French Toast Sticks Recipe

Crispy & Sweet French Toast Sticks Recipe for Morning Joy

Mornings feel magical when crispy french toast sticks dance across your breakfast plate.

Golden edges hint at delectable possibilities waiting to unfold.

Breakfast becomes an adventure with these perfectly crafted delights.

Cinnamon and sweetness intertwine, creating a sensory experience that awakens sleepy taste buds.

Surprising textures and flavors make this recipe a morning game-changer.

Home kitchens will buzz with excitement as you craft these irresistible treats.

Grab your skillet and let deliciousness begin—you won’t want to miss this morning masterpiece.

Why French Toast Sticks Make Breakfast Fun

  • Devour Easy French Toast Sticks
  • Slice, dip, and cook in under 15 minutes, making this recipe perfect for busy mornings when time is short.
  • Transform classic French toast into playful finger-friendly sticks that children can easily grab and enjoy, turning breakfast into an interactive dining experience.
  • Dress up these crispy sticks with endless toppings like maple syrup, powdered sugar, fresh berries, or chocolate chips, allowing everyone to create their personal breakfast masterpiece.
  • No advanced cooking techniques needed- even beginners can nail this recipe with simple whisking and basic skillet skills, guaranteeing delicious results every single time.

Pantry Items for French Toast Sticks

Bread Base:
  • Bread: Thick slices are perfect for sturdy French toast sticks, preferably day-old bread for better absorption.
Custard Mixture:
  • Eggs, Milk: Classic base for rich and creamy coating that gives French toast its signature texture.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, sweet flavor depth to the custard.
  • Cinnamon: Provides warm, cozy spice note that complements the bread.
  • Sugar: Optional sweetener to enhance overall flavor profile.
  • Salt: Balances and enhances the sweet flavors.
Cooking Ingredients:
  • Butter: Creates golden brown exterior and prevents sticking to the pan, adds rich flavor.

Cooking Up French Toast Sticks at Home

Step 1: Slice Bread into Strips

Take bread slices and cut each into three to four delightful strips. Thinner slices will create crispier results, while thicker slices yield softer centers.

Step 2: Create Flavor-Packed Custard

In a wide, shallow bowl, whisk together:
  • Eggs
  • Whole milk
  • Vanilla extract
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Granulated sugar
  • Pinch of salt

Blend ingredients until smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Soak Bread Completely

Dunk each bread strip into the custard mixture, ensuring total coverage. Allow excess liquid to drip back into the bowl for perfect coating.

Step 4: Sizzle to Golden Perfection

Warm a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add butter to create a delicious, non-stick surface. Place soaked bread strips carefully into the pan. Cook until each side transforms into a gorgeous golden-brown color, typically 2-3 minutes per side. Work in batches to maintain optimal crispiness.

Step 5: Serve with Excitement

Transfer hot French toast sticks to a serving plate. Offer alongside:
  • Maple syrup
  • Powdered sugar
  • Fresh berries
  • Whipped cream
  • Chocolate sauce

Enjoy immediately while warm and crispy!

Tips to Get Perfect French Toast Sticks

  • Choose Thick Bread: Use day-old, slightly stale bread like brioche or Texas toast for the best texture and absorption of custard mixture.
  • Perfect Coating Technique: Let bread sticks sit in custard for 10-15 seconds on each side to ensure maximum flavor absorption without making bread soggy.
  • Manage Heat Carefully: Keep skillet at medium heat to prevent burning and achieve a golden-brown exterior with a soft, custardy interior.
  • Prevent Sticking: Use a non-stick pan or cast-iron skillet and add butter between batches to create crispy edges and prevent sticking.
  • Customize Flavor Boost: Experiment with spices like nutmeg or cardamom in the custard mix, or add orange zest for an unexpected flavor twist.

Best Storage and Reheat Method for French Toast Sticks

  • Store leftover French toast sticks in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Arrange cooled sticks on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They'll stay good for 1 month.
  • Spread sticks on a baking sheet, cover with foil, and warm at 350°F for 8-10 minutes to maintain crispiness.
  • Pop frozen or refrigerated sticks directly into the toaster for a quick, crispy result that restores their original texture.

Pairing Ideas for French Toast Sticks

  • Pair these crispy French toast sticks with pure maple syrup for a classic, rich sweetness that complements the cinnamon-spiced custard coating.
  • Blend a refreshing berry smoothie with strawberries and banana to cut through the richness and provide a cool, fruity contrast to the warm toast sticks.
  • Brew a medium-roast coffee with hints of caramel or hazelnut to echo the warm, comforting flavors of the cinnamon-infused French toast sticks.
  • Scatter fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries alongside the sticks to add a bright, tangy element that balances the sweet, buttery breakfast treat.

Variations on French Toast Sticks You’ll Enjoy

  • Gluten-Free Delight: Replace regular bread with gluten-free bread slices, ensuring those with gluten sensitivities can enjoy the crispy sticks.
  • Protein Power Sticks: Swap white bread for whole wheat or protein-enriched bread to boost nutritional value and create a more filling breakfast option.
  • Vegan-Friendly Version: Use plant-based milk like almond or oat milk, replace eggs with mashed banana or commercial egg replacer, and cook in coconut oil for a dairy-free alternative.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Create sticks using almond flour bread or thin sliced cloud bread, reducing carbohydrate content while maintaining the classic French toast texture and flavor.

French Toast Sticks Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can I use different types of bread for this recipe?

Yes, you can use various bread types like brioche, challah, or Texas toast. Just ensure the bread is slightly stale for better absorption of the custard mixture.

  • Is it necessary to add sugar to the custard?

No, sugar is optional. If you prefer less sweetness or want to control sugar intake, you can skip it. The cinnamon will still provide a delicious flavor.

  • How do I prevent the French toast sticks from becoming soggy?

Make sure to let excess custard drip off the bread before cooking. Also, use medium heat and don’t overcrowd the pan to ensure crispy edges and even cooking.

  • Can I make these French toast sticks ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare them and keep them warm in a low-temperature oven (around 200°F) for about 15-20 minutes before serving. They can also be quickly reheated in a toaster or skillet.

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French Toast Sticks Recipe

French Toast Sticks Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 8 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 2 1x

Description

Crispy golden French Toast Sticks bring breakfast magic straight from Paris kitchens to your morning table. Delicate bread slices drenched in sweet cinnamon custard promise delightful indulgence you cannot resist.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 4 slices thick bread (Texas toast or brioche)
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup (120 milliliters) milk (whole or 2%)

Flavoring Ingredients:

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 pinch salt

Cooking Ingredient:

  • 2 tablespoons (30 grams) butter

Optional Toppings/Dips:

  • Maple syrup
  • Powdered sugar
  • Whipped cream

Instructions

  1. Transform sandwich bread into elongated strips by slicing each piece into 3-4 uniform segments, ensuring consistent width and length for even cooking.
  2. Craft a luscious custard base by vigorously whisking eggs, milk, vanilla essence, ground cinnamon, optional granulated sweetener, and a delicate pinch of salt in a wide, shallow container until thoroughly integrated.
  3. Immerse each bread segment into the fragrant custard mixture, rotating gently to ensure complete saturation, allowing excess liquid to cascade back into the mixing vessel.
  4. Melt butter in a spacious skillet or griddle surface, positioning over medium thermal intensity to create an ideal golden-brown environment.
  5. Arrange custard-coated bread strips in a meticulously spaced single layer, preventing overcrowding which might compromise crispness.
  6. Sizzle each side for approximately 2-3 minutes, monitoring color transformation to a rich, caramelized amber tone that signals perfect doneness.
  7. Rotate and replenish butter between batches to maintain consistent cooking performance and prevent potential sticking.
  8. Transfer crisp, aromatic french toast sticks to serving plates, accompanied by preferred garnishes such as maple syrup, powdered sugar, fresh berries, or decadent chocolate drizzle.

Notes

  • Bread Selection Matters: Choose thick-cut, slightly stale bread like brioche or Texas toast for maximum crispiness and better custard absorption.
  • Customize Flavor Profiles: Experiment with spices like nutmeg or cardamom to add unexpected warmth and depth to the classic recipe.
  • Dietary Adaptations: Swap regular milk with almond or oat milk for lactose-free versions, and use gluten-free bread for celiac-friendly options.
  • Prep Ahead Strategy: Cut bread and prepare custard mixture the night before to streamline morning cooking, saving precious time during busy breakfasts.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 320 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 9 g
  • Cholesterol: 180 mg
Jamie Granger

Jamie Granger

Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

  • Fusion Cuisine Development
  • Recipe Development and Food Styling
  • Culinary Writing and Content Creation
  • Nutrition and Healthy Cooking​

Education

Culinary Institute of America

  • Degree: Associate in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Emphasis on flavor development, classic and contemporary culinary techniques, menu design, and global cuisine preparation; combined with food-service management, communication, and finance training; and immersive hands‑on restaurant operations through paid industry internships.

Jamie Granger turns ingredients into memories. With her recipes, she brings a fusion-forward flair to every creation. 

Her dishes reflect the places she’s explored, the chefs she’s learned from, and the deep connection she has to food as a form of expression. 

At Pass and Provision, Jamie develops recipes that balance flavor, health, and beauty, meals that don’t just satisfy your appetite but speak to your curiosity.

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