Crispy French Toast Sticks Recipe

Crunchy Breakfast Delight: Crispy French Toast Sticks Recipe

Breakfast just got a delightful upgrade with these golden crispy french toast sticks that promise to make your morning sizzle with excitement.

The perfect blend of crunchy exterior and soft, custardy interior will have you reaching for seconds.

Crafted with simple ingredients and a dash of culinary magic, these sticks deliver restaurant-quality flavor right in your kitchen.

Dipped in a rich egg mixture and coated with a light, crispy breading, they emerge from the pan with a stunning golden-brown finish.

Served with maple syrup or a sprinkle of powdered sugar, these french toast sticks transform an ordinary breakfast into a memorable morning feast.

Weekend brunch or weekday treat, these irresistible sticks are sure to become your new breakfast obsession.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 2

What Goes Into French Toast Sticks

For Bread Base:
  • White Bread or Brioche: Thick-cut bread provides the perfect canvas for crispy, golden French toast sticks with a soft interior.
  • Challah Bread: Rich and slightly sweet bread that creates an extra luxurious texture when transformed into toast sticks.
For Custard Mixture:
  • Eggs: Binding agent that creates a rich, creamy coating and helps achieve a golden exterior.
  • Whole Milk: Adds creaminess and helps create a smooth, luscious custard mixture for coating.
  • Vanilla Extract: Provides warm, aromatic sweetness that elevates the entire dish.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Introduces a warm, comforting spice that complements the sweet bread perfectly.
  • Granulated Sugar: Enhances sweetness and helps create a caramelized exterior when cooking.
  • Salt: Balances the flavors and brings out the sweetness of the other ingredients.
For Cooking and Serving:
  • Unsalted Butter: Creates a crispy, golden-brown exterior and adds rich flavor during cooking.
  • Maple Syrup or Powdered Sugar (Optional): Classic toppings that add extra sweetness and presentation flair.

Must-Have Gear for French Toast Sticks

  • Large skillet or griddle: Perfect for achieving golden-brown, crispy French toast sticks with even cooking.
  • Shallow bowl: Essential for mixing the custard and easily dipping bread sticks.
  • Whisk: Helps blend eggs, milk, and spices into a smooth, silky custard mixture.
  • Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for slicing bread into neat sticks.
  • Sharp knife: Enables precise cutting of bread into uniform sticks.
  • Spatula: Useful for flipping and transferring toast sticks during cooking.

How to Cook French Toast Sticks Flawlessly

  • Slice Bread into Strips

Grab a sharp knife and chop each bread slice into fun, bite-sized sticks. Aim for roughly equal sizes so they cook evenly.

  • Whip Up Flavor Magic

In a wide bowl, crack eggs and blend with milk, a splash of vanilla, a sprinkle of cinnamon, and a tiny pinch of sweetness. Whisk until everything dances together smoothly.

  • Dunk and Coat

Dive each bread stick into the creamy mixture, making sure every side gets a luxurious bath. Let excess liquid drip back into the bowl.

  • Sizzle and Brown

Melt butter in a hot skillet, creating a golden playground for your toast sticks. Gently place each stick down and let them turn a beautiful caramel color. Flip when the bottom looks perfectly crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side.

  • Plate and Enjoy

Transfer your golden-brown treasures to a plate. Drizzle with maple syrup, dust with powdered sugar, or add a dollop of whipped cream. Dive in while they’re hot and crispy!

French Toast Sticks: Ideas to Mix Things Up

  • Bread Selection Magic: Choose thick-cut, slightly stale bread like brioche or Texas toast for maximum crispiness and better custard absorption.
  • Make-Ahead Meal Prep: Prepare and freeze uncooked French toast sticks in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to freezer bags for quick future breakfasts.
  • Gluten-Free Twist: Swap regular bread with gluten-free bread or use almond flour-based bread to make the recipe celiac-friendly without sacrificing flavor.
  • Healthier Baking Option: Instead of pan-frying, bake French toast sticks on a parchment-lined sheet at 425°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through for a lighter version with less oil.
  • Protein Power Boost: Mix in a scoop of vanilla protein powder into the egg mixture for added nutrition, perfect for athletes or those wanting extra protein intake.

Best Times to Serve French Toast Sticks

  • Maple Syrup Dunk Station: Create a fun dipping area with warm maple syrup, allowing everyone to customize their French toast sticks with sweet, golden goodness.
  • Kid-Friendly Fruit Topping Bar: Arrange fresh berries, sliced bananas, and chopped strawberries for colorful, nutritious toppings that add natural sweetness and excitement.
  • Whipped Cream Dream: Dollop fluffy homemade or store-bought whipped cream beside the French toast sticks for an indulgent, creamy companion that makes breakfast feel like a celebration.
  • Nutty Crunch Garnish: Sprinkle toasted chopped almonds, pecans, or walnuts over the sticks for a delightful texture contrast and rich, nutty flavor that elevates the entire dish.

How to Keep French Toast Sticks Warm

  • Meal Planning & Storage Advice
  • Quick Morning Meal Prep: Slice and prepare bread sticks the night before, storing them in an airtight container to streamline breakfast routines.
  • Refrigeration Strategy: Store cooked French toast sticks in sealed containers for up to 3-4 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain texture.
  • Freezer-Friendly Option: Arrange cooled sticks on a baking sheet, freeze individually, then transfer to freezer bags. These can be reheated directly from frozen in a toaster oven or microwave for 1-2 minutes.
  • Smart Reheating Technique: Revive chilled sticks by warming in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes. Brush with a light butter coating to restore crispness and enhance flavor.
Print
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Crispy French Toast Sticks Recipe

Crispy French Toast Sticks Recipe


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4.6 from 29 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 3 1x

Description

Classic French toast sticks bring sweet morning comfort with golden, crispy edges. Maple syrup and cinnamon elevate this simple breakfast treat, ensuring pure breakfast satisfaction for weekend pleasure.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 slices bread (Texas toast or brioche)
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup (120 ml) milk (whole or 2%)
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 2 tbsps (30 g) butter
  • Maple syrup (optional)
  • Powdered sugar (optional)
  • Whipped cream (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Slice sandwich bread into elongated strips, cutting each piece into 3-4 uniform segments to ensure consistent cooking and elegant presentation.
  2. Custard Creation: Whisk eggs, milk, vanilla essence, ground cinnamon, sweetener, and salt in a wide container until thoroughly blended, creating a fragrant base that will infuse the bread with rich flavor.
  3. Bread Coating: Delicately dunk each bread segment into the custard mixture, allowing complete saturation while letting excess liquid drain back into the container, ensuring an even, luxurious coating.
  4. Cooking Surface: Warm a spacious skillet or griddle over medium heat, melting butter to create a golden, non-stick cooking environment that will transform the bread into crispy, caramelized delights.
  5. Toasting Process: Carefully place custard-coated strips in a single layer, cooking each side for 2-3 minutes until achieving a stunning amber-brown exterior that promises a crisp texture and deep, rich flavor.
  6. Finishing Touch: Rotate and replenish butter between batches to maintain optimal cooking conditions, then transfer the golden french toast sticks to serving plates, ready for garnishing with maple syrup, powdered sugar, fresh berries, or chocolate drizzle.

Notes

  • Slice Strategically: Cut bread into even, uniform strips to ensure consistent cooking and attractive presentation, preventing uneven browning or texture differences.
  • Whisk with Vigor: Blend custard ingredients thoroughly to distribute spices and sweetness evenly, eliminating unmixed egg pockets that could create lumpy coating.
  • Control Cooking Temperature: Maintain medium heat to achieve golden-brown exterior without burning, allowing interior to cook gently and remain soft and custardy.
  • Avoid Overcrowding Pan: Space toast sticks carefully to prevent steaming instead of crisping, ensuring each piece develops a delightful crisp exterior with maximum caramelization.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 3
  • Calories: 310
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 290 mg
  • Fat: 16 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 32 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 8 g
  • Cholesterol: 180 mg
Jenna Hartley

Jenna Hartley

Founder & Recipe Creator

Expertise

  • Recipe development with a focus on single-dish meals.
  • Fusion of traditional and modern Australian cuisines.
  • Food styling and photography for digital platforms.​

Education

Box Hill Institute, Melbourne

  • Degree: Advanced Diploma of Hospitality Management
  • Focus: Specialized in practical food and beverage service, responsible alcohol and hygiene compliance, legal risk management, and hands‑on experience in a simulated restaurant environment.

William Angliss Institute, Melbourne

  • Program: Certificate IV in Patisserie
  • Focus: Specialized in pastry and bakery techniques, cookery and specialty food preparation, recipe planning and costing, commercial kitchen operations, sustainable and inclusive work practices, food safety and hygiene compliance, and workplace health and safety.

Jenna is the heart of Picture Perfect Meals, turning simple ingredients into beautiful, easy‑to‑make dishes. 

Growing up around family meals in Melbourne, she trained at Box Hill Institute and then perfected her pastry skills at William Angliss Institute. She loves mixing classic Australian flavors with fresh ideas to keep cooking fun and stress‑free.

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