Easy Crispy French Toast Sticks
Looking for the perfect breakfast treat that’s both crunchy and delicious? Easy Crispy French Toast Sticks are here to rescue your morning! With their golden-brown crust and soft, custardy center, these sticks are a hit with both kids and adults alike. Let’s dive into everything you need to know to whip up a batch of these irresistible treats right at home.
1️⃣ Introduction To Easy Crispy French Toast Sticks
Whether it’s a lazy weekend brunch or a quick weekday breakfast, crispy French toast sticks are a crowd-pleaser. They’re easy to make, fun to eat, and perfect for dipping in syrup, jam, or even chocolate sauce. Plus, they’re kid-friendly and freezer-friendly!
2️⃣ What are French Toast Sticks?
French toast sticks are simply sliced bread dipped in a custard mixture of eggs, milk, sugar, and cinnamon, then fried or baked until golden and crispy. Unlike classic French toast, they’re cut into strips for easy dipping and sharing.
👉 Wondering about the nutritional benefits of French toast? Check out this Healthline guide on French toast nutrition to make informed choices about your breakfast.
3️⃣ Ingredients Needed
Before we get started, gather these simple ingredients:
- Bread: Thick-sliced options like Texas toast, challah, or brioche work best.
- Eggs: The base of the custard mixture.
- Milk: Adds richness and moisture.
- Sugar and Cinnamon: For that sweet, spiced flavor.
- Vanilla Extract: Optional but highly recommended.
- Butter or Oil: For frying.
- Optional Coatings:
- Crushed cornflakes or panko breadcrumbs for an extra crunch.
- Powdered sugar or maple syrup for serving.
👉 Not sure which bread to choose? Here’s a handy King Arthur Baking guide to the best bread for French toast.
4️⃣ How to Make Easy Crispy French Toast Sticks
Follow these steps for the crispiest French toast sticks:
- Prepare the Bread
- Cut your bread into thick strips for easy dipping.
- Make the Custard Mixture
- In a bowl, whisk together:
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup milk
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- In a bowl, whisk together:
- Dip and Coat
- Dip each bread strip into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated.
- Optional: Roll the sticks in crushed cornflakes or panko for extra crunch.
- Fry or Bake
- Heat a pan with butter or oil over medium heat.
- Cook the sticks for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
- Alternatively, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Serve Hot
- Dust with powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar.
- Serve with maple syrup, jam, or your favorite dipping sauce.
5️⃣ Variations & Flavor Twists
One of the best parts about Easy Crispy French Toast Sticks is how versatile they are! Once you’ve mastered the classic recipe, you can get creative with fun flavor twists that cater to your taste buds and seasonal cravings. Here are some delicious variations to try:
Cinnamon Sugar Delight:
After frying or baking, toss your French toast sticks in a cinnamon-sugar mixture for an extra hit of sweetness and spice. This is perfect for those who love a touch of nostalgia in their breakfast.
Nutella-Stuffed French Toast Sticks:
Take your French toast to the next level by adding a thin layer of Nutella between two slices of bread before slicing them into sticks. When dipped in the custard mixture and fried, the Nutella melts into a gooey, chocolatey center that’s absolutely irresistible.
Pumpkin Spice Twist:
For a seasonal spin, add 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice to your custard mixture. This gives the sticks a warm, cozy flavor that’s perfect for fall mornings (or anytime you’re craving a taste of autumn).
Air Fryer French Toast Sticks:
Looking for a lighter alternative? Pop your custard-dipped sticks in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 8–10 minutes. They’ll come out crispy and golden with minimal oil—plus, cleanup is a breeze!
Savory Option:
Want to think outside the box? Skip the sugar and cinnamon, and add a pinch of salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese to the egg mixture for a savory twist. Serve with marinara sauce or even a drizzle of hot honey for an unforgettable brunch.
With these fun variations, your crispy French toast sticks will never get boring! Try one—or all—of these twists to keep your breakfast exciting and delicious. 🍽️✨
6️⃣ Serving Suggestions
- Dipping Sauces:
- Maple syrup
- Honey
- Berry jam
- Chocolate sauce
- Toppings:
- Fresh fruit
- Whipped cream
- Powdered sugar
They’re also great for sharing at brunch buffets or breakfast parties.
7️⃣ Storage and Reheating Tips
One of the best things about Easy Crispy French Toast Sticks is how make-ahead friendly they are. Whether you’re prepping for a busy weekday breakfast or planning a fun brunch, storing and reheating these sticks is super easy.
Storage:
- Short-Term Storage: Let your French toast sticks cool completely before storing. This helps preserve their crispy texture. Place them in an airtight container or a zip-top bag and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, arrange the cooled sticks in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid (about 1 hour). Then transfer them to a freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. They’ll stay fresh in the freezer for up to 1 month.
Reheating:
- Oven or Air Fryer: For the crispiest results, reheat your French toast sticks in the oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes. This method helps them regain that irresistible golden-brown crunch.
- Microwave: If you’re short on time, microwave the sticks on a microwave-safe plate for 30–45 seconds. Keep in mind that while this method is quick, the sticks may lose some of their crispy edges.
Pro Tip: Place reheated sticks on a wire rack briefly to let any excess moisture escape, ensuring they stay crispy and delicious. With these tips, you’ll always have a batch of easy crispy French toast sticks ready to enjoy! 🍽️✨
8️⃣ Healthier Alternatives
If you’re craving Easy Crispy French Toast Sticks but want to keep things on the lighter side, there are plenty of healthier alternatives you can try without sacrificing flavor or crunch. Here’s how to make your favorite breakfast treat a bit more nutritious:
Baked Instead of Fried:
Skip the extra oil by baking your French toast sticks instead of pan-frying. Simply arrange the dipped sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet, lightly spray them with cooking spray, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through. They’ll still be golden brown and crispy with far less fat.
Whole Wheat Bread:
Swap out white bread for whole wheat or multigrain bread. It’s higher in fiber and nutrients, which helps keep you feeling full longer. Plus, it adds a slightly nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweet custard.
Lower Sugar:
Reduce the sugar in the custard mixture, or use natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup. You can also sprinkle your French toast sticks with cinnamon instead of rolling them in sugar for a lower-sugar option.
Dairy-Free Options:
Make your recipe dairy-free by using plant-based milk like almond, oat, or soy. Swap butter for coconut oil or avocado oil for frying or brushing on top before baking.
By making a few simple swaps, you can enjoy crispy, delicious French toast sticks that fit your lifestyle—without giving up that irresistible crunch you love. 🍽️✨
9️⃣ FAQs
Can I make these French toast sticks ahead of time?
Absolutely! Easy Crispy French Toast Sticks are great for meal prep. Simply cook them as directed, then let them cool completely. Arrange them on a baking sheet and freeze in a single layer. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag or container. When you’re ready to eat, reheat them in the oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5–7 minutes for that delicious crispy texture.
What’s the best bread to use for French toast sticks?
For the perfect crispy exterior and custardy interior, choose a bread that’s sturdy and thick-sliced. Texas toast, challah, or brioche are excellent choices because they hold up well during dipping and cooking. Avoid thin-sliced sandwich bread, which can become soggy and fall apart.
How do I keep my French toast sticks crispy after cooking?
After frying or baking, place your sticks on a wire rack instead of stacking them on a plate. This allows air to circulate around each piece, preventing them from getting soggy. If you’re serving a crowd, you can keep them warm in a low oven (200°F/95°C) until everyone is ready to eat.
Can I freeze French toast sticks?
Yes! Freezing is a great option for busy mornings. Cook the sticks as usual, let them cool completely, and then freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet. Transfer them to a freezer bag and store for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to bring back their crispy goodness.
Can I make these French toast sticks dairy-free?
Definitely! Swap the milk for your favorite plant-based milk (like almond, oat, or soy), and use oil instead of butter for frying. The result is just as delicious and crispy without any dairy.
For a complete breakfast experience, explore more delicious recipes like bacon and cheese breakfast egg muffins or the best French toast recipe.
🔟 Conclusion
Easy Crispy French Toast Sticks are a fantastic way to bring a smile to anyone’s morning. They’re not just a treat for kids—they’re a satisfying breakfast that adults will love too. With their golden-brown crunch on the outside and soft, custardy center on the inside, they deliver the perfect balance of texture and flavor that makes breakfast truly memorable.
One of the best things about these sticks is their versatility. You can stick to the classic recipe or get creative with cinnamon sugar coatings, Nutella fillings, or even a dash of pumpkin spice for a seasonal twist. Whether you fry them for a quick, crispy fix or bake them for a lighter alternative, these sticks are sure to become a family favorite.
Don’t forget the toppings! Maple syrup, honey, whipped cream, or fresh berries all pair perfectly with your crispy French toast sticks. For a fun breakfast platter, try serving them alongside bacon and cheese breakfast egg muffins or even crispy Amish onion fritters for a complete brunch experience.
So, why wait? Gather your ingredients, follow the easy steps, and treat yourself and your loved ones to the ultimate breakfast experience. Happy cooking and happy eating! 🍽️✨
