French Toast Sticks
French Toast Sticks are a delightful breakfast treat that everyone loves! These pieces of thick toast are transformed into cinnamon-flavored dippers, making them perfect for dipping in syrup, whipped cream, or even sprinkled with sugar. Whether it’s a cozy family brunch or a fun weekday breakfast, French toast sticks are versatile and always a hit.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just 15 minutes from start to finish, you can whip up this breakfast in no time.
- Kid-Friendly Fun: These dippable sticks make breakfast interactive for children and adults alike.
- Customizable Toppings: Top with your favorite syrup, fruits, or whipped cream for a personalized touch.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with staples you probably already have in your kitchen.
- Deliciously Flavorful: The combination of cinnamon and vanilla creates a warm, inviting flavor profile.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start making your French toast sticks, gather the necessary tools to ensure a smooth cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Non-stick griddle or skillet
- Blender or mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Knife and cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Non-stick griddle or skillet: Prevents sticking and allows for even cooking of the French toast sticks.
- Blender or mixing bowl: Ensures that all ingredients are thoroughly mixed for the perfect batter consistency.
- Whisk: Helps incorporate air into the egg mixture, resulting in fluffy French toast sticks.
Ingredients
For the Batter
- 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
For Cooking
- 1 Tablespoon butter
- 6 slices thick bread (I prefer brioche)
How to Make French Toast Sticks
Step 1: Prepare the Bread
- Slice 6 pieces of bread into 1-inch wide strips.
Step 2: Make the Egg Mixture
- In a blender, combine 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, place all ingredients in a bowl and whisk until well mixed.
Step 3: Preheat the Griddle
- Preheat your non-stick griddle to 350°F or heat a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add butter to coat the surface before cooking.
Step 4: Cook the French Toast Sticks
- Dip each strip of bread into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s evenly coated on both sides.
- Place the coated bread on the griddle. Cook for about 2 minutes per side or until they turn lightly golden brown.
- Whisk the remaining egg mixture as needed during cooking.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
- Serve immediately with your favorite toppings like syrup or whipped cream. Enjoy your delicious homemade French toast sticks!
How to Serve French Toast Sticks
French toast sticks are a versatile breakfast option that can be enjoyed in many delicious ways. Whether you prefer sweet toppings or savory sides, there’s something for everyone!
Sweet Toppings
- Maple Syrup: A classic choice, maple syrup adds a rich sweetness that perfectly complements the cinnamon flavor.
- Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy, whipped cream provides a delightful contrast and makes for an extra indulgent treat.
- Fresh Berries: Strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries add a burst of freshness and a pop of color to your plate.
- Powdered Sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar gives your French toast sticks an elegant touch and extra sweetness.
Savory Options
- Bacon: Crispy bacon pairs well with the sweetness of French toast sticks, making for a satisfying combination.
- Yogurt: A scoop of yogurt adds creaminess and a tangy flavor that balances the sweetness nicely.
- Nut Butter: Try almond or peanut butter for a protein boost and nutty flavor that enhances your breakfast experience.
How to Perfect French Toast Sticks
Achieving the perfect French toast sticks requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure they turn out delicious every time!
- Use Thick Bread: Thick slices of bread, like brioche, absorb the egg mixture better and give a soft inside with a crispy outside.
- Preheat Your Pan: Make sure your skillet or griddle is hot enough before adding the bread. This helps achieve that golden brown color quickly.
- Dip Briefly: Don’t soak the bread too long. A quick dip ensures it doesn’t become soggy while still absorbing enough flavor.
- Keep Them Warm: If cooking in batches, place finished sticks on a warm plate in the oven at low heat to keep them from cooling down.
Best Side Dishes for French Toast Sticks
Pairing side dishes with French toast sticks can elevate your breakfast spread. Here are some great options to consider!
- Scrambled Eggs: Fluffy scrambled eggs provide protein and balance out the sweetness of the toast sticks.
- Sausage Links: Savory sausage links offer a hearty complement to your meal and are easy to prepare alongside the main dish.
- Fruit Salad: A vibrant fruit salad adds freshness and is a nutritious side that pairs well with sweet flavors.
- Crispy Hash Browns: Golden brown hash browns bring texture and heartiness to your breakfast plate.
- Avocado Toast: Creamy avocado on toasted bread introduces healthy fats that nicely contrast with sweet French toast sticks.
- Smoothie Bowl: A refreshing smoothie bowl can be made with fruits and yogurt for a light yet satisfying accompaniment.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making French toast sticks is easy, but there are some common pitfalls to watch out for. Here are mistakes to avoid to ensure your French toast sticks turn out perfectly.
- Skipping the milk – Not adding milk will result in a dense mixture. Use milk for a lighter, fluffier texture.
- Over-soaking the bread – Soaking too long can make the bread soggy. Dip quickly to maintain a good structure.
- Incorrect heat settings – Cooking at too high heat can burn the outside while leaving the inside raw. Use medium-high heat for even cooking.
- Not using thick bread – Thin slices won’t hold up well during cooking. Opt for thick bread like brioche for the best results.
- Ignoring toppings – Serving without toppings can make your dish less enjoyable. Experiment with various syrups or whipped cream to enhance flavor.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Allow them to cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture.
Freezing French Toast Sticks
- Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to an airtight bag.
- They can be stored for up to 2 months in the freezer.
Reheating French Toast Sticks
- Oven – Preheat oven to 350°F and bake for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave – Heat on medium power for 30 seconds or until warm, though they may lose some crispiness.
- Stovetop – Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, flipping occasionally until warmed and crispy again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making French toast sticks that may help you along the way.
How do I make crispy French toast sticks?
To achieve crispy French toast sticks, ensure you use enough butter when cooking and avoid over-soaking the bread.
Can I use day-old bread for French Toast Sticks?
Yes! Day-old bread works great as it absorbs the egg mixture better without becoming overly soggy.
What are some topping ideas for French Toast Sticks?
Popular toppings include maple syrup, powdered sugar, fresh fruit, or whipped cream. Get creative with flavors!
How can I customize my French Toast Sticks?
You can add vanilla extract or different spices like nutmeg into the egg mixture for added flavor.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare and cook them ahead of time, then store them in the fridge or freezer as described above.
Final Thoughts
French toast sticks are not only delightful but also versatile, allowing you to customize them with various toppings and flavors. Perfect for breakfast or brunch, this recipe is sure to please everyone at your table. Give it a try and enjoy creating your own delicious combinations!
French Toast Sticks
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 3 (approximately) 1x
Description
French Toast Sticks are a beloved breakfast treat that combines the warmth of cinnamon and vanilla with the fun of dippable bites. Perfect for family brunches or quick weekday mornings, these golden-brown sticks transform traditional French toast into an interactive meal. With just a few simple ingredients and quick preparation time, you can create a delicious breakfast that caters to everyone’s taste. Enjoy them with maple syrup, fresh fruit, or whipped cream for a delightful start to your day!
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 tablespoon butter
- 6 slices of thick bread (preferably brioche)
Instructions
- Slice the bread into 1-inch wide strips.
- In a bowl or blender, mix milk, flour, eggs, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until smooth.
- Preheat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and add butter.
- Dip each bread strip briefly in the egg mixture and place on the skillet.
- Cook for about 2 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Serve immediately with your favorite toppings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 sticks (80g)
- Calories: 228
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 245mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 126mg
