French Toast Sticks

French toast sticks are a delightful twist on a classic breakfast favorite, combining the comforting, custardy goodness of French toast with the fun, dippable shape of sticks. Each bite offers a warm, golden crunch outside, paired beautifully with a soft, fluffy center that brings memories of lazy Sunday mornings or cozy weekday breakfasts. Perfectly sweetened and so easy to whip up, these treats are ideal for both kids and adults alike.

Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!

I still remember the first time I made these French toast sticks for my family. They were like little nuggets of happiness, each one ecstatic to be dipped in syrup or enjoyed with a sprinkle of powdered sugar. From that moment on, they became a regular feature in our household, transforming ordinary breakfasts into special occasions. With that touch of cinnamon crunch on the outside, each slice transports you back to those carefree mornings, making them universally loved and a go-to recipe for anyone wanting to impress their family while keeping things simple.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple & Quick: Whip these up in just 40 minutes, perfect for busy mornings or brunch gatherings.
• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of brioche or French bread soaked in a sweet, creamy mixture delivers an explosion of flavor with every bite.
• Eye-Catching Appeal: Fun to eat and visually pleasing, these sticks will make breakfast exciting for kids and adults alike.
• Flexible Serving: These are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even an afternoon snack.
• Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for various diets. Try gluten-free bread or alternate plant-based milk for dairy-free versions.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 8 slices brioche bread or French bread: Day-old or stale bread works best for soaking up the mixture without falling apart.
• 4 large eggs: Fresh eggs add richness and help bind the mixture together for a soft center.
• 2/3 cup whole milk: Provides a creamy texture; feel free to substitute with any milk of your choice, like almond or oat milk, for dairy-free options.
• 2 tablespoons light brown sugar: This adds a gentle sweetness and a hint of molasses flavor, enhancing the overall taste.
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract: Pure vanilla extract adds warmth and depth, making the sticks delightful.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: A little salt balances the sweetness and enhances flavors.
• 6 cups Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal: Crushed this cereal for a sweet, crunchy exterior that pairs perfectly with the soft bread.
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: Butter gives a rich flavor and helps get that lovely golden brown crust.

Serving suggestions include a light dusting of powdered sugar, a dollop of whipped cream, or a handful of fresh berries, plus some warm vanilla syrup for dipping.

How to Make French Toast Sticks

1. Slice the Bread: Begin by slicing 8 pieces of brioche or French bread. If you’re using French bread, cut them into 3/4-inch thick slices, and then slice each slice into 2–3 thick sticks. If you opt for brioche, cut each slice into 4 sticks. Let them sit uncovered while you prepare the next ingredients to dry slightly.

2. Prepare the Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together 4 large eggs, 2/3 cup whole milk, 2 tablespoons light brown sugar, 1 tablespoon vanilla extract, and 1/4 teaspoon salt until smooth and well combined.

3. Cereal Crunch: Place 6 cups of Cinnamon Toast Crunch in a blender or food processor. Blend until the cereal forms fine crumbs. Pour the crumbs into a large, shallow bowl, ready for coating.

4. Coat the Bread Sticks: Dip each bread stick into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Let any excess mixture drip off, then roll the stick in the cereal crumbs, gently pressing down to ensure they stick well. Repeat with all the bread sticks until they’re ready to cook.

5. Cook Them Up: Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-low heat or set your electric griddle to 375°F. Add a pat of butter to the skillet, allowing it to melt and bubble. Arrange the coated bread sticks in a single layer, making sure there’s space between each stick. Cook until the bottoms are golden brown and crisp, then flip to cook the other side until similarly golden.

6. Cooling Time: Transfer the cooked sticks to a wire cooling rack to keep them crisp. Clean the skillet with a paper towel if it gets too messy, and repeat with the remaining sticks. Each batch should be served warm, ideally with a dusting of powdered sugar, fresh berries, and maple syrup or vanilla sauce.

Storing & Reheating

Leftovers can be stored at room temperature for a day or refrigerated in an airtight container for up to three days. For freezing, wrap the sticks in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. To reheat, pop them in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until warmed through. Note that the texture may change slightly after freezing, but a little crisping can help refresh that delightful crunch.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

• Avoid soggy sticks: Let the bread sit out for a bit before soaking to dry out and prevent them from getting too mushy.
• Use room temperature eggs: This helps incorporate them better into the mixture, leading to a more uniform soak.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cooking in batches ensures they brown nicely and stay crispy.
• Try different cereals: Switch it up with Cocoa Pebbles or Fruity Pebbles for a fun flavor twist.
• Cook on low heat: This prevents burning and ensures the insides cook through evenly.

French toast sticks aren’t just a recipe; they’re a chance to get creative in the kitchen and add your twist. With their pleasing texture, delightful flavors, and playful presentation, they’re sure to impress. Whether it’s a children’s breakfast party or a cozy Sunday with family, you’ll find these sticks are always a hit. Feel free to get adventurous with toppings and sides, too! From fresh fruit to indulgent whipped cream, every bite can be a new experience.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use gluten-free bread for this recipe?

Absolutely! Gluten-free bread works just as well here. Just be sure to let the bread stale for a bit so it holds its shape while soaking in the egg mixture, preventing sogginess.

How do I know when they’re done cooking?

Keep an eye on the color! They should be golden brown and crispy on both sides. You can also taste one of the sticks to check for the fluffy and custardy center.

Can I make these French toast sticks ahead of time?

You can prepare the sticks through the coating step and store them in the fridge for up to a day. When it’s time to eat, just cook them as usual for a quick breakfast.

What’s the best way to serve these?

They’re delicious served fresh out of the pan, dusted with powdered sugar, alongside berries or sliced fruit, and drizzled with syrup. They can also be a great addition to a brunch spread or served with dipping sauces for extra fun!

Print