French Toast Sticks
French toast sticks are a delightful breakfast treat that everyone can enjoy! These golden-brown strips of thick bread, flavored with cinnamon, are perfect for dipping in syrup or enjoying with whipped cream. Whether it’s a busy weekday morning or a leisurely weekend brunch, French toast sticks bring joy to the table and are versatile enough for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With just 15 minutes from start to finish, you can whip up a delicious breakfast in no time.
- Kid-Friendly Fun: The stick shape makes them easy to handle and dip, making breakfast an enjoyable experience for children.
- Customizable Toppings: Top your French toast sticks with syrup, whipped cream, fruit, or even a sprinkle of powdered sugar for extra sweetness.
- Flavorful and Satisfying: The combination of cinnamon and vanilla creates a warm, comforting flavor that is sure to please.
- Versatile Meal Option: Enjoy them for breakfast, brunch, or even as an after-school snack!
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the recipe for French toast sticks, gather your tools and prepare your kitchen. Having everything ready ensures a smooth cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Skillet or griddle
- Blender or mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Skillet or griddle: Provides even heat distribution for perfectly cooked French toast sticks.
- Blender or mixing bowl: Helps combine ingredients smoothly for a lump-free batter.
- Whisk: Ensures eggs and other ingredients are thoroughly mixed for even flavor throughout.
Ingredients
To make your delicious French toast sticks, gather the following ingredients:
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 Tablespoons light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1 Tablespoon butter
- 6 slices thick bread (I prefer brioche)
How to Make French Toast Sticks
Step 1: Slice the Bread
- Cut 6 slices of thick bread into 1-inch wide strips.
Step 2: Prepare the Egg Mixture
- In a blender, add 1/2 cup milk, 2 Tablespoons flour, 2 large eggs, 2 Tablespoons brown sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1/8 teaspoon Kosher salt.
- Pulse until smooth. Alternatively, use a mixing bowl to whisk these ingredients together until fully combined.
Step 3: Preheat the Skillet
- Preheat your skillet to medium-high heat or set your griddle to 350°F.
- Add 1 Tablespoon of butter to the skillet before placing the bread in.
Step 4: Cook the French Toast Sticks
- Once the skillet is hot, dip each strip of bread into the egg mixture. Flip to ensure it is evenly coated.
- Place the coated bread strips on the skillet and cook for about 2 minutes on each side or until they turn lightly golden brown.
- Be sure to whisk the egg mixture occasionally as needed during this step.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
- Serve your French toast sticks immediately while warm. Top with your favorite toppings like syrup or whipped cream for added flavor!
How to Serve French Toast Sticks
French toast sticks are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you prefer sweet or savory toppings, there are endless possibilities to enhance your breakfast experience.
Classic Maple Syrup
- Pour warm maple syrup over your french toast sticks for a traditional sweet taste that complements the cinnamon flavor perfectly.
Whipped Cream Delight
- Top with a generous dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent touch. It adds a light and creamy texture that kids will love.
Fresh Fruit Medley
- Add sliced strawberries, bananas, or blueberries for a burst of freshness. The natural sweetness of the fruit pairs wonderfully with the rich flavors of the toast.
Chocolate Hazelnut Spread
- Spread a layer of chocolate hazelnut spread for an extra decadent option. This is perfect for those who crave something sweet and creamy.
Powdered Sugar Sprinkle
- Dust with powdered sugar for a simple yet elegant presentation. It adds sweetness without overwhelming the flavor of the french toast sticks.
Nut Butter Bliss
- Drizzle with almond or peanut butter for added protein and a nutty flavor twist. This can make your french toast sticks more filling and satisfying.
How to Perfect French Toast Sticks
Creating perfect french toast sticks is all about technique and quality ingredients. Follow these tips to ensure delicious results every time.
- Use thick bread: Thick slices like brioche or challah absorb the egg mixture better, resulting in a custardy interior.
- Let them soak: Allow the bread to soak in the egg mixture for at least 30 seconds per side for maximum flavor.
- Preheat properly: Ensure your griddle or skillet is hot before cooking. This helps achieve that golden-brown crust.
- Don’t overcrowd: Cook in batches if necessary to avoid steaming the bread. Give each piece enough space to crisp up.
- Keep warm: If making multiple batches, keep finished sticks warm in an oven set to low heat while you cook the rest.
- Experiment with spices: Don’t hesitate to add nutmeg or cardamom to your egg mixture for a unique twist on flavor.
Best Side Dishes for French Toast Sticks
Pairing side dishes with french toast sticks can elevate your meal even further. Here are some great options to consider:
- Bacon Strips: Crispy bacon adds a savory contrast that balances out the sweetness of the french toast.
- Scrambled Eggs: Fluffy scrambled eggs provide protein and make for a hearty breakfast combination.
- Yogurt Parfait: A yogurt parfait with granola and fruit offers freshness and crunch alongside your french toast.
- Sausage Links: Juicy sausage links provide additional flavor and heartiness, making it a complete meal.
- Breakfast Potatoes: Seasoned roasted or fried potatoes add texture and substance to your plate.
- Smoothie Bowl: A refreshing smoothie bowl packed with fruits can serve as a nutritious complement, bringing balance to your breakfast spread.
- Avocado Toast: For a trendy twist, serve avocado toast alongside your french toast sticks; it adds creaminess and healthy fats.
- Cottage Cheese: Offering cottage cheese with fresh fruit makes for a protein-rich side that’s light yet satisfying.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making French Toast Sticks can be simple, but there are a few common mistakes that can take away from the final dish. Here are some tips to help you avoid them.
- Using stale bread – Fresh bread absorbs the egg mixture better. Choose thick slices of brioche or challah for the best texture.
- Skipping the cinnamon – Cinnamon adds a delightful flavor. Make sure to include it in your egg mixture for that classic taste.
- Not preheating the pan – A hot skillet ensures even cooking and prevents sticking. Always preheat your griddle or skillet before adding the bread.
- Overcrowding the skillet – Cooking too many pieces at once can lower the temperature, resulting in soggy sticks. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Skipping toppings – Toppings enhance flavor and presentation. Don’t forget to add syrup, whipped cream, or fresh fruit for an extra treat.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store French toast sticks in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
- They can last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing French Toast Sticks
- Place cooled French toast sticks in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- They will stay fresh for up to 2 months in the freezer.
Reheating French Toast Sticks
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake for about 10 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat on high for 30-60 seconds until warm; be cautious as they may become soggy.
- Stovetop: Warm them on medium heat for a few minutes per side until heated through and crispy.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re new to making French Toast Sticks, you might have some questions. Here are some common ones.
Can I use any type of bread for French Toast Sticks?
Yes, while brioche is preferred for its richness, you can use any thick bread. Just ensure it’s sturdy enough to hold up during cooking.
How can I make my French Toast Sticks healthier?
Consider using whole grain bread and reducing sugar in the egg mixture. You can also serve with fresh fruit instead of syrup.
Can I make French Toast Sticks ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare them ahead and store them in the fridge or freezer. Just reheat before serving.
What dips go well with French Toast Sticks?
Popular choices include maple syrup, chocolate sauce, or yogurt. Fresh fruit compote is also a lovely option!
How do I make my French Toast Sticks crispy?
Ensure your skillet is hot enough before adding the sticks and don’t overcrowd them while cooking.
Final Thoughts
French toast sticks are an incredibly versatile breakfast option that everyone will enjoy! You can customize them with your favorite toppings or even experiment with different flavors in the egg mixture. Try making these delightful dippers today!
French Toast Sticks
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
French Toast Sticks are the perfect breakfast indulgence for any occasion! These crispy, golden-brown strips of thick bread are infused with warm cinnamon and vanilla flavors, making them a delightful treat for both kids and adults.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 6 slices thick bread (preferably brioche)
Instructions
- Slice the thick bread into 1-inch wide strips.
- In a blender or mixing bowl, combine milk, eggs, flour, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Blend or whisk until smooth.
- Preheat a skillet over medium-high heat and add butter.
- Dip each bread strip into the egg mixture until fully coated and place in the skillet.
- Cook for about 2 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Serve warm with your choice of toppings.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 French toast sticks (80g)
- Calories: 148
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 119mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 98mg
