French Toast Sticks
Crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside, these French toast sticks are the perfect dippable breakfast treat. A kid-friendly favorite that's ready in minutes and perfect for busy mornings or a fun brunch.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 10 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Bread and Custard Batter
- b.If desired, trim the crusts from the bread slices for a softer texture.
- c.Cut each slice of bread vertically into 3 even sticks.
- d.In a shallow dish, such as a pie plate or a rectangular baking dish, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg (if using), and salt until the mixture is smooth and uniform in color.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Soak and Cook the Sticks
- b.Melt 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter in a large non-stick skillet or on a griddle over medium heat. The butter should be sizzling but not browning.
- c.Working quickly, dip one bread stick at a time into the custard mixture, turning to coat all sides. Allow it to soak for about 10-15 seconds; do not oversaturate.
- d.Immediately place the soaked stick onto the hot skillet.
- e.Repeat with more sticks, placing them in a single layer without overcrowding the pan.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Fry Until Golden Brown
- b.Cook the French toast sticks for 2-3 minutes per side, until they are golden brown and crispy.
- c.Use tongs to turn the sticks to brown all four sides for the best texture.
- d.Transfer the cooked sticks to a wire rack or a plate lined with paper towels. To keep them warm, place them on a baking sheet in a 200°F (95°C) oven.
- e.Repeat the process with the remaining sticks, adding more butter to the skillet for each new batch.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Serve Warm
- b.Arrange the warm French toast sticks on a platter.
- c.Serve immediately with warm maple syrup for dipping. Fresh berries or a dusting of powdered sugar also make great accompaniments.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use slightly stale, thick-sliced bread like brioche or challah. It absorbs the custard better without becoming soggy.
- 2A quick dip is all you need. Oversoaking will cause the sticks to fall apart in the pan.
- 3Maintain a consistent medium heat. If the pan is too hot, the outside will burn before the inside is cooked.
- 4For a classic diner-style treat, mix 1/4 cup of granulated sugar with 1 tablespoon of cinnamon. Roll the hot, buttery sticks in the mixture immediately after cooking.
- 5These sticks are freezer-friendly. Let them cool completely, freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat in a toaster or oven for a quick breakfast.
Adapt it for your goals.
Savory Sticks
Omit the sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon. Add a pinch of black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder to the egg mixture. Serve with ketchup or a cheese sauce.
Crunchy CoatingCrunchy Coating
After dipping in the egg mixture, dredge the sticks in crushed cornflakes or panko breadcrumbs before frying for an extra crispy texture.
Citrus ZestCitrus Zest
Add 1 teaspoon of orange or lemon zest to the custard batter for a bright, fresh flavor that pairs well with berries.
Chocolate StuffedChocolate-Stuffed
Spread a thin layer of chocolate-hazelnut spread between two thin slices of bread, press together, then cut into sticks and proceed with the recipe.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Quick Energy Source
The carbohydrates from the bread provide a rapid source of energy, making this a filling breakfast to help you start your day.
Source of Protein
Eggs and milk in the custard batter contribute protein, which is essential for muscle maintenance and helps promote a feeling of fullness.
Frequently asked questions
A serving of six French toast sticks contains approximately 450-500 calories, not including maple syrup or other toppings. The exact number can vary based on the type of bread and milk used.