There’s something truly special about the cozy ritual of breakfast on a lazy weekend morning. The smell of warm brioche caramelizing in the pan, with hints of cinnamon and vanilla swirling through the air, instantly brightens my mood. If you’re like me and craving a delightful twist on the classic breakfast favorite, look no further!
These French Toast Sticks are not only incredibly easy to whip up but also perfect for dipping into syrup or enjoying on their own with a light dusting of powdered sugar. They’re a great solution for those hectic weekdays when you need something hearty to keep you satisfied or a fun way to impress guests at brunch.
In just 20 minutes, you can transform simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing treat that has everyone coming back for more. So, grab your ingredients, and let’s get started on creating these delightful bites that are sure to become a family favorite!
Why You'll Love This French Toast Sticks
- These French Toast Sticks are a breeze to make, requiring only 20 minutes from start to finish.
- You will adore the delicious blend of warm brioche, cinnamon, and vanilla that fills your kitchen and delights your taste buds.
- Their fun shape makes them perfect for dipping, adding a playful touch to breakfast or brunch gatherings.
- Plus, these tasty sticks are versatile enough to pair with various toppings, ensuring a personalized experience for everyone at the table.
French Toast Sticks Ingredients
Here’s everything you need to create the ultimate French Toast Sticks!
For the Bread
- Thick slices of brioche or challah – these breads soak up the custard beautifully, enhancing the flavor and texture.
For the Egg Mixture
- Large eggs – provide richness and a lovely structure to hold the toast sticks together.
- Whole milk (or almond/oat milk) – choose any milk for creaminess; non-dairy options can make this a delightful vegan treat!
- Ground cinnamon – adds a warm, comforting spice that complements the sweetness of the bread.
- Pure vanilla extract – a splash elevates the sweetness and aroma, making your French Toast Sticks irresistible.
- Granulated sugar – a touch of sweetness enhances the overall flavor profile.
For Frying
- Butter – using butter brings a rich, crispy finish. You can also try coconut oil for a dairy-free version.
Let’s get cooking and create a breakfast that will have everyone reaching for seconds!
How to Make French Toast Sticks
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Slice the Bread: Start by cutting your thick slices of brioche or challah into sticks about one inch wide. This shape is perfect for dipping and ensures a delightful texture.
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Whisk the Mixture: In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla until everything is well combined. The mixture should be smooth with a lovely aroma wafting up!
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Dip the Sticks: Gently dip each bread stick into the egg mixture for about 20 seconds on each side. You want them coated but not soggy; this helps achieve the perfect texture when cooked.
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Heat the Skillet: In a non-stick skillet over medium heat, melt the butter until it’s bubbly. Ensure you do this before adding the bread sticks to achieve that desired golden-brown color.
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Cook Until Browned: Add the soaked bread sticks to the skillet without overcrowding. Cook them until they are golden brown on both sides, about 3 minutes each. Optionally, sprinkle some extra cinnamon while cooking for added flavor.
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Serve Warm: Once cooked, serve your French Toast Sticks warm with a drizzle of syrup or a light dusting of powdered sugar. They’re best enjoyed fresh!
Optional: Serve with fresh fruits or whipped cream for an indulgent touch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze French Toast Sticks
Room Temperature: Enjoy French Toast Sticks freshly made at room temperature for up to 2 hours if you're serving them immediately.
Fridge: Store leftover French Toast Sticks in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a toaster oven for best results.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze cooked French Toast Sticks in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
Reheating: To reheat, simply pop them in a toaster or oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and crispy, about 10-15 minutes.
What to Serve with French Toast Sticks?
Elevate your breakfast experience with delightful pairings that complement the sweetness of these delectable sticks.
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Fresh Berries: Juicy strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries bring vibrant color and a burst of freshness that offsets the richness of the sticks.
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Maple Syrup: A classic choice, this syrup adds a sweet, sticky element that ties everything together beautifully, enhancing each bite.
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Whipped Cream: Light and airy, whipped cream adds an indulgent touch, making your French Toast Sticks feel like a special dessert for breakfast.
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Crispy Bacon: The salty, savory crunch of bacon creates a satisfying contrast to the sweetness of French Toast Sticks, balancing flavors perfectly.
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Yogurt Parfait: A creamy yogurt layered with granola and fruit adds a wholesome element, making your meal more filling and balanced.
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Chai Latte: A warm chai latte, with its blend of spices, offers a comforting drink that beautifully complements the cinnamon flavor of the sticks.
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Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed orange juice provides a zesty, tangy contrast that brightens the palate, enhancing the sweetness of your meal.
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Chocolate Sauce: For a decadent treat, drizzle some chocolate sauce over your French Toast Sticks, adding a rich, luscious depth of flavor.
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Powdered Sugar: A simple dusting adds elegance and a touch of sweetness, making your breakfast look as fantastic as it tastes.
Make Ahead Options
These French Toast Sticks are ideal for meal prep, allowing you to savor the comforts of breakfast without the morning rush! You can prepare the egg mixture (eggs, milk, sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla) up to 24 hours in advance; simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The bread sticks can be sliced and stored separately, too. To keep their crispy texture, coat them with the egg mixture right before cooking. When you’re ready to serve, heat your skillet, add butter, and cook the soaked sticks for about 3 minutes on each side until golden brown. With these make-ahead options, you'll enjoy delicious, homemade French Toast Sticks with minimal effort!
French Toast Sticks Variations
Feel free to explore these delightful twists that will make your French Toast Sticks even more special!
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Whole Wheat: Swap brioche or challah for whole wheat bread for a heartier, healthier option that still delivers great taste.
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Nutty Delight: Add ¼ cup of finely chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, to the egg mixture for a tasty crunch and a protein boost.
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Spiced Up: Stir in a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the egg mixture for a unique, aromatic flavor that will surprise and delight your senses.
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Chocolate Swirl: Drizzle chocolate syrup over your cooked sticks or add chocolate chips to the batter for an indulgent twist that's perfect for dessert.
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Berry Bliss: Serve your French Toast Sticks with a topping of fresh berries and a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a burst of fruity freshness.
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Savory Version: Replace sugar with cheese and herbs, turning your French Toast Sticks into a savory snack that’s delightful with marinara sauce.
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Maple Fusion: Instead of vanilla extract, use maple extract for a sweet, cozy flavor that pairs perfectly with syrup.
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Oven-Baked: For a healthier method, brush the sticks lightly with butter and bake them at 375°F for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway through for uniform crispness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfectly crispy French Toast Sticks, make sure your bread is thick and slightly stale to absorb the egg mixture without becoming soggy.
- When whisking your egg mixture, ensure it is fully incorporated and smooth to achieve an even coating on the bread sticks.
- Be cautious not to overcrowd the skillet during frying, as this can lower the temperature and result in uneven cooking.
- Lastly, keep an eye on the cooking time, aiming for about 3 minutes on each side for that beautiful golden brown color.
French Toast Sticks Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the best bread for French Toast Sticks?
Absolutely! For the best French Toast Sticks, I recommend using thick slices of brioche or challah bread. These options have a lovely, rich flavor and a soft texture that soaks up the egg mixture perfectly. Look for bread that feels fresh but slightly stale, as this will help it hold its shape while cooking.
How should I store leftover French Toast Sticks?
To keep your delicious French Toast Sticks tasting fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When it’s time to enjoy them again, simply warm them up in a skillet for that freshly-cooked taste. You can also reheat them in the microwave, although the skillet method usually gives better results.
Can French Toast Sticks be frozen?
Absolutely! Freezing is an excellent option if you want to make a large batch of French Toast Sticks. After cooking, allow them to cool completely, then lay them out on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid, about 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight freezer bag or container. You can store them like this for up to 2 months!
What’s the best way to reheat frozen French Toast Sticks?
Here’s a simple step-by-step to reheat frozen French Toast Sticks:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Arrange the frozen sticks in a single layer, ensuring they don’t touch.
- Bake for approximately 10-15 minutes, or until they are heated through and crispy.
This method helps maintain the delightful crunch while warming them back up.
Can I make these French Toast Sticks gluten-free?
Certainly! To accommodate a gluten-free diet, you can substitute the brioche or challah with gluten-free bread options available in stores. Pay attention to the thickness and texture of the bread to ensure you achieve a similar custardy interior and crispy exterior. Just be mindful of the toasting time as gluten-free bread can cook a bit differently!
Are there any allergens to consider with these French Toast Sticks?
Yes, these French Toast Sticks do contain common allergens like eggs and dairy. If you or someone you’re serving has an egg allergy, consider using a flaxseed meal or chia seed mixture as an egg substitute. Simply blend 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal or chia seeds with 2.5 tablespoons of water, letting it sit for a few minutes until it thickens. For lactose intolerance, almond or oat milk is a great alternative!
French Toast Sticks
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cut your brioche or challah into sticks about one inch wide.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the eggs, milk, sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla. Whisk thoroughly until smooth.
- Quickly dip each bread stick into the egg mixture for about 20 seconds on each side.
- Place a non-stick skillet over medium heat, then melt the butter until bubbly.
- Add the soaked bread sticks to the skillet, cooking for about 3 minutes on each side until golden.
- Remove the sticks from the skillet and serve warm, drizzled with syrup or dusted with powdered sugar.
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