French Toast Sticks
French toast sticks are a delightful breakfast treat that everyone can enjoy! These easy-to-make cinnamon-coated strips of bread are perfect for dipping in syrup, whipped cream, or even a sprinkle of powdered sugar. Ideal for busy mornings or weekend brunches, French toast sticks offer a fun and delicious way to start the day.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This recipe takes only 15 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy mornings.
- Kid-Friendly Fun: Kids love dipping these cinnamon-flavored sticks into their favorite sauces!
- Customizable Toppings: You can top them with syrup, fruit, or whipped cream, allowing everyone to create their own unique treat.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of vanilla and cinnamon brings a warm and inviting taste to each bite.
- Versatile Bread Options: Use your favorite thick bread like brioche or challah for a richer flavor.
Tools and Preparation
Before you begin making French toast sticks, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Blender or mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Griddle or skillet
- Spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Blender or mixing bowl: A blender makes it easy to combine the ingredients smoothly. If you prefer a hands-on approach, a mixing bowl with a whisk works just as well.
- Griddle or skillet: A good-quality griddle ensures even cooking and allows you to prepare multiple sticks at once. A skillet is also effective if that’s what you have on hand.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup milk
– 2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 2 large eggs
– 2 Tablespoons light brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/8 teaspoon Kosher salt
– 1 Tablespoon butter
– 6 slices thick bread (I prefer brioche)
How to Make French Toast Sticks
Step 1: Prepare the Bread
- Slice 6 pieces of thick bread into 1-inch wide strips.
Step 2: Mix the Egg Coating
- Place 1/2 cup milk, 2 Tablespoons flour, 2 eggs, 2 Tablespoons brown sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1/8 teaspoon Kosher salt in a blender.
- Pulse until smooth. Alternatively, place in a bowl and whisk until thoroughly mixed.
Step 3: Heat the Griddle
- Preheat a griddle to 350°F or heat a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add butter before placing the bread on the griddle.
Step 4: Cook the French Toast Sticks
- Once heated, dip each strip of bread into the egg mixture and flip to coat evenly.
- Place the coated bread on the griddle and cook for about 2 minutes per side until lightly golden brown. Whisk the egg mixture as needed during cooking.
Step 5: Serve
- Serve immediately while warm. Top with your favorite toppings like syrup or whipped cream!
How to Serve French Toast Sticks
French toast sticks are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving them at a brunch gathering or a cozy breakfast at home, these dippers can be customized to suit any taste.
Classic Maple Syrup
- Pour warm maple syrup over your French toast sticks for a sweet and sticky treat.
Whipped Cream Delight
- Top with a generous dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent breakfast experience.
Fresh Berries
- Serve with fresh strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries for a burst of flavor and freshness.
Powdered Sugar Sprinkle
- Dust with powdered sugar to add a touch of sweetness and make your dish look appealing.
Nutella Drizzle
- Drizzle Nutella over the sticks for a chocolatey twist that kids will love.
Fruit Compote
- Serve alongside homemade or store-bought fruit compote for a fruity complement to the cinnamon flavor.
How to Perfect French Toast Sticks
To achieve the perfect French toast sticks, there are some simple tips you can follow. These will enhance both the flavor and texture of your dish.
- Choose thick bread – Using brioche or challah will give you a richer taste and better texture.
- Soak evenly – Ensure each piece is coated well in the egg mixture without being overly soggy.
- Preheat properly – A hot griddle ensures even cooking and creates that perfect golden-brown exterior.
- Use fresh spices – Opt for freshly ground cinnamon for a more intense flavor.
- Experiment with flavors – Add nutmeg or orange zest to the egg mixture for an extra layer of taste.
- Serve immediately – For the best experience, serve them right after cooking while they are warm and crispy.
Best Side Dishes for French Toast Sticks
Pairing side dishes with your French toast sticks can elevate your breakfast spread. Here are some great options to consider:
- Bacon – Crispy bacon adds a savory component that balances the sweetness of the French toast.
- Sausage Links – Juicy sausage links provide protein and make the meal more filling.
- Yogurt Parfait – A yogurt parfait with granola and fruits offers a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors.
- Scrambled Eggs – Fluffy scrambled eggs complement the sweetness with their creamy texture.
- Hash Browns – Crispy hash browns add crunch and heartiness to your meal.
- Smoothie Bowl – A vibrant smoothie bowl packed with fruits is a nutritious side option that adds color.
- Avocado Toast – For something unique, serve avocado toast topped with sea salt and chili flakes for added flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
French toast sticks can be a delightful breakfast treat, but making them perfectly requires attention to detail. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:
- Using stale bread: Fresh bread absorbs the egg mixture better. Opt for thick slices of brioche or challah for the best texture.
- Not whisking enough: A well-blended egg mixture ensures even coating. Whisk thoroughly until smooth to avoid clumps.
- Overcrowding the pan: Cooking too many at once leads to uneven cooking. Give each stick space on the griddle for perfect browning.
- Ignoring temperature control: Cooking at the wrong temperature can burn the outside while leaving the inside soggy. Use medium heat and adjust as necessary.
- Skipping toppings: Toppings elevate your French toast sticks. Experiment with syrup, whipped cream, or powdered sugar for added flavor.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover French toast sticks in an airtight container.
- They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing French Toast Sticks
- Allow them to cool completely before freezing.
- Place in a freezer-safe bag or container; they can last up to 2 months.
Reheating French Toast Sticks
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F, place on a baking sheet, and heat for about 10 minutes until warm and crispy.
- Microwave: Heat on high for 30-60 seconds; this is quick but may result in less crispiness.
- Stovetop: Warm them on a skillet over medium heat, flipping occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about making French toast sticks:
What bread is best for French Toast Sticks?
Thick-sliced bread like brioche or challah works best due to its ability to absorb the egg mixture without falling apart.
Can I make French Toast Sticks ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare them in advance and store them in the fridge or freezer. Reheat when ready to serve.
How do I make my French Toast Sticks crispy?
Cooking at medium heat and ensuring they are not overcrowded in the pan helps achieve a crispy texture.
What toppings pair well with French Toast Sticks?
You can use maple syrup, fresh fruit, whipped cream, or even a sprinkle of powdered sugar for extra sweetness.
Final Thoughts
French toast sticks are not only delicious but also versatile. They make a great breakfast option that appeals to both kids and adults. Feel free to customize them with your favorite toppings or spices for a personal touch! Enjoy dipping these delightful treats into syrup or whipped cream, making breakfast a fun experience.
French Toast Sticks
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: About 3 servings (6 sticks) 1x
Description
French toast sticks are a delicious breakfast treat that will bring joy to your mornings. These easy-to-make cinnamon-coated strips of bread are perfect for dipping in syrup, whipped cream, or fresh fruit. In just 15 minutes, you can whip up these delightful dippers that are not only kid-friendly but also customizable with your favorite toppings. Whether for busy weekdays or leisurely weekend brunches, French toast sticks promise a fun and satisfying start to your day.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 6 slices thick bread (brioche recommended)
Instructions
- Slice the thick bread into 1-inch wide strips.
- In a blender or bowl, combine milk, flour, eggs, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt; blend or whisk until smooth.
- Preheat a griddle to 350°F or heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add butter.
- Dip each strip of bread into the egg mixture, ensuring even coating. Cook on the griddle for about 2 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Serve immediately with your choice of toppings like syrup or whipped cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 french toast sticks (60g)
- Calories: 156
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 154mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
