Introduction
There’s something incredibly comforting about French toast. The warm aroma of cinnamon and vanilla, the crisp outside with a soft and fluffy inside, and the sweet drizzle of syrup make it a breakfast favorite around the world. But what if we told you that you could enjoy this classic in a more fun and finger-friendly way? Enter French toast sticks.
French toast sticks are everything you love about French toast, but easier to eat and even more versatile. Perfect for kids, brunches, busy mornings, or just when you’re craving something cozy and sweet. These bite-sized pieces are golden on the outside, soft on the inside, and perfect for dipping. They’re also incredibly simple to make at home with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.
Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or a seasoned cook looking for a quick recipe, this guide will walk you through everything. You’ll learn how to make French toast sticks step by step, with helpful tips for customizing them to suit your taste or dietary needs. We’ve also included nutritional info and serving ideas so you can enjoy your French toast sticks in the best way possible.
Let’s get started on creating a breakfast that’s both fun and delicious.
Ingredients Needed
One of the best things about French toast sticks is that you do not need anything fancy to make them. The ingredients are simple pantry staples. If you have bread, eggs, milk, and a few flavorings, you are good to go.
For best results, use thick bread slices. Brioche or Texas toast works beautifully because they soak up the custard without falling apart. Day-old bread also holds up better than fresh slices.
Below is a complete list of ingredients along with a table showing the approximate calorie count for each.
Ingredients Table
| Ingredient | Quantity | Approximate Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Thick-sliced bread | 6 slices | 480 |
| Eggs | 3 large | 210 |
| Whole milk or 2 percent | 1/2 cup | 75 |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon | 12 |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 teaspoon | 6 |
| Sugar (optional) | 1 tablespoon | 48 |
| Butter for cooking | 2 tablespoons | 200 |
| Maple syrup for dipping | As needed | 52 per tablespoon |
Total estimated per serving (4 sticks): 250 to 300 calories depending on how much syrup or extra toppings you use.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Making French toast sticks at home is easy and quick. You only need about 15 to 20 minutes from start to finish. Here is how you do it.
First, start by cutting each slice of bread into three or four equal sticks. You want the pieces to be thick enough to hold their shape but not too thick that they don’t cook properly.
In a shallow bowl, crack the eggs and whisk them. Add the milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and sugar if using. Mix everything well until smooth. This is your custard mixture that will soak into the bread.
Dip each bread stick into the egg mixture. Make sure to coat all sides but do not let the bread soak for too long or it will become soggy. You want the bread to absorb enough of the mixture to be flavorful but still firm enough to flip easily.
Place a skillet or nonstick pan over medium heat. Add a little butter and let it melt. Once the pan is hot, place the dipped sticks into the pan in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the pan so each piece cooks evenly.
Cook each side for about 2 to 3 minutes or until golden brown. You’ll know they’re ready when they have a crispy exterior and a fluffy interior.
Repeat with the remaining sticks, adding more butter to the pan as needed. Once cooked, serve the French toast sticks warm with maple syrup or your favorite toppings.
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
French toast sticks are easy to customize to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Here are some creative and useful tips to make them your own.
If you want a gluten-free version, simply use gluten-free bread. Make sure it is sturdy enough to soak up the custard without breaking apart. For a dairy-free option, replace the milk with almond, soy, or oat milk. You can also cook the sticks in coconut oil or any plant-based butter substitute.
Add a dash of nutmeg or pumpkin spice to the custard for extra warmth and flavor. You can even mix a little cocoa powder into the custard for a chocolate twist.
For something extra sweet and crunchy, roll the cooked sticks in cinnamon sugar. This gives them a churro-like flavor that kids especially love.
Looking for a savory version? Skip the sugar and cinnamon and instead add a pinch of salt and black pepper to the egg mixture. You can even sprinkle grated cheese on top for a cheesy French toast stick.
This recipe is flexible so don’t be afraid to get creative and try different versions based on your mood or pantry.
Nutritional Information
French toast sticks can be a balanced breakfast when enjoyed in moderation. Here is the estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving, which is about four sticks.
- Calories: 260
- Protein: 8 grams
- Carbohydrates: 25 grams
- Sugars: 5 grams
- Fat: 14 grams
- Saturated Fat: 6 grams
- Cholesterol: 140 milligrams
- Sodium: 220 milligrams
The nutrition can vary depending on the type of bread and milk you use, as well as the amount of butter or syrup added. You can make them healthier by using low-fat milk, skipping added sugar, or using whole-grain bread.
Serving Suggestions
French toast sticks are incredibly versatile and pair well with a variety of sides and toppings. Here are some fun and tasty serving ideas.
Serve them with a small bowl of warm maple syrup for dipping. You can also offer fruit preserves, honey, or peanut butter as alternative dips.
Top them with fresh fruit like strawberries, blueberries, or banana slices for added color and nutrition. A light dusting of powdered sugar can make them feel more special without adding too much sweetness.
If you’re making brunch, serve them alongside scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, or breakfast sausage. They also go great with a smoothie or a glass of fresh orange juice.
You can even pack them into a container for a grab-and-go breakfast. Let them cool completely and store in a food-safe box. They are great for school lunches or road trips.
Conclusion
French toast sticks are the perfect combination of easy, tasty, and fun. Whether you’re making them for a weekend breakfast with the family or meal prepping for the week, they’re a great go-to recipe. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a warm and satisfying breakfast that everyone will love.
They’re also very customizable which means you can enjoy a different version every time you make them. Sweet or savory, classic or creative, French toast sticks will never go out of style.
Now that you know how easy they are to make, give them a try and enjoy the comfort of French toast in every bite.