French Toast Sticks
French toast sticks are a delightful breakfast treat that everyone can enjoy! These crispy, cinnamon-flavored dippers are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a weekend brunch, a busy weekday morning, or even a fun snack. Their versatility allows you to pair them with syrup, whipped cream, or just a sprinkle of sugar. With their easy preparation and delicious flavor, French toast sticks are sure to become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe takes only 15 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy mornings.
- Fun for Everyone: Kids love the shape and the ability to dip them in their favorite toppings!
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the flavors or toppings according to your taste preferences.
- Perfect for Leftovers: French toast sticks can be made ahead and reheated for a quick breakfast later in the week.
- Deliciously Flavorful: The combination of cinnamon and vanilla creates a rich taste that is impossible to resist.
Tools and Preparation
Before you begin making your French toast sticks, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process seamless.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Blender or mixing bowl
- Griddle or skillet
- Spatula
- Knife
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Blender: A blender ensures that the egg mixture is perfectly smooth, helping the flavors combine well.
- Griddle: Using a griddle allows you to cook multiple sticks at once, saving time during breakfast preparations.
- Spatula: A spatula is essential for flipping the sticks without breaking them apart.
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: Slice the Bread
- Take 6 slices of thick bread and slice them into 1-inch wide strips.
Step 2: Prepare the Egg Mixture
In a blender or mixing bowl, combine:
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 Tablespoons flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 Tablespoons light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon Kosher salt
- Blend until smooth. If using a bowl, whisk until thoroughly mixed.
Step 3: Preheat Your Cooking Surface
- Preheat your griddle to 350°F or set your skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add 1 Tablespoon butter to coat the cooking surface before placing in the bread.
Step 4: Dip and Cook
- Once hot, dip each bread strip into the egg mixture, flipping it to coat evenly.
- Place dipped bread onto the griddle/skillet.
- Cook for about 2 minutes on each side or until they turn lightly golden brown.
Step 5: Serve Immediately
- Remove French toast sticks from the heat and serve right away.
- Top with your favorite toppings like syrup, whipped cream, or powdered sugar for an added treat!
How to Serve French Toast Sticks
French toast sticks are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize them with various toppings and sides to enhance your breakfast experience.
Sweet Toppings
- Maple Syrup: Classic and sweet, perfect for dipping.
- Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy, adds a creamy texture.
- Powdered Sugar: A quick sprinkle gives a sweet finish.
- Fresh Berries: Strawberries or blueberries add freshness and color.
Savory Options
- Bacon: Crispy bacon bits make for a salty contrast.
- Nut Butter: Almond or peanut butter brings richness and protein.
- Yogurt: A dollop of yogurt adds creaminess and tang.
Creative Dips
- Chocolate Sauce: For chocolate lovers, a rich dip is a treat!
- Caramel Sauce: Sweet and buttery, it pairs well with cinnamon flavors.
How to Perfect French Toast Sticks
To achieve the best French toast sticks, follow these simple tips for a delightful breakfast treat.
- Choose Thick Bread: Using thick-cut bread like brioche or Texas toast results in a fluffy interior.
- Soak Well: Ensure each strip is fully coated in the egg mixture for maximum flavor.
- Preheat Properly: Make sure your griddle or skillet is hot enough before adding the bread to achieve that golden brown crust.
- Don’t Crowd the Pan: Cook in batches if necessary; overcrowding leads to uneven cooking.
- Experiment with Spices: Add nutmeg or cardamom for an extra flavor dimension.
- Serve Fresh: Enjoy immediately after cooking for the best texture and taste.
Best Side Dishes for French Toast Sticks
Pairing side dishes with your French toast sticks can elevate the meal. Here are some great options to consider.
- Scrambled Eggs: Fluffy scrambled eggs provide a protein-packed side that complements the sweetness of the sticks.
- Sausage Links: Savory sausage links balance the sweetness and make the meal heartier.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and health benefits to your plate.
- Crispy Hash Browns: Golden hash browns introduce a crunchy texture that contrasts nicely with the soft toast sticks.
- Oven-Baked Bacon: Cooked until crispy, this savory option pairs perfectly with sweet flavors.
- Smoothies: A fruit smoothie can be a refreshing drink option that complements the meal beautifully.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making French toast sticks can be delightful, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Incorrect bread type: Using regular sliced bread instead of thicker bread, like brioche or challah, can lead to soggy sticks. Choose dense bread for the best texture.
- Skipping the soaking step: Not allowing the bread to soak in the egg mixture long enough can result in dry sticks. Make sure to coat each piece well.
- Overcrowding the pan: Placing too many pieces on the griddle at once can lower the temperature and cause uneven cooking. Cook in batches for better results.
- Not preheating properly: Failing to preheat your griddle or skillet can lead to sticking and uneven browning. Always ensure it’s hot before adding the bread.
- Using cold toppings: Serving with cold syrup or toppings can ruin the warm, comforting experience. Warm them up slightly for a better flavor combination.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store French toast sticks in an airtight container.
- They will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing French Toast Sticks
- Place cooled French toast sticks in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
- They can be stored for up to 2 months.
Reheating French Toast Sticks
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), place on a baking sheet, and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for 30 seconds to 1 minute until heated through; this method may make them soft rather than crispy.
- Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes per side for a crispy finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions regarding making French toast sticks.
How do I make French Toast Sticks crispy?
To achieve crispy French toast sticks, ensure your griddle is properly preheated and do not overcrowd it during cooking. A quick dip in the egg mixture also helps retain moisture while keeping the outside crisp.
Can I use other types of bread for French Toast Sticks?
Yes! While brioche is recommended for its richness, you can use challah, sourdough, or even gluten-free bread as alternatives.
How long do French Toast Sticks last?
When stored correctly in an airtight container, they will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator and up to 2 months if frozen.
What can I serve with French Toast Sticks?
You can serve them with syrup, whipped cream, fresh fruit, or even chocolate sauce for an extra treat.
Can I make French Toast Sticks ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare and cook them ahead of time, then store them in the fridge or freezer until you’re ready to serve.
Final Thoughts
French toast sticks offer a fun and versatile breakfast option that appeals to all ages. Their delicious cinnamon flavor pairs well with various toppings, allowing you to customize your meal according to your preferences. Try this recipe today and experience a delightful twist on traditional breakfast!
French Toast Sticks
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 4 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the comforting delight of French Toast Sticks, a perfect breakfast or snack that combines crispy exteriors with a fluffy, cinnamon-infused center. These easy-to-make sticks are ideal for dipping in syrup, whipped cream, or your favorite toppings, making them a hit with both kids and adults. In just 15 minutes, you can whip up this versatile treat, perfect for busy mornings or leisurely brunches. Customize them with various flavors and toppings to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy the warm, nostalgic taste of homemade French toast sticks that will quickly become a family favorite.
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 (preferably brioche)
Instructions
- Slice the bread into 1-inch strips.
- In a bowl or blender, mix milk, flour, eggs, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until smooth.
- Preheat a griddle to 350°F (175°C) and add butter to coat.
- Dip each bread strip in the egg mixture and place it on the griddle.
- Cook for about 2 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Serve immediately with your favorite toppings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
