There’s nothing quite like the golden aroma of freshly cooked French Toast Sticks wafting through the kitchen, instantly transporting me back to lazy weekend mornings. Picture this: the sun peeks through the curtains, and all you need is a quick, delicious breakfast that feels indulgent without the fuss. I love that this recipe marries simplicity and flavor, transforming humble bread into crispy, sweet morsels perfect for dipping in warm maple syrup.
Just imagine gathering your loved ones around the table, their faces lighting up as they savor each bite of these delightful sticks. Whether it’s for brunch, a cozy snack, or a fun breakfast-for-dinner night, these French Toast Sticks easily steal the show. Plus, they take just 25 minutes from start to finish! This is the kind of dish that invites creativity—feel free to sprinkle in some fresh berries or even a dash of nutmeg for a little twist. Ready to turn your morning into a celebration? Let’s dive into this easy recipe!
Why You'll Love This French Toast Sticks
- You will fall in love with how quick and easy these French Toast Sticks are to make, taking only 25 minutes from start to finish.
- The flavor is absolutely irresistible, with a heavenly combination of cinnamon and vanilla that will have you craving more.
- Their versatility allows you to serve them for breakfast, brunch, or even a fun dessert, meeting everyone’s taste buds perfectly.
- Not only do they look adorable and perfectly golden, but they also make for a fantastic crowd-pleaser that will have your family and friends coming back for seconds.
French Toast Sticks Ingredients
Ready to whip up some delightful French Toast Sticks? Here’s everything you’ll need to create this scrumptious dish!
For the Toast
- thick bread – This enhances the texture; try brioche or challah for a special touch!
- large eggs – Essential for binding and providing a rich flavor in each stick.
For the Batter
- whole milk – Adds creaminess; feel free to substitute with almond milk for a dairy-free option.
- ground cinnamon – This gives your French Toast Sticks that warm, cozy flavor everyone loves!
- vanilla extract – A splash of sweetness that elevates the overall taste of the batter.
For Cooking
- unsalted butter – Perfect for frying, ensuring a delicious golden crust on your sticks.
For Serving
- Maple syrup – Drizzle over the sticks for a sweet finishing touch that takes these to the next level!
How to Make French Toast Sticks
-
Whisk In a mixing bowl, combine the eggs, milk, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Whisk together until the mixture is smooth and well blended—this elevates your French Toast Sticks with delightful flavor.
-
Cut Take your thick bread and slice it into strips about 2 inches wide. This size ensures each piece cooks evenly and is perfect for dipping into syrup!
-
Heat Place a skillet over medium heat and add the unsalted butter. Allow it to melt completely, creating a buttery base that will give your sticks a delicious golden crust.
-
Dip Submerge each bread strip into the egg mixture for about 10 seconds, allowing it to soak up just the right amount of batter. Carefully place the dipped strips into the hot skillet afterward.
-
Cook Let each stick sizzle for 2-3 minutes on one side, until they turn golden brown, then flip and repeat on the other side. Aim for that perfect crispy texture!
-
Serve Once all sticks are cooked, serve them warm with a generous drizzle of maple syrup. Watching the syrup soak into the crispy edges is one of life’s little joys!
Optional: Add a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top for a fancy touch!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
French Toast Sticks Variations
Ready to put your own spin on these delicious French Toast Sticks? Let your creativity shine and delight your taste buds!
-
Dairy-Free: Substitute whole milk with almond or oat milk for a creamy, dairy-free delight. You won’t miss the traditional taste!
-
Cinnamon Sugar: Sprinkle a mix of cinnamon and sugar on top right after cooking for an extra touch of sweetness that elevates every bite.
-
Nutty Twist: Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the egg mixture for delightful crunch and extra flavor, making an irresistible texture contrast.
-
Stuffed Sticks: Spread a layer of cream cheese or peanut butter between two bread strips before dipping. This creates a rich, indulgent filling that everyone will love!
-
Savory Version: Replace the vanilla extract with herbs like thyme or rosemary for a savory twist that pairs beautifully with a side of poached eggs.
-
Jam or Marmalade: Serve with your favorite fruit preserves or marmalade on the side. The fruity sweetness makes a simple dip that transforms each taste into a burst of flavor.
-
Spiced Up: Add a pinch of cayenne or chili powder to the egg mixture for a gentle kick that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the syrup.
-
Berry-Stuffed: Place fresh berries such as strawberries or blueberries between the bread before dipping. Their juicy explosion adds a fruity surprise to each stick!
How to Store and Freeze French Toast Sticks
Room Temperature: Store leftover French Toast Sticks in an airtight container for up to 2 hours at room temperature if you plan to enjoy them soon.
Fridge: Keep cooked French Toast Sticks in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Place them in an airtight container to maintain their delicious flavor and moisture.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the sticks in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
Reheating: To reheat, simply pop them in a toaster or oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. Enjoy them warm with maple syrup for a delightful treat!
What to Serve with French Toast Sticks?
Imagine pairing these delightful sticks with everything you need for a cozy breakfast feast, leaving your taste buds dancing with joy.
-
Fresh Fruit Salad: A bright mix of seasonal fruits adds a refreshing contrast to the warm, sweet toast. It’s a colorful complement that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.
-
Crispy Bacon: The salty crunch of bacon beautifully balances the sweetness of French Toast Sticks. It introduces a savory element that everyone loves for a well-rounded meal.
-
Creamy Yogurt: A dollop of yogurt on the side brings a luscious creaminess that enhances the dish. Choose a tangy Greek yogurt to cut through the sweetness, creating a delightful harmony.
-
Maple-Cinnamon Apples: Sautéed apples in maple syrup and cinnamon present a comforting, warm side that ties in perfectly with the flavors of your toast. The soft texture adds a nice twist!
-
Hot Chocolate: Warm chocolate drinks elevate the experience to a new level, making breakfast feel special. The rich flavor perfectly complements the sweetness and is a hit for both kids and adults.
-
Nutty Granola: Serve a scoop of crunchy granola alongside your French Toast Sticks for added texture and nutty flavor. It provides satisfying crunchiness, making each bite more exciting.
-
Vanilla Ice Cream: For a twist on breakfast, consider serving these sticks with a scoop of ice cream! The melting ice cream adds a creaminess that turns breakfast into dessert. Perfect for a special treat!
-
Chai Latte: The spiced notes of a warm chai latte perfectly enhance the cinnamon flavors in the dish, creating a cozy atmosphere, inviting you to linger a little longer at the table.
Make Ahead Options
These French Toast Sticks are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the egg mixture (eggs, milk, cinnamon, and vanilla) up to 24 hours in advance by whisking it together and storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Additionally, you can slice the bread into sticks and keep them sealed in a plastic bag to prevent staleness. When you’re ready to serve, simply dip the bread into the prepared egg mixture and cook as directed. This way, you’ll enjoy warm, crispy French Toast Sticks without the fuss on busy mornings. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a delightful breakfast ready in no time!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfect French Toast Sticks, be sure to use thick slices of bread like brioche or challah for an irresistibly soft texture.
- A common mistake is to rush the dipping process; allow each strip to soak in the egg mixture for about 10 seconds to ensure it absorbs enough flavor.
- When cooking, make sure your skillet is preheated to medium heat for an even golden crust without burning.
- If your sticks are browning too quickly, lower the heat to allow for proper cooking on the inside while maintaining that crispy exterior.
French Toast Sticks Recipe FAQs
What type of bread is best for French Toast Sticks?
The best choice is thick bread, like brioche or challah, which enhances the texture and flavor. The thicker slices absorb the egg mixture better, offering a delightful contrast between the crispy exterior and soft interior.
How should I store leftover French Toast Sticks?
To store leftovers in the fridge, place them in an airtight container, and they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. Ensure they are well-sealed to keep their delicious flavor intact. If they’re still warm, let them cool down slightly before sealing to avoid condensation.
Can I freeze French Toast Sticks?
Absolutely! For freezing, lay the sticks in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, about 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.
How do I reheat frozen French Toast Sticks?
To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the frozen sticks on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can pop them in a toaster until warm and crispy. Drizzle with maple syrup for that fresh-out-of-the-kitchen taste!
What should I do if my French Toast Sticks burn on the outside but stay soft on the inside?
If you find this happening, it’s likely that the heat is too high. Next time, reduce the heat to medium low and give each stick more cooking time, allowing the insides to cook through before the exterior gets too dark. Consistent flipping every couple of minutes can also help achieve even cooking.
Are French Toast Sticks suitable for people with dietary restrictions?
Indeed! You can easily make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free bread. For dairy-free options, substitute whole milk with almond, soy, or oat milk. Just make sure to check the labels, especially with bread and any toppings you plan to use!
French Toast Sticks
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Whisk together eggs, milk, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Cut thick bread into 2-inch wide strips for even cooking.
- Heat skillet over medium heat and melt the unsalted butter.
- Dip each bread strip into the egg mixture for about 10 seconds, then place in the skillet.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Serve warm with a drizzle of maple syrup.
Leave a Comment