French Toast Sticks Recipe
If you’re searching for a breakfast that’s easy, fun, and pure happiness on a plate, look no further than French Toast Sticks! These golden, cinnamon-kissed dippers are crispy on the outside, fluffy in the center, and impossible not to love. Whether you stack them high, dip them in syrup, or let your kids dunk them in powdered sugar, French Toast Sticks are the perfect start to any day—simple enough for busy mornings, yet special enough for holidays and weekend brunches alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The best part about making French Toast Sticks is that you probably already have everything you need! Each ingredient plays a special role in delivering the rich flavor, comforting texture, and irresistible aroma that makes these sticks unforgettable.
- Thick-cut bread: Sturdy slices like brioche or Texas toast will soak up the custard but hold their shape when cooked.
- Large eggs: Essential for creating that classic creamy custard that clings to the bread and adds just the right amount of richness.
- Whole milk: Gives your custard the creamy depth that makes the finished sticks so tender inside.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a cozy aroma and extra depth of flavor that makes every bite fragrant and inviting.
- Ground cinnamon: Infuses the custard with warmth and subtle spice—French Toast Sticks wouldn’t be the same without it!
- Granulated sugar: Brings a gentle sweetness that helps create those caramelized, golden edges.
- Pinch of salt: Just a sprinkle balances out all the sweet and creamy flavors, letting each ingredient shine through.
- Unsalted butter (for cooking): Ensures your sticks crisp up beautifully while bringing that irresistible buttery finish.
- Optional toppings (maple syrup, powdered sugar, fresh berries): Whether you love classic syrup or want a touch of color and freshness, toppings add the final magic.
How to Make French Toast Sticks
Step 1: Cut the Bread
Start by slicing your thick-cut bread into three or four even sticks per slice. This size is perfect for dunking, and the sturdy bread keeps each stick soft inside while crisping up on the outside. Resist the urge to use thin bread—it tends to fall apart in the custard.
Step 2: Whisk the Custard
In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, sugar, and that pinch of salt until everything is beautifully combined. This mix is what gives French Toast Sticks their warm, custardy flavor and golden hue, so take a moment to get it nice and smooth.
Step 3: Preheat the Pan
Place a large nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt the butter. Swirl the pan to coat it evenly. The gentle heat and melted butter ensure that each batch cooks up golden brown with irresistibly crispy edges without burning.
Step 4: Dip the Bread Sticks
Take each bread stick and dip it into the custard mixture. Let the bread soak up the flavors for a second or two, but don’t leave it in too long—you want it saturated but not soggy. Gently shake off any excess before moving to the pan.
Step 5: Cook to Golden Perfection
Place the coated bread sticks onto the hot skillet. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side, turning until every edge is golden and crisp. Work in batches if necessary, adding more butter between batches to keep each stick wonderfully browned.
Step 6: Serve Warm and Enjoy
Once all your French Toast Sticks are piping hot and perfectly golden, serve them immediately. Now’s the time to break out the syrup, dust with powdered sugar, or toss a handful of berries on top for color and freshness.
How to Serve French Toast Sticks
Garnishes
For the final flourish, classic maple syrup is a must, but don’t stop there! A generous shower of powdered sugar looks gorgeous and adds that bakery-style sweetness. For a splash of color and a burst of freshness, toss on a few fresh berries or sliced bananas. Let everyone customize their plate to make breakfast extra fun.
Side Dishes
Pair your French Toast Sticks with crispy bacon, savory sausage, or a fresh fruit salad for a full breakfast spread. Their sweet, cinnamon flavor goes beautifully with smoky or savory sides, rounding out the meal without overpowering it. Even a simple glass of fresh orange juice or hot coffee makes the experience feel elevated.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to wow your guests (or just your kids)? Try serving French Toast Sticks stacked high like breakfast “Jenga,” or fanned out on a platter with little cups of maple syrup for dipping. You can even thread them onto skewers for a brunch buffet or portable breakfast—a totally delightful twist on a morning classic!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have a few French Toast Sticks left, let them cool to room temperature before storing them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep for up to three days and make an amazing quick breakfast or snack.
Freezing
French Toast Sticks freeze beautifully! Once completely cooled, arrange them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Transfer to a resealable freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. They’ll be ready and waiting for a no-fuss breakfast for up to two months.
Reheating
For best results, reheat your French Toast Sticks in the oven or air fryer at 350°F until warm and lightly crisped, about 5 to 10 minutes. They also do well in a toaster oven. The microwave works in a pinch, but the sticks may lose some of their delightful crispness.
FAQs
What’s the best bread for French Toast Sticks?
Thick, sturdy bread like brioche or Texas toast works best. They have enough structure to soak up the custard without falling apart and deliver that signature soft center after cooking.
Can I make French Toast Sticks dairy-free?
Absolutely! Swap the whole milk for your favorite non-dairy milk (like almond or oat milk) and use a dairy-free butter substitute for cooking. The results are just as delicious and family-friendly.
How do I get extra crispy French Toast Sticks?
For ultimate crispiness, lightly toast your bread slices before dipping them in the custard. This helps them hold their shape and develop an even crispier crust as they cook.
Is it okay to prep French Toast Sticks the night before?
You can prep the custard mixture and slice your bread in advance, but it’s best to wait to dip and cook until you’re ready to eat. French Toast Sticks taste best fresh from the pan.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Yes! Simply multiply the ingredient amounts as needed. Use a large griddle for cooking multiple batches at once and keep the finished sticks warm in a low oven while you work through the batch.
Final Thoughts
There’s something undeniably joyful about sharing a platter of homemade French Toast Sticks. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, making breakfast for your kids, or treating yourself to a sweet morning pick-me-up, these cinnamon-kissed dippers never fail to bring smiles. Give them a try—you’ll love how easy and fun they are, and they might just become your new breakfast favorite!
Print
French Toast Sticks Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 to 16 sticks (about 4 servings) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These French Toast Sticks are a fun and delicious twist on classic French toast. Perfect for a quick and satisfying breakfast, these sticks are crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and full of comforting flavors.
Ingredients
Bread:
- 4 slices thick-cut bread (like brioche or Texas toast)
Egg Mixture:
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- pinch of salt
For Cooking:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Optional Toppings:
- Maple syrup
- Powdered sugar
- Fresh berries
Instructions
- Cut Bread: Cut each slice of bread into 3 to 4 sticks.
- Prepare Egg Mixture: In a shallow bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, sugar, and salt.
- Cook Sticks: Heat a skillet, dip bread sticks in egg mixture, cook in butter until golden brown.
- Serve: Enjoy warm with toppings of choice.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, lightly toast the bread before dipping.
- These can be frozen after cooking—just reheat in the oven or air fryer for a quick breakfast.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 sticks
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
