Crispy and Delicious French Toast Sticks Recipe: A Childhood Favorite Reimagined

My quest to rediscover French toast has recently led me down some delicious routes. A few weeks ago, it was all Apple French Toast—warm, stewed apples piled over golden toast pieces. The previous week? Yes, Parmesan French Toast is as delicious as it sounds; I savored its savory pleasure. But last week, I came across something unique: French Toast Sticks—crispy, cinnamon-sugar-coated bits you can eat with your fingers. Imagine cinnamon doughnuts instead of the deep-fried guilt!

I have always loved breakfast, especially French toast. Growing up, we had the traditional version doused in syrup, and then, when I started college, I discovered the irresistible combo of bacon and French toast drowned in maple syrup. While it may not be the healthiest option, it certainly tasted delicious. These days, I’m discovering fresh approaches to improving French toast, and these French toast sticks change things. These French toast sticks are ideal for dipping and sharing and can be prepared in less than fifteen minutes!

Crispy and Delicious French Toast Sticks Recipe

Recipe by Chef Sarah

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

5

minutes

Cooking time

10

minutes

Calories

250

kcal

Crispy French Toast Sticks coated in cinnamon sugar, perfect for a quick and delicious breakfast in just 15 minutes!

Ingredients

• 6 slices of thick, stale bread (Texas toast or brioche works best)

• 2 large eggs

• ½ cup milk (any milk will do)

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 tablespoon sugar

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon (for the batter)

• 2 tablespoons butter (for frying)

• Cinnamon Sugar Topping:

• ¼ cup sugar

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Directions

• Prep Your Cinnamon Sugar
  Start by mixing the cinnamon and sugar in a small bowl. This will be your go-to topping for coating the French toast sticks once they’re crispy and golden. Set it aside until you’re ready to use it.
• Slice Your Bread
  Grab your thick slices of bread—preferably a stale loaf for extra crispiness—and cut each slice into 3-4 sticks. If you don’t have stale bread, don’t worry! Fresh bread will work too, but the sticks might be a little softer.
• Whisk the Batter
  In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, sugar, and cinnamon. You want the mixture to be smooth and well-blended.
• Dip and Cook
  Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and melt 1 tablespoon of butter. While it’s melting, dip each breadstick into the egg mixture, making sure it’s well-coated but not soaked. Place the sticks in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown and crisp.
• Coat with Cinnamon Sugar
  Once the sticks are done cooking, immediately toss them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture you prepared earlier. Make sure they’re fully coated for that irresistible doughnut-like flavor!
• Serve and Enjoy
  Serve your crispy French toast sticks with a side of maple syrup, chocolate sauce, or fresh fruit. They’re best enjoyed warm, but trust me—they won’t last long on the plate!

Notes

• Use Stale Bread for Best Results: Stale bread is the secret to French toast sticks that are sturdy and crispy. Fresh bread tends to absorb too much egg mixture, making the sticks soggy in the center. If your bread isn’t stale, try toasting it lightly before dipping it in the batter. Learn why stale bread is best for French toast from the University of Wyoming.
• Bread Thickness Matters: Thick bread slices, like Texas toast or brioche, hold up better and provide a fluffier, richer texture. The thicker the bread, the less likely it is to flop when you pick up your French toast sticks.
• Make-Ahead Tip: You can make these French toast sticks ahead of time and freeze them for later. After frying, let them cool completely, then freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-lock bag for easy storage. To reheat, pop them in the toaster oven or air fryer for breakfast. Check out these top freezer meal breakfast ideas from Taste of Home.

More Recipes to Try

• Irresistible Avocado and Egg Toast Recipe {10 minutes}
• Classic Banana Bread Recipe with a Cinnamon-Sugar Crust for Extra Flavor
• Quick Banana Bread: A Delicious Treat in Under an Hour

Conclusion

There’s something undeniably fun about eating French toast sticks with your hands. Whether dunking them into maple syrup or munching on them plain, they’re the perfect combination of crispy and fluffy. The cinnamon-sugar coating gives them a flavor reminiscent of cinnamon doughnuts but healthier and more accessible to make at home.

In just 15 minutes, you can have a plateful of these French toast sticks ready to serve for breakfast, brunch, or even a snack. It’s a versatile recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite. And with the option to freeze and reheat them, these French toast sticks are the ultimate make-ahead meal!

For more inspiration on quick and delicious breakfast recipes, visit Taste of Home.

So, grab your ingredients and try these out—you won’t be disappointed!

Curious about how to make perfectly fluffy French toast every time? Head over to All Recipes for expert tips and tricks.

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