Homemade French Toast Sticks

French Toast Sticks are a delicious breakfast treat that combines the classic flavors of French toast with a fun, easy-to-eat shape. Perfectly golden and crisp on the outside while staying soft and custardy on the inside, these French toast sticks are ideal for dipping in syrup, dusting with powdered sugar, or enjoying with your favorite toppings. They’re a hit with kids and adults alike and can be served for breakfast, brunch, or even as a sweet snack.

One of the best things about Homemade French Toast Sticks is how simple they are to make. In just a few steps, you can transform a loaf of bread into irresistible sticks that are perfect for meal prepping, freezing, or enjoying fresh from the pan. Plus, they’re great for busy mornings because they reheat beautifully in the oven, toaster, or air fryer.

Let’s dive into this classic, crowd-pleasing recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite!

Why You’ll Love These Homemade French Toast Sticks

1. Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up these French toast sticks in no time.
2. Kid-Friendly: Their stick shape makes them perfect for little hands, and they’re fun to dip in syrup or fruit sauces.
3. Make-Ahead and Freezer-Friendly: French toast sticks can be made ahead and frozen, making them perfect for busy mornings.
4. Perfect Texture: These sticks have a golden, crispy exterior and a soft, fluffy interior, with just the right amount of sweetness.
5. Customizable: You can add different spices, toppings, and dips to suit your taste or change things up!

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 15 minutes
• Total time: 25 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4-6 (Makes about 24 sticks)
• Serving Size: 4-6 sticks

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 350 kcal
• Carbs: 35g
• Protein: 12g
• Fat: 18g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 10g

(These values are approximate and will vary depending on the exact ingredients used and portion sizes.)

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make Homemade French Toast Sticks:

For the French Toast Sticks:

• 1 loaf of thick bread (such as brioche, Texas toast, or challah)
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk (or heavy cream for a richer flavor)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional, for extra warmth)
• Pinch of salt
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (for cooking)

For Serving:

• Maple syrup
• Powdered sugar
• Fresh berries (like strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries)
• Whipped cream
• Honey
• Chocolate or caramel sauce

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Bread

1. Cut the Bread into Sticks:

Take your loaf of thick bread (brioche, Texas toast, or challah works best) and cut it into 1-inch thick slices. Then, cut each slice into three or four strips to create sticks that are about 1 inch wide and 4 inches long.

Step 2: Make the Egg Custard

1. Whisk the Eggs and Milk:

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and whole milk (or heavy cream). Make sure the mixture is smooth and the eggs are fully beaten.

2. Add the Flavorings:

Add the granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg (if using), and a pinch of salt to the egg mixture. Continue whisking until everything is well combined and the sugar is dissolved. This creates a sweet, spiced custard for the bread to soak in.

Step 3: Soak the Bread Sticks

1. Dip the Bread Sticks:

Working in batches, dip each bread stick into the egg custard mixture, making sure to coat all sides. Let the bread soak for about 10-15 seconds on each side to absorb the custard but not too long to become soggy.

Step 4: Cook the French Toast Sticks

1. Heat the Butter:

In a large skillet or griddle, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. You can also use a non-stick spray or oil, but butter adds the best flavor.

2. Cook the Bread Sticks:

Add the soaked bread sticks to the hot skillet in a single layer. Cook each side for about 2-3 minutes until they are golden brown and slightly crisp. Use a spatula to flip the sticks and cook all sides evenly.

3. Repeat with Remaining Bread Sticks:

As you finish cooking each batch, add more butter to the skillet as needed. Continue cooking until all the bread sticks are done. You can keep the cooked sticks warm in a 200°F (95°C) oven while you finish cooking the rest.

Step 5: Serve the French Toast Sticks

1. Serve Warm:

Once all the French toast sticks are cooked, arrange them on a platter or individual plates. Dust them with powdered sugar for a classic touch and serve them with maple syrup for dipping.

2. Add Toppings:

Get creative with toppings like fresh berries, whipped cream, chocolate sauce, or honey. You can also sprinkle on some extra cinnamon sugar for a little extra sweetness and crunch.

Step 6: Enjoy Your Homemade French Toast Sticks

These French toast sticks are best enjoyed warm, fresh off the skillet. Serve them with a side of maple syrup for dipping, and you’ve got the perfect breakfast or brunch treat!

How to Serve

• For Breakfast or Brunch: Serve the French toast sticks with maple syrup, fresh fruit, and a side of bacon or sausage for a complete breakfast.
• With Dipping Sauces: Provide a variety of dipping sauces like chocolate sauce, caramel sauce, or fruit compote for a fun and interactive meal.
• As a Snack: These sticks are also great as an afternoon snack, especially when dusted with powdered sugar and served with a small cup of syrup or honey.
• With Coffee or Tea: Enjoy them with a hot cup of coffee, cappuccino, or a pot of tea for a relaxing breakfast.

Additional Tips for Success

1. Use Thick Bread: Choose a thick, sturdy bread like brioche, Texas toast, or challah. Thicker bread holds up better to the egg custard and results in a fluffier, more satisfying French toast stick.
2. Soak, Don’t Sog: Make sure to soak the bread sticks long enough to absorb the custard, but not so long that they become mushy. A quick 10-15 seconds per side is usually enough.
3. Cook in Butter: Cooking the French toast sticks in butter gives them a golden, crispy exterior and a rich, buttery flavor. You can also use a non-stick spray or a neutral oil if preferred.
4. Keep Warm in the Oven: If you’re making a large batch, keep the cooked French toast sticks warm in a 200°F (95°C) oven while you finish cooking the rest.
5. Customize the Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices in the custard to suit your taste. You can add a little extra cinnamon, a pinch of cardamom, or even some orange zest for a citrusy twist.

Recipe Variations

While classic French Toast Sticks are delicious as-is, there are plenty of ways to switch things up and try new flavors. Here are a few variations to inspire you:

1. Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Sticks:

After cooking, toss the warm French toast sticks in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar for a churro-like flavor. This adds a crunchy, sweet coating that’s absolutely irresistible.

2. Chocolate Chip French Toast Sticks:

Before dipping the bread sticks in the custard, sprinkle mini chocolate chips on one side of each stick. The chocolate melts as the sticks cook, creating little pockets of gooey chocolate.

3. Pumpkin Spice French Toast Sticks:

Add 1/2 cup of pumpkin puree and 1 teaspoon of pumpkin spice to the egg custard mixture. This variation is perfect for fall and pairs well with maple syrup and whipped cream.

4. Coconut French Toast Sticks:

For a tropical twist, dip the soaked bread sticks in shredded coconut before cooking. This adds a toasty, crunchy texture and a hint of coconut flavor.

5. Savory French Toast Sticks:

For a savory version, omit the sugar and vanilla in the egg custard and add a pinch of salt, pepper, and some grated Parmesan cheese. Serve these sticks with marinara sauce or cheese sauce for dipping.

Freezing and Storage

Storing Leftovers:

Store any leftover French toast sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over medium heat, in the oven at 350°F (175°C), or in a toaster until warmed through.

Freezing:

French toast sticks freeze beautifully, making them a great option for meal prep. To freeze, let the sticks cool completely, then arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating Frozen French Toast Sticks:

To reheat, place the frozen French toast sticks in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes, or until heated through and crisp. You can also reheat them in an air fryer or toaster oven for a quicker option.

Special Equipment

• Large Skillet or Griddle: For cooking the French toast sticks.
• Mixing Bowl and Whisk: To make the egg custard.
• Spatula: For flipping the French toast sticks in the skillet.
• Sharp Knife: For cutting the bread into sticks.
• Baking Sheet: For freezing the French toast sticks, if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What type of bread is best for French toast sticks?

Thick, sturdy bread like brioche, Texas toast, or challah works best for French toast sticks. These types of bread absorb the custard well and have a rich flavor and fluffy texture.

2. Can I use non-dairy milk for the custard?

Yes! You can use non-dairy milk such as almond milk, coconut milk, or oat milk in place of whole milk. The texture may be slightly different, but the result will still be delicious.

3. Can I make the custard mixture ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the custard mixture a few hours in advance and keep it refrigerated. Just give it a good whisk before dipping the bread.

4. How do I keep the French toast sticks from getting soggy?

To avoid soggy French toast sticks, don’t soak the bread for too long in the custard. Also, make sure your skillet is hot enough so the sticks start to crisp up as soon as they hit the pan.

5. Can I bake the French toast sticks instead of frying them?

Yes, you can bake the French toast sticks! Arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. This is a great option for a lower-fat version or if you’re making a large batch.

Conclusion

Homemade French Toast Sticks are a delightful breakfast option that’s easy to make and even easier to eat. With their golden, crispy edges and soft, custardy centers, these French toast sticks are perfect for dipping in maple syrup or enjoying with a dusting of powdered sugar. They’re fun for kids, loved by adults, and ideal for any breakfast or brunch gathering.

Not only are these sticks delicious fresh off the skillet, but they’re also great for meal prep and freezing, so you can always have a batch on hand for busy mornings. And with so many variations and toppings to try, you’ll never get bored of these tasty breakfast treats.

Enjoy making—and eating—these Homemade French Toast Sticks, and don’t forget to get creative with your toppings and dipping sauces. Happy cooking!

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