The moment I hear the crackle of bread sizzling in butter, my whole kitchen comes alive with warm, inviting aromas that transport me back to my childhood. Sunday mornings spent with my family often revolved around a delicious stack of French toast, but I’ve discovered that turning this classic into crispy French Toast Sticks is a game changer.
Perfect for a leisurely breakfast or a fun snack, these delightful strips are not only straightforward to make but also incredibly satisfying. With the creaminess of brioche or challah, the sweet hint of cinnamon, and the irresistible crunch that comes from a few minutes in a hot skillet, these sticks are perfect for dipping into maple syrup or your favorite fruit compote.
Whether you’re looking to impress guests, treat your kids, or simply indulge in a bit of nostalgia, this recipe has you covered. Let’s dive into the delicious world of French Toast Sticks and bring some homemade joy back to your kitchen!
Why French Toast Sticks Will Delight You?
Simplicity shines in this recipe, with just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time. Versatile enough for breakfast or a snack, these sticks can be enjoyed with various toppings. Crispy edges combined with a soft center create a delightful texture that’s hard to resist. Family-friendly and kid-approved, it’s a fun twist on a classic that will bring smiles to your table! Enjoy the comforting flavors of cinnamon and vanilla, transforming any morning into a special occasion.
French Toast Sticks Ingredients
• The perfect blend of flavors awaits!
For the Batter
- Brioche or Challah Bread – Thick slices ensure a soft center and crispy edges.
- Large Eggs – Essential for binding the ingredients and adding richness.
- Whole Milk (or Almond/Oat Milk) – Use whole milk for creaminess or plant-based milk for a lighter twist.
- Ground Cinnamon – Adds warm, comforting spice to the mixture.
- Pure Vanilla Extract – Enhances the sweetness and complexity of flavors.
- Granulated Sugar – Just a touch to elevate the sweetness of your delicious sticks.
For Frying
- Unsalted Butter – Provides that delicious buttery flavor and helps achieve golden-brown perfection.
Enjoy crafting your French Toast Sticks and savor each crispy bite!
How to Make French Toast Sticks
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Whisk Together: In a large bowl, whisk together your eggs, milk, sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This batter is the foundation of your French Toast Sticks!
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Slice the Bread: Cut each thick slice of brioche or challah into strips about 1 inch wide. These strips will be perfectly sized for dipping and enjoying.
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Dip the Strips: Take each bread strip and dip it into the egg mixture. Ensure they’re fully coated, then let the excess drip off. The more coated, the better the flavor!
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Heat the Skillet: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter until bubbly. This is where the magic happens, turning soft bread into crispy toast!
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Cook to Perfection: Place your dipped bread sticks in the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them; you want to achieve that perfect crunch!
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Serve Warm: Remove the crispy sticks and serve them immediately with maple syrup or your favorite toppings for an irresistible breakfast treat.
Optional: Top with fresh berries or a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for French Toast Sticks
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Choose the Right Bread: Opt for thick slices of brioche or challah for that fluffy center and crispy exterior that makes these French Toast Sticks so delightful.
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Perfect Dip Time: Don’t rush the dipping! Allow each strip to soak for a few seconds in the egg mixture to absorb maximum flavor without becoming soggy.
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Watch the Heat: Keep your skillet at medium heat. Too high, and the outside will burn while the inside remains uncooked, defeating the purpose of that crispy texture.
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Butter Melting: Ensure your butter is bubbly but not browned before adding the bread strips. This sets the stage for that gorgeous golden color without charring.
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Serving Suggestions: Serve immediately for the best texture! You can also add toppings like fresh fruit, whipped cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar for a delightful finishing touch.
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Avoid Overcrowding: Cook in batches if necessary. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of frying, compromising the crispiness of your French Toast Sticks.
Make Ahead Options
French Toast Sticks are a fantastic meal prep option that can save you precious time during busy mornings! You can prepare the egg mixture (eggs, milk, sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla) up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it in an airtight container. Additionally, you could slice the brioche or challah into strips and store them in a separate container to maintain their freshness. When you’re ready to enjoy your French Toast Sticks, simply dip the prepped bread strips into the chilled egg mixture and cook them as instructed. With just a little prep, you’ll have warm, crispy sticks that taste just as delicious as freshly made!
How to Store and Freeze French Toast Sticks
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Room Temperature: French Toast Sticks are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them at room temperature for up to 2 hours before refrigeration.
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Fridge: Keep any uneaten sticks in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat them in a skillet for that crispy texture!
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Freezer: To freeze, let the French Toast Sticks cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. They can be stored for up to 2 months.
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Reheating: For the best experience, reheat frozen sticks in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes or until heated through and crispy again. Enjoy!
What to Serve with French Toast Sticks?
Nothing elevates a delightful breakfast spread quite like the perfect accompaniments to your crispy, sweet French Toast Sticks.
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Maple Syrup: A classic choice, the rich sweetness of maple syrup perfectly complements the warm cinnamon notes, enhancing every bite.
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Fresh Berries: Strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries add a refreshing burst of flavor and color to your plate, creating a delightful contrast to the sweet sticks.
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Greek Yogurt: This creamy, tangy addition offers a protein-packed counterpoint to the sweetness of the French toast, making for a well-rounded meal.
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Powdered Sugar: A light dusting not only adds an elegant touch but brings enhanced sweetness that pairs beautifully with the spices in the sticks.
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Chocolate Hazelnut Spread: For a decadent twist, indulge in rich chocolate hazelnut spread, turning your breakfast into a sweet dream.
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Breakfast Sausages: The savory, smoky flavors of breakfast sausages provide a satisfying contrast to the sweetness of the French Toast Sticks, making each bite exciting.
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Cinnamon Apples: Warm apples sautéed with cinnamon offer a cozy seasonal touch, creating a comforting flavor duo when paired with French Toast.
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Fresh Orange Juice: A glass of fresh-squeezed orange juice brightens the meal with its zesty acidity and sweetness, balancing the flavors beautifully.
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Hot Chocolate: Especially delightful in cooler months, a warm cup of hot chocolate pairs wonderfully with French Toast Sticks for a comforting treat.
Enjoy mixing and matching these pairings to create a breakfast feast that warms the heart and delights the taste buds!
French Toast Sticks Variations
Get ready to put your own twist on these delicious treats!
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Whole Wheat Bread: Swap brioche for whole wheat to add a nutty flavor and extra fiber. Perfect for a wholesome breakfast!
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Nutty Banana: Spread peanut or almond butter on the bread before dipping for a delightful twist that packs extra protein and flavor!
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Chocolate Chip Delight: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips on the bread after dipping for a sweet surprise. Kids will love this scrumptiously fun addition!
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Spiced Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice to the batter for a warm, cozy flavor that dances on your taste buds. A great way to celebrate the seasons!
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Vegan Option: Use a flax egg and almond milk instead of eggs and whole milk for a plant-based version, still ensuring those crispy edges.
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Savory Spin: Sprinkle some shredded cheese or herbs into the egg mixture for a savory take on classic French Toast Sticks. Serve with marinara for an exciting dipping sauce!
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Coconut Flakes: Dip the bread in shredded coconut after the egg mixture for a tropical twist that adds texture and sweetness.
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Fruit Infusion: Blend in some pureed berries into your egg mixture for a fruity flavor explosion, while also getting a lovely pink hue for a unique breakfast presentation!
French Toast Sticks Recipe FAQs
What type of bread should I use for French Toast Sticks?
I highly recommend using thick slices of brioche or challah bread! These types of bread provide a fluffy center and crispy edges, making them ideal for a delicious French Toast Stick experience. You could also try cinnamon swirl bread for an extra flavor boost if you’re feeling adventurous!
How should I store leftover French Toast Sticks?
Absolutely! If you have some sticks left over, place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply reheat them in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes for that crispy texture you love.
Can I freeze French Toast Sticks?
Very much so! To freeze, let your French Toast Sticks cool completely. Next, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 1 hour. Once they’re firm, transfer the sticks to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. They can be stored for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to dig in, just reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes or until they’re warm and crispy again!
What if my French Toast Sticks turn out soggy?
If you’re finding your sticks soggy, it could be due to two factors: either the bread is soaking too long in the egg mixture or your skillet’s heat is too low. Make sure to dip the bread quickly and cook them on medium heat. Ideally, each stick should only soak for a few seconds to absorb enough flavor while still maintaining a solid structure.
Can I make French Toast Sticks dairy-free?
Absolutely! You can use almond milk or oat milk in place of whole milk to make the recipe dairy-free while keeping that lovely taste. The recipe will still come out delicious and satisfying. Just ensure your bread choice is also dairy-free to suit your dietary needs!
Irresistibly Crispy French Toast Sticks That Wow Your Mornings
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large bowl, whisk together your eggs, milk, sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla until smooth.
- Cut each slice of bread into strips about 1 inch wide.
- Dip each bread strip into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off.
- Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat until bubbly.
- Cook the dipped bread sticks for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Serve warm with maple syrup or your favorite toppings.
