Breakfast French Toast Sticks are the ultimate morning treat! They’re crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, perfect for dipping in syrup.
These bites are like a hug for your taste buds! I love to serve them with fresh fruit on the side. It’s a fun way to start the day, and who doesn’t love finger foods? 🥞
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread: Thick bread like brioche or Texas toast makes the best French toast sticks because they stay soft on the inside. If you’re looking for a lighter option, try whole grain or even gluten-free bread.
Eggs: Eggs are essential for the custardy base. For a dairy-free version, you can use flax eggs or a commercial egg replacer. Keep in mind it might alter the texture a bit.
Milk: Whole milk adds richness, but you can use almond milk or oat milk to suit dietary needs. I love oat milk for its creaminess!
Cinnamon: This adds warmth and flavor. If you want a spicy kick, try nutmeg or a pumpkin spice blend instead.
Butter: Unsalted butter is best for frying. If you’re vegan, coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute does the job well.
How Do You Get the Perfect Golden Brown French Toast Sticks?
Getting that perfect golden brown outside comes from the right cooking technique. Here’s how to nail it:
- Use medium heat to avoid burning. Too high, and the outside burns while the inside stays soggy.
- Make sure to dip each stick fully in the egg mixture but shake off the excess. This prevents sogginess.
- Add butter to the skillet before each new batch to keep the sticks from sticking.
- Monitor the cooking time: 2-3 minutes per side or until they look golden and nice!
Following these tips ensures deliciously crispy French toast sticks every time! Enjoy them fresh off the skillet for the best experience.
Breakfast French Toast Sticks
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 slices of thick bread (preferably brioche or Texas toast)
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar (optional)
- Pinch of salt
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, for frying
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar mixed with 1 tsp cinnamon, for coating
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
- Maple syrup, for serving
- Fresh strawberries or other fruit, for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful breakfast takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 10-15 minutes to cook, making the total time about 20-25 minutes. Perfect for a quick and delicious morning meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Bread:
Start by cutting each slice of bread into 3 or 4 long sticks. Aim for sticks that are about 1 inch wide to make dipping easier. Think of little fingers of bread ready to soak up all that custard goodness!
2. Make the Egg Mixture:
In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, optional sugar, and a pinch of salt. Mix until everything is fully combined and frothy, showing that it’s ready to coat the sticks with flavor!
3. Heat the Skillet:
Put a large skillet or griddle on medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of butter and let it melt and sizzle—this is the scent of breakfast magic happening!
4. Coat the Bread Sticks:
Take a bread stick and dip it into the egg mixture. Make sure to cover every side! Let the excess egg drip off before placing it in the skillet. Repeat with as many sticks as will fit comfortably in the skillet.
5. Cook the Sticks:
Cook each stick for about 2-3 minutes on one side until it’s golden brown, then carefully flip and cook the other side until golden. If needed, add a little more butter for subsequent batches to keep things deliciously non-stick and flavorful!
6. Roll in Cinnamon Sugar:
Once cooked, transfer the sticks to a plate and while they’re still warm, roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture so they’re all coated with that sweet goodness.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Arrange the French toast sticks on a plate. If you like, dust them with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness. Serve warm with maple syrup and some fresh strawberries or any fruit of your choice on the side. You’re now ready to dig in!
Enjoy your crispy, soft, cinnamon-sugary Breakfast French Toast Sticks—perfect for dipping and savoring with every bite!
Can I Use Different Types of Bread?
Absolutely! While brioche or Texas toast works best for that soft interior, you can use whole grain, sourdough, or even gluten-free bread. Keep in mind that the texture might change slightly, but they’ll still taste great!
How Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free or Vegan?
For a dairy-free option, substitute the milk with almond milk, oat milk, or any plant-based milk of your choice. To make it vegan, replace the eggs with a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tbsp water, let it sit to thicken) or a commercial egg replacer instead.
Can I Make French Toast Sticks in Advance?
Yes, you can! Prepare the French toast sticks ahead of time and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply pop them in a toaster or warm them in a skillet over low heat until heated through.
What Can I Serve with Breakfast French Toast Sticks?
They’re delicious on their own but pair perfectly with maple syrup, fresh fruit like strawberries or bananas, or even a dollop of yogurt for added creaminess. Get creative with toppings like whipped cream or nut butter too!