French Toast Sticks Recipe

If you’ve ever dreamt of starting your morning with something beyond the usual cereal bowl, these delightful French Toast Sticks are exactly what you need! Sweet, golden, and crispy, they transform breakfast into a delightful occasion. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, these sticks will have your kitchen smelling like a cozy café.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick to Prepare: You’ll have these French Toast Sticks ready in just 15 minutes, perfect for those busy mornings.
  • Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike will flock to the table when these are served; they’re irresistibly tasty!
  • Customizable Toppings: Personalize each stick with berries, syrup, or even Nutella for a unique breakfast experience.
  • Great for Sharing: Ideal addition to family brunches, served warm, they are sure to vanish quickly!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Creating these delightful French Toast Sticks requires just a handful of ingredients, each playing a crucial role in making your breakfast deliciously memorable. Let’s dive into what you’ll need and why they’re essential!

  • Milk: Adds creaminess to the batter, helping it adhere well to the bread.
  • All-purpose flour: Gives the batter a slight thickness, creating a perfect coating.
  • Eggs: Essential for richness and binding all the ingredients together.
  • Light brown sugar: Offers a subtle sweetness with a hint of molasses flavor.
  • Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor, giving a warm, sweet aroma.
  • Ground cinnamon: Infuses the mix with a gentle spice, complementing the sweetness.
  • Kosher salt: Balances the flavors beautifully, ensuring they all shine.
  • Butter: For frying, lending a golden, crisp finish to each stick.
  • Thick bread (preferably brioche): The foundation of your French Toast Sticks, offering a soft yet sturdy base.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

The beauty of French Toast Sticks is their versatility. Let’s explore some exciting twists you can apply to this recipe to suit your tastes and dietary needs.

  • Gluten-Free: Simply substitute regular flour and bread with your favorite gluten-free versions for an equally delicious treat.
  • Vegan Delight: Use almond milk and a flaxseed egg mixture to create a plant-based version without sacrificing flavor.
  • Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the batter for an unexpected layer of warm spices.

How to Make French Toast Sticks

Step 1: Prepare the Bread

Start by slicing your bread into 1-inch wide strips. This shape makes the sticks perfect for dipping and ensures even cooking. If you’re using thick bread like brioche, be sure the slices are slightly stale for the best texture.

Step 2: Blend the Batter

Combine milk, flour, eggs, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt in a blender. Pulse until smooth. A blender ensures everything is perfectly mixed, but a good whisking in a bowl works too if you prefer a more hands-on approach.

Step 3: Cook the Sticks

Preheat your griddle to 350°F or use a skillet over medium-high heat. Lightly butter the cooking surface, then dip each bread strip in the egg mixture, ensuring an even coat. Cook each side for about 2 minutes until golden brown.

Pro Tips for Making French Toast Sticks

  • Bread Selection: Opt for bread that’s a day old. Fresh bread can become too soggy, while slightly stale bread soaks up just the right amount of batter.
  • Batter Mixing: Ensure your batter is lump-free, using a blender or vigorous whisking to get a smooth texture.
  • Even Coating: Dip the bread quickly in the egg mixture to prevent oversaturation, leading to a beautifully crisp exterior.
  • Keep Warm: If making in batches, keep cooked sticks warm in a 175°F oven until all are ready to serve.

How to Serve French Toast Sticks

French Toast Sticks Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

The fun of French Toast Sticks is in the toppings. Sprinkle them with powdered sugar, drizzle with maple syrup, or slather Nutella for delicious decadence. Fresh berries or banana slices add a refreshing, fruity note.

Side Dishes

Pair these sticks with a side of scrambled eggs or crispy bacon for a complete breakfast. For a lighter option, a fresh fruit salad makes a perfectly refreshing side that complements the dish beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve these sticks upright in a small glass for an elegant touch, or arrange them in a circular pattern on a platter with a dipping sauce in the center for a fun twist on the classic serving style.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover French Toast Sticks can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure they are completely cooled before storing to prevent moisture buildup. When ready to enjoy again, just pop them in the oven or toaster oven to reheat.

Freezing

To freeze, lay the sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze for an hour before transferring to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. This prevents the sticks from sticking together, making it easy to grab just what you need later.

Reheating

Reheat frozen French Toast Sticks directly from the freezer by baking in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, a toaster oven works just as well for smaller batches.

FAQs

  1. Can I use a dairy-free alternative for the milk?

    Yes, absolutely! Almond milk, soy milk, or any other plant-based milk works wonderfully without altering the flavor too much.

  2. What can I use instead of brioche bread?

    Challah or a thick white bread would be great alternatives, providing the right mix of sturdiness and softness.

  3. How do I prevent my French Toast Sticks from becoming soggy?

    Make sure to use day-old bread, dip it quickly in the batter, and fry immediately. This approach helps maintain a firm exterior.

  4. Can I prepare the batter ahead of time?

    Yes, you can prepare the batter the night before and store it in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before using in the morning.

Final Thoughts

These French Toast Sticks are not just a treat but a delightful start to any day. They’re perfect for a family breakfast, a friendly brunch, or simply as a special weekend indulgence. I hope you’ll give these a try and enjoy every delectable bite!

Print
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French Toast Sticks Recipe

French Toast Sticks Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 125 reviews
  • Author: Jessica
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Delicious homemade French Toast Sticks are perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, making them an ideal breakfast treat or snack. Made with thick bread soaked in a flavorful cinnamon-vanilla egg mixture, then cooked until golden brown, these sticks are versatile and easy to customize with your favorite toppings like berries, syrup, or powdered sugar.


Ingredients

Units Scale

Wet Mixture

  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 Tablespoons light brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/8 teaspoon Kosher salt

For Cooking

  • 1 Tablespoon butter
  • 6 slices thick bread (preferably brioche)

Optional Toppings

  • berries
  • fresh fruit
  • powdered sugar
  • Nutella
  • whipped cream
  • jam
  • syrup

Instructions

  1. Slice the bread: Cut each of the 6 slices of bread into 1-inch wide strips, creating French Toast sticks that are easy to dip and eat.
  2. Prepare the egg mixture: In a blender or mixing bowl, combine the milk, eggs, flour, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Blend or whisk until smooth and thoroughly mixed, ensuring all ingredients are well incorporated.
  3. Preheat the pan: Heat a griddle or skillet to about 350°F or medium-high heat. Add the tablespoon of butter and allow it to melt, coating the surface evenly.
  4. Dip the bread: Dip each bread strip into the egg mixture, turning to coat all sides evenly. Use a spoon or fork to help prevent sogginess and ensure thorough coating.
  5. Cook the sticks: Place the dipped bread strips onto the hot skillet or griddle. Cook for approximately 2 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Flip gently to avoid breaking the sticks. Re-wisk the egg mixture if it starts to separate.
  6. Serve: Remove the French Toast sticks from the skillet, serve immediately with your favorite toppings like syrup, berries, or powdered sugar for a perfect breakfast or snack.

Notes

  • Use thick, day-old bread or let fresh bread sit out for a few hours to prevent sogginess.
  • After cooking, dust the sticks with powdered sugar or roll in cinnamon sugar while still warm for added sweetness.
  • To keep warm, place cooked sticks on a baking sheet in a 175°F oven until ready to serve.
  • For overnight soaking, use staler, firmer bread and refrigerate covered overnight, then cook the next day on a buttered skillet.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2 French Toast sticks (about 150g)
  • Calories: 250 kcal
  • Sugar: 12g
  • Sodium: 210mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 7g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg

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