French Toast Sticks Recipe: The Ultimate Breakfast Treat!

French toast sticks are a delightful twist on the classic French toast. Not only do they offer the same sweet, eggy flavor, but their unique stick shape makes them both fun and convenient to eat.

Whether you’re serving them up as a quick breakfast, a brunch treat, or a snack, these crispy, golden-brown sticks are sure to be a hit with everyone.

The best part? They’re super easy to make and can be customized with a variety of toppings and dips to suit your taste. Plus, they’re a fun option for kids and adults alike, providing a delicious way to enjoy your favorite breakfast in a portable form.

Ingredients You’ll Need for French Toast Sticks

To make these French toast sticks, you’ll need a few simple ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of what to gather before getting started:

1. Bread: The Foundation of French Toast Sticks

The key to the perfect French toast stick is the bread. You’ll want to choose a thick, sturdy bread that will hold up well when dipped in the egg mixture. Here are some great options:

• Thick white bread – Soft and absorbent, perfect for soaking up the custard-like mixture.
• Challah – This rich, slightly sweet bread gives French toast sticks a luxurious texture and flavor.
• Brioche – With its buttery goodness, brioche adds a melt-in-your-mouth texture to the French toast sticks.

2. Egg Mixture

The egg mixture is what gives French toast sticks their custardy center. For the perfect blend, you’ll need:

• Eggs – Fresh eggs are best for a rich, smooth custard.
• Milk – Whole milk gives a creamier texture, but you can substitute with any milk (including plant-based options).
• Vanilla Extract – A splash of vanilla adds a comforting, aromatic sweetness to the mix.
• Cinnamon – A dash of cinnamon brings warmth and depth to the flavor.

3. Butter for Frying

A generous amount of butter is essential for frying the French toast sticks to a golden, crispy perfection. Butter also imparts a rich flavor to the sticks.

Optional Toppings and Dips

While the French toast sticks are delicious on their own, you can enhance them with:

• Maple Syrup – A classic pairing for sweetness and flavor.
• Powdered Sugar – A light dusting for extra sweetness.
• Whipped Cream – For a rich, indulgent topping.
• Fresh Fruit – Strawberries, bananas, or blueberries can add a refreshing burst of flavor.
• Chocolate Sauce – For those who love a sweet treat, a chocolate dip is irresistible.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make French Toast Sticks

Making French toast sticks is simple, and with just a few easy steps, you’ll have a batch ready to enjoy. Here’s how to do it:

1. Prep Your Ingredients and Tools

Before you start, gather everything you need:

• Cut the bread into sticks – Begin by slicing your chosen bread into thick, even strips about 1 to 1.5 inches wide. This shape is perfect for dipping and frying.
• Prepare the egg mixture – In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. You want the mixture to be smooth, with the cinnamon evenly distributed.

2. Soak the Bread Sticks in the Egg Mixture

Once your bread sticks are ready, dip each one into the egg mixture. Ensure each stick is fully coated, but not overly soaked. The goal is for the bread to absorb enough of the custard to create a soft interior, but not so much that it becomes soggy. For best results, let the bread soak for about 10-15 seconds on each side.

3. Fry the French Toast Sticks to Crispy Perfection

Now it’s time to fry the sticks:

• Heat your pan – Place a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat and add a generous amount of butter. Allow the butter to melt and coat the bottom of the pan.
• Cook the sticks – Once the pan is hot and the butter is sizzling, place the soaked bread sticks in the pan. Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Be sure not to overcrowd the pan—this ensures even cooking and prevents the sticks from becoming too soggy.

4. Serve and Enjoy: Toppings and Dipping Sauces

Once your French toast sticks are perfectly crispy, remove them from the pan and place them on a plate. Now, the fun part: add your toppings! Dust with powdered sugar, drizzle with maple syrup, or serve with your favorite fruit or dipping sauces. Chocolate sauce, peanut butter, or honey make great choices for extra indulgence.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect French Toast Sticks

To ensure your French toast sticks turn out perfectly crispy and delicious, here are some helpful tips and tricks:

1. Achieve Extra Crispiness

If you love a crispy crust on your French toast sticks, there are a couple of tricks to try:

• Use a generous amount of butter when frying. This creates a rich, golden exterior.
• Cook on medium heat—too high of a heat might burn the outside while leaving the inside undercooked.
• Consider adding a pinch of sugar to the egg mixture. This will caramelize and help create a crispy, slightly sweet crust.

2. Choose the Right Bread

The bread you use is essential for the texture of your French toast sticks. Opt for bread that’s thick and sturdy, like brioche or challah, as it absorbs the egg mixture without falling apart. If you prefer a slightly firmer texture, you can also use day-old bread, which won’t get too soggy when soaked.

3. Don’t Over-Soak the Bread

While it’s important for the bread to soak up the egg mixture, you don’t want it to be overly soggy. The ideal soak time is about 10-15 seconds on each side. If your bread is soaking too long, it might become mushy instead of crispy, so be mindful of timing.

4. Customize the Flavor

Feel free to experiment with different flavorings to enhance the taste of your French toast sticks:

• Add a pinch of nutmeg to the egg mixture for a warm, aromatic flavor.
• Use flavored syrups like cinnamon or vanilla syrup to add a unique twist.
• Top with fresh fruit like strawberries, bananas, or berries to complement the richness of the dish.

5. Make It Ahead

If you’re short on time in the mornings, you can make French toast sticks ahead of time. Prepare them the night before and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven for a few minutes or give them a quick fry in a hot pan for added crispiness.

Conclusion

French toast sticks are the perfect combination of crispy, sweet, and satisfying. Whether you’re preparing them for a busy weekday breakfast or a weekend brunch, they offer a fun and delicious twist on the classic French toast. With just a few simple ingredients and these helpful tips, you can make French toast sticks that are crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and ready to be enjoyed with your favorite toppings and dips. Try customizing them with different flavors, and don’t forget to pair them with a side of fruit, bacon, or your favorite dipping sauce for the ultimate treat.

Frequently Asked Questions About French Toast Sticks

1. Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare French toast sticks ahead of time. Simply make them the night before, allow them to cool, and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. In the morning, reheat them in the oven or on a skillet for a few minutes to regain their crispy texture.

2. Can I use stale bread for French toast sticks?

Absolutely! In fact, stale bread works really well for French toast. It absorbs the egg mixture without becoming overly soggy. If your bread is slightly stale, it will give your French toast sticks an even better texture.

3. How do I make French toast sticks in the oven?

To make French toast sticks in the oven, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the soaked bread sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. This will give you a slightly lighter version but still crispy on the outside.

4. Can I make French toast sticks without eggs?

Yes! You can substitute the eggs with a dairy-free or egg-free mixture. Try using a blend of non-dairy milk (such as almond or oat milk) and a tablespoon of cornstarch or chickpea flour as a binding agent. Add vanilla, cinnamon, and sugar to match the flavor of traditional French toast.

5. What can I dip French toast sticks in?

The options are endless! Popular dips include maple syrup, chocolate sauce, peanut butter, honey, or even fruit jams. For a savory option, you can try a cream cheese dip or yogurt-based dip.