This Sourdough French Toast with Blueberry Brown Sugar Compote is the perfect sweet breakfast to start your weekend. The rich, custardy sourdough French toast is topped with a flavorful blueberry brown sugar compote, making it both indulgent and satisfying. With simple ingredients and easy steps, it’s an elevated way to enjoy a classic breakfast dish that’s sure to impress.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the French Toast:

• 4 thick slices sourdough bread (about 1-inch thick)

• 6 large eggs

• ¾ cup heavy cream

• 2 tbsp brown sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• ¼ tsp kosher salt

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter

For the Blueberry Compote:

• 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries

• ¼ cup packed brown sugar

• 2 tbsp water

• ¼ tsp kosher salt

• 3 tbsp unsalted butter

Directions

1. Make the Blueberry Compote:
   In a saucepan, combine blueberries, water, brown sugar, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and the blueberries soften. Stir in the butter and remove from heat. Set aside.

2. Make the Custard:
   In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, cream, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Pour the mixture into a high-sided baking dish.

3. Soak the Bread:
   Add the slices of sourdough bread to the custard mixture, pressing down gently to soak the bread. Let the bread soak for at least 10 minutes, ensuring it absorbs the custard.

4. Cook the French Toast:
   Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt butter. Add the soaked bread slices to the skillet and cook for 3-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.

5. Serve:
   Serve the French toast immediately, topped with the blueberry brown sugar compote. Add a drizzle of maple syrup, if desired.

Nutrients (approximate per serving)

• Calories: 557 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 32g

• Protein: 11g

• Fat: 44g

• Saturated Fat: 25g

• Cholesterol: 393mg

• Sodium: 429mg

• Potassium: 227mg

• Fiber: 2g

• Sugar: 27g

Why Sourdough for French Toast?

Sourdough bread is the perfect choice for French toast because of its slightly tangy flavor and dense, chewy texture. The tanginess of sourdough adds depth to the dish, balancing the sweetness of the custard and compote. Sourdough also holds up well when soaked in the custard mixture, giving you a sturdy base that doesn’t become soggy. The thick slices provide a satisfying bite, making each piece of French toast perfectly crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.

Making the Blueberry Brown Sugar Compote

The blueberry brown sugar compote is the star topping for this dish, bringing a burst of sweetness and fruitiness that pairs perfectly with the richness of the French toast. The compote is simple to make: just cook fresh or frozen blueberries with brown sugar, water, and salt until the sauce thickens and the berries soften. The brown sugar adds a deep caramelized sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the natural tartness of the blueberries. Stir in a bit of butter at the end to create a silky texture that coats the fruit and melts into the French toast. This compote can be made ahead of time and kept warm until you’re ready to serve.

The Custard: The Key to Perfect French Toast

The custard is the foundation of French toast, and this recipe uses a combination of eggs, heavy cream, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and salt to create a rich and smooth mixture. The eggs provide structure, while the heavy cream makes the custard rich and creamy. The brown sugar adds sweetness, and the vanilla extract infuses the custard with a warm, comforting flavor. The salt helps balance the sweetness and enhances the flavors. The bread is soaked in this custard mixture to ensure that every bite of French toast is perfectly rich and flavorful.

Soaking the Bread

To ensure your French toast is perfectly custardy, soak the sourdough slices in the custard mixture for at least 10 minutes. This allows the bread to fully absorb the custard, ensuring each slice is packed with flavor. Pressing down gently on the bread as it soaks helps the custard penetrate evenly. After soaking, the bread slices will be perfectly saturated, making them tender and custardy inside with a crispy golden-brown exterior once cooked.

Cooking the French Toast

Cooking the French toast is a simple step but requires attention to detail to achieve the perfect crispy texture. Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt butter to coat the bottom. The butter adds richness and flavor, helping to achieve that golden-brown crispiness on the outside of the bread. Add the soaked bread slices to the skillet and cook for about 3-5 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown and crispy. The key is to avoid cooking the French toast on too high of heat, as this can cause the exterior to brown too quickly while leaving the inside undercooked.

Serving the Sourdough French Toast with Blueberry Brown Sugar Compote

Once the French toast is cooked, serve it immediately while it’s still warm. Top each serving with a generous spoonful of the blueberry brown sugar compote, letting the sweet sauce melt over the crispy toast. For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle with maple syrup and garnish with a dusting of powdered sugar or additional fresh blueberries. The combination of the crispy toast, creamy custard, and sweet, tangy compote makes this dish a true breakfast indulgence.

Nutritional Benefits of Sourdough French Toast with Blueberry Brown Sugar Compote

This dish is a delicious indulgence, with around 557 calories per serving. While it is higher in fat due to the butter and heavy cream, it also provides 11 grams of protein, mainly from the eggs and the dairy. The blueberries in the compote provide antioxidants, fiber, and vitamin C, making the dish a source of nutrients as well as a sweet treat. The fiber from the bread and blueberries helps with digestion and adds to the feeling of fullness, making this a satisfying breakfast option.

Why This Recipe is a Must-Try

Sourdough French Toast with Blueberry Brown Sugar Compote is a must-try for anyone who loves a rich, indulgent breakfast that’s packed with flavor. The tangy sourdough, combined with the creamy custard and sweet blueberry compote, creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The ease of preparation and the ability to make the compote ahead of time make this recipe perfect for both special occasions and lazy weekend mornings. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or impressing guests, this elevated French toast is sure to be a hit.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Sourdough French Toast with Blueberry Brown Sugar Compote is a decadent and flavorful breakfast that takes a classic dish to the next level. The combination of creamy, custardy French toast, sweet blueberry compote, and a drizzle of maple syrup creates a delicious and satisfying meal. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for special occasions or a weekend treat. Serve it with a side of bacon or fresh fruit for a complete breakfast that’s sure to impress. Treat yourself to this indulgent dish and enjoy the rich flavors that come with every bite!