If you have ever craved a breakfast treat that’s both fun to eat and irresistibly delicious, this French Toast Sticks Recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to. Imagine warm, golden bread sticks with a perfectly crisp outside and a soft, fluffy inside, infused with hints of cinnamon and vanilla that make every bite feel like a cozy morning hug. Whether you’re feeding kids who love dipping their toast into syrup or simply looking for a quick and satisfying breakfast, this French Toast Sticks Recipe delivers all the comfort and joy of classic French toast in an easy, handheld form.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients make all the difference here, each one crafting the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. From the airy softness of thick-cut bread to the rich warmth of cinnamon and vanilla, every element plays a vital role in bringing this dish to life.
- 4 slices thick-cut bread (like brioche or Texas toast): Choose a sturdy, slightly sweet bread for the best texture and flavor.
- 2 large eggs: These bind everything together and add richness.
- 1/3 cup whole milk: Adds creaminess and helps create that luscious custard soak.
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar: Balances the warmth of spices with a gentle sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Introduces a fragrant, comforting note that makes French toast so irresistible.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: The spice that instantly elevates the flavor and adds a hint of warmth.
- Pinch of salt: Enhances all the other flavors without overpowering them.
- 2 tablespoons butter (for frying): Creates that golden, crisp crust and adds a rich buttery taste.
- Optional toppings like maple syrup, powdered sugar, or fresh berries: Add extra flavor and color to personalize your French toast sticks.
How to Make French Toast Sticks Recipe
Step 1: Cut the Bread into Sticks
Start by slicing your thick-cut bread into 3 or 4 even sticks per slice. This cutting method transforms traditional French toast into a fun, hand-held breakfast that’s perfect for dipping and sharing.
Step 2: Whisk the Custard Mixture
In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This custard base is what will soak into the bread, delivering all that creamy, sweet flavor.
Step 3: Prepare the Pan
Heat a large nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt the butter. This step is crucial because the butter not only prevents sticking but also creates that beautiful golden crust that makes French toast sticks so delightful.
Step 4: Dip and Cook the Bread Sticks
Dip each bread stick into the custard mixture, making sure all sides are coated evenly but avoiding soaking too long to prevent sogginess. Place the sticks carefully on the skillet and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, until they turn golden brown and are cooked through.
Step 5: Serve Warm and Enjoy!
Remove the French toast sticks from the pan and serve immediately. They’re best enjoyed fresh, while warm and crispy on the outside, soft and tender on the inside. Now let’s talk about some brilliant ways to serve these delicious sticks.
How to Serve French Toast Sticks Recipe
Garnishes
Start with simple classics like a drizzle of pure maple syrup or a light dusting of powdered sugar to enhance the sweetness without overwhelming the flavors. Fresh berries add a burst of freshness and color, making your plate look vibrant and tasty.
Side Dishes
Pair your French Toast Sticks Recipe with some crispy bacon or breakfast sausages for a savory contrast that balances the sweetness perfectly. Fresh fruit salad or a dollop of yogurt can also add a refreshing and nutritious touch to the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the sticks in a festive manner by arranging them in a mason jar or stacking them on a platter with small bowls of dipping sauces like chocolate, caramel, or cinnamon cream cheese spread. This not only looks inviting but also adds layers of flavor for a delightful experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 days, so you can enjoy the breakfast goodness even on busy mornings without starting from scratch.
Freezing
French Toast Sticks Recipe is freezer-friendly! Place the cooked sticks on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to one month. This makes it easy to have a quick breakfast ready whenever you need it.
Reheating
Reheat your frozen or refrigerated French toast sticks in a toaster oven or conventional oven to keep them crispy on the outside while warming them through. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain that crunchy texture.
FAQs
Can I use regular sandwich bread instead of thick-cut bread?
Yes, you can, but thick-cut breads like brioche or Texas toast soak up the custard better and hold their shape during cooking, resulting in a better texture for French toast sticks.
How do I prevent French toast sticks from getting soggy?
Don’t soak the bread sticks too long in the custard mixture. A quick, even coating is enough. Also, cooking them on medium heat with butter helps achieve a crispy, golden exterior.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely. Substitute whole milk with any plant-based milk like almond or oat milk, and use a dairy-free butter alternative for frying.
What is the best way to serve these to kids?
Kids love dipping, so serve French toast sticks with fun dips like fruit preserves, honey, or even a little chocolate sauce alongside classic maple syrup.
Can I add other spices or flavors?
Certainly! Feel free to experiment by adding nutmeg, pumpkin spice, or even a splash of orange zest to the custard for exciting, personalized variations.
Final Thoughts
This French Toast Sticks Recipe is one of those timeless breakfast treats that brings so much joy with every bite. It’s quick to make, endlessly versatile, and loved by kids and adults alike. I encourage you to give it a try and make your mornings a little brighter and tastier. Once you taste that golden perfection dipped in syrup, you’ll wonder why you didn’t make these sooner!
Print
French Toast Sticks Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 3–4 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and easy-to-make French Toast Sticks are perfect for a quick breakfast or snack. Made with thick-cut bread dipped in a cinnamon-vanilla egg mixture and cooked to golden perfection on the stovetop, these sticks are kid-friendly and versatile with optional toppings like maple syrup, powdered sugar, or fresh berries.
Ingredients
French Toast Sticks
- 4 slices thick-cut bread (like brioche or Texas toast)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup whole milk
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons butter (for frying)
Optional Toppings
- Maple syrup
- Powdered sugar
- Fresh berries
Instructions
- Prepare the bread: Cut each slice of thick-cut bread into 3 or 4 equal sticks to create uniform pieces for cooking.
- Make the egg mixture: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until fully combined and smooth.
- Heat the pan: Preheat a large nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt the butter evenly to ensure the sticks don’t stick and cook properly.
- Dip the bread sticks: Quickly dip each bread stick into the egg mixture, coating all sides thoroughly but without soaking for too long to prevent sogginess.
- Cook the sticks: Place the coated bread sticks onto the heated skillet and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown and are cooked through.
- Serve: Remove the French toast sticks from the skillet and serve immediately with your choice of optional toppings such as maple syrup, powdered sugar, or fresh berries.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, lightly toast the bread before dipping into the egg mixture.
- These French toast sticks can be frozen after cooking. To reheat, warm them in the oven or toaster for a quick breakfast option.
