster or oven to retain crispiness. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the toast soggy.

How to Serve

A white plate holds a stack of four thick slices of French toast arranged in a diagonal line from bottom left to top right, each slice golden brown with uneven toasted patches. The top two slices are dusted with powdered sugar, and three halved strawberries rest on the top slice. Around the stack, a few more halved strawberries are placed on the left side, bright red with seeds visible. On the right side, amber syrup pools under a silver fork with its handle extending off the plate slightly, and two strawberry halves sit in the syrup. The plate rests on a light wooden surface, and a speckled white cup with black coffee sits in the top right corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use bread other than sourdough?

Yes, but sourdough’s sturdy texture and slight tang make it ideal for French toast. Other thick-cut, sturdy breads like brioche or challah also work well.

Can I prepare the egg mixture in advance?

It’s best to prepare the egg mixture fresh before cooking for optimal flavor and texture. However, you can mix it up to a few hours ahead and keep it refrigerated.