French Toast Sticks are a fun, easy breakfast that kids and adults alike will adore. Handheld, perfectly sweet, and dipped in maple syrup, these little bites are a morning game-changer!
Imagine a platter of golden French toast sticks served alongside fresh berries—ready for dunking and devouring. That’s exactly what makes this recipe so irresistible.
Why You’ll Love These French Toast Sticks
This spin on classic French toast takes all the flavors you love and makes it kid-friendly. The cinnamon-sugar coating adds a sweet crunch, while the soft, eggy center keeps every bite satisfying. Whether you’re preparing a weekend brunch or just a special weekday breakfast, these sticks are sure to be a hit.
Our kids can’t get enough! They loved dipping each stick into maple syrup and kept asking for “one more.” Trust me, this is a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.
How to Make French Toast Sticks
Here’s a quick overview of how these French toast sticks come together. For the full recipe, including ingredient amounts, scroll down to the recipe card.
Step 1: Dry or Toast the Bread
To get the perfect texture, start by drying out your bread. Place thick slices on a rimmed baking sheet and toast in the oven for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway through. If you prefer, you can leave the bread out overnight to dry naturally.
Drying the bread allows it to soak up the egg mixture without falling apart, giving your French toast sticks a tender yet structured bite.
Step 2: Prepare the Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, half-and-half, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and sugar. Make sure the egg whites are fully blended in for a smooth, consistent batter.
Dip each bread stick into the batter, pressing gently to submerge it completely. This ensures the cinnamon-sugar flavor sticks perfectly when cooking.
Step 3: Cook to Golden Perfection
Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat and lightly spray with cooking oil. Alternatively, melt a little butter if you prefer a richer flavor.
Cook the French toast sticks for 2–3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Once cooked, toss them in a cinnamon-sugar mixture for that classic sweet crunch. Keep them warm in the oven while finishing the remaining batch.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect French Toast Sticks
- Best Bread Choices: Brioche is ideal due to its rich flavor and soft texture, but in the US, Texas Toast works wonderfully since it’s already thickly sliced.
- Drying Bread: Properly dried bread absorbs the batter better. You can dry it overnight or use the oven method mentioned above.
- Keeping Sticks Warm: Cook in batches and keep finished sticks in a warm oven. A covered casserole dish works best to maintain crispness.
- Air Fryer Option: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F, lightly spray the basket, and cook the sticks for 6–8 minutes until crispy. Toss in cinnamon sugar and enjoy!
Storing, Reheating, and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftover French toast sticks store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 20–25 minutes or in an air fryer until warm and crispy.
If you’re planning ahead, this recipe freezes beautifully. Cook the sticks, let them cool completely, and place them on a parchment-lined tray in the freezer. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Reheat in a toaster oven or air fryer for a quick breakfast fix.
Serving Suggestions
Want to make a full breakfast spread? Pair these French toast sticks with:
- Scrambled Eggs: A protein-packed addition to balance the sweetness.
- Oven-Baked Bacon: Easy, mess-free, and perfect alongside the sticks.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: Adds freshness and makes the meal feel extra special.
No matter how you serve them, these French toast sticks are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser!
- Preheat Oven: Set oven to 200°F to keep cooked sticks warm.
- Toast the Bread: Arrange bread sticks on a rimmed baking sheet. Toast for 15 minutes, flipping halfway, or leave out overnight to dry.
- Prepare Cinnamon Sugar: In a small dish, mix 1/2 cup sugar with 2 tsp cinnamon. Set aside for coating.
- Make Egg Batter: Whisk together eggs, half-and-half, vanilla, 1 tsp cinnamon, and 1/4 cup sugar until smooth.
- Dip Bread Sticks: Submerge each bread stick in the batter, turning to coat fully. Press lightly to soak completely.
- Cook: Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Spray lightly with cooking spray or melt 2 tbsp butter. Cook sticks 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown. Toss in cinnamon sugar mixture and transfer to a covered dish in the warm oven.
- Serve: Enjoy with maple syrup, whipped cream, or powdered sugar.
Notes
- Half-and-Half Substitute: In the UK, use “half cream” (50% milk, 50% cream).
- Dairy-Free Option: Replace half-and-half with 1/2 cup soy milk + 1/2 cup soy heavy cream.
- Air Fryer Method: Preheat air fryer to 375°F, lightly spray the basket. Place sticks in a single layer and cook 6–8 minutes until crispy. Toss in cinnamon sugar.
- Make-Ahead & Freeze: Cook sticks, cool completely, freeze on a parchment-lined tray, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Reheat in air fryer or toaster oven.