Foolproof French Toast Sticks: Easy & Delicious

Hello, my friend! I’m so enjoying sharing my kitchen with you. I know how hectic life gets—between work, family, and just trying to catch a breath, figuring out what to cook can feel like a chore. But I promise you, cooking can be your quiet moment of joy, and this recipe is the perfect place to start.

These French Toast Sticks are my go-to “warm hug” breakfast. They are easier to handle than full slices, perfect for dipping, and they come together in about 15 to 20 minutes on the stovetop. If you want a breakfast that feels special but fits into a busy schedule, you are going to love making these. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love These French Toast Sticks

I used to worry that French toast had to be complicated to be good, but that simply isn’t true. This recipe is designed to be foolproof so you can walk into the kitchen with total confidence.

• Texture Perfection: You get that satisfying, cinnamon-sugary crunch on the outside while the inside stays soft and custard-like.
• Method Flexibility: While I love the stovetop for speed, you can easily adapt this for the oven or air fryer if you need to be hands-off while getting the kids ready.
• Meal Prep Friendly: These are a dream for the freezer. You can make a double batch on a Sunday and have a stress-free, delicious breakfast ready to reheat all week long.

What’s the Best Bread for French Toast Sticks?

Choosing the right bread is the secret to making sure your sticks don’t turn into a sad, soggy mess. You want bread that is sturdy enough to handle a quick dip in the milk and egg mixture without falling apart.

My top recommendation is thick-cut white bread that is preferably stale. When the bread is slightly dry, it acts like a sponge that drinks up just enough of the custard to be flavorful but not so much that it gets mushy.

• Brioche or Challah: If you want to feel fancy, these egg-based breads are rich and hold their shape beautifully.
• Texas Toast: This is a great, accessible option you can find in most US grocery stores that gives you that perfect thickness.
• Cutting the Bread: To get that perfect “stick” shape, remove the crusts first. Then, cut each slice into three equal batons. This size ensures they cook evenly and are fun for dunking!

Ingredients for French Toast Sticks

Here is exactly what you need to gather. I love that these are simple pantry staples you likely already have.

• 4 thick slices white bread, preferably stale ((Note 1))
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup milk
• Salt
• 1/3 cup white sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon powder
• 3 tbsp butter
• Maple syrup to serve ((optional))

How to Make French Toast Sticks (Step-by-Step Instructions)

Follow these steps exactly, and you will have a plate full of golden deliciousness in no time.

1. Remove crust of each slice, then cut each into 3 equal thick batons. [Imagine a photo here of the bread stacked and cut into neat strips.]
2. Combine the eggs, milk and a pinch of salt in a bowl large enough to roll the bread sticks in.
3. Combine the cinnamon and sugar on a plate.
4. Melt 2 tbsp of the butter in a large pan over medium high heat.
5. Roll the sticks in the egg mixture quickly (do not soak them), shake off excess and place in pan. Cook in 2 batches. [Picture the sticks sizzling gently in the foaming butter.]
6. Turn to cook each side until golden.
7. Immediately transfer to the plate with the cinnamon sugar and roll to coat. It’s important to do this quickly while they are hot straight out of the pan so it sticks.
8. Melt remaining butter and cook the remaining french toast sticks.
9. Serve immediately with maple syrup to dunk the sticks in.

Tips for Success: Perfectly Crispy French Toast Sticks Every Time

I want you to feel like a pro when you make these. Here are a few little tricks I’ve learned along the way to ensure every bite is perfect.

• Don’t Over-Soak: This is the most critical step. Just do a quick “dip-dip” in the egg mixture. If you leave them in too long, the bread will disintegrate.
• Use Stale Bread: As I mentioned earlier, fresh bread is too soft. If your bread is fresh, you can leave the slices out on the counter overnight or toast them very lightly in the oven to dry them out first.
• Watch Your Heat: Keep the pan on medium-high. You want the sugar in the bread to caramelize and checking the color often helps prevent burning. If the butter starts to smoke, lower the heat slightly.
• Roll While Hot: The steam and residual butter on the cooked sticks act like glue. Rolling them in the sugar mixture immediately guarantees a delightfully crunchy coating.

Alternative Cooking Methods: Oven & Air Fryer French Toast Sticks

If you are cooking for a crowd or just want to avoid standing over the stove, these methods work wonderfully.

Oven-Baked French Toast Sticks

This method is fantastic for feeding the whole family at once. If you enjoy other delightful baked breakfast treats, this is a great option.

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Dip the sticks as directed and place them on a parchment-lined or greased baking sheet.
• Bake for 10-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are golden brown.
• Brush lightly with melted butter before rolling in the cinnamon sugar mixture.

Air Fryer French Toast Sticks

This is my favorite way to get them crispy with less mess.

• Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
• Place the dipped sticks in the basket in a single layer; do not overcrowd them.
• Cook for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Remove and immediately roll in the cinnamon sugar mixture.

French Toast Stick Variations & Topping Ideas

Cinnamon sugar is classic, but sometimes it is fun to experiment! Here are a few ways to switch things up.

Topping Ideas:

• Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries)
• Whipped cream
• Chocolate sauce or Nutella for dunking
• Chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts)
• Berry fruit compote

Make-Ahead, Freezing, and Reheating French Toast Sticks

For us busy adults, being able to prep ahead is a lifesaver. Here is how you can enjoy these even on your busiest mornings. If you’re looking for another quick and easy make-ahead breakfast, consider a chia seed pudding.

How to Freeze French Toast Sticks

Let the cooked sticks cool completely. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and pop them in the freezer for about an hour. Once they are frozen solid, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. This prevents them from sticking together in one big clump.

How to Reheat Frozen French Toast Sticks

You don’t even need to thaw them first!

• Microwave: Great for speed. Heat for 30-60 seconds. They will be softer but still delicious.
• Toaster Oven / Oven: Best for crispness. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.
• Air Fryer: The crunchiest result. Heat at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes.

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions for French Toast Sticks

Cooking should fit your lifestyle, so here are some simple swaps for different dietary needs.

Note on Salt: You might wonder why we add salt to a sweet dish. The pinch of salt helps balance the sugar and elevates the flavor of the eggs and cinnamon. Don’t skip it!

Essential Equipment for Making French Toast Sticks

having the right tools makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.

• Shallow Dish: A pie plate or wide bowl makes dipping the long sticks much easier than a deep bowl.
• Non-Stick Skillet: This helps ensure the egg mixture doesn’t stick and tear the bread when you flip it.
• Whisk: Essential for thoroughly combining the egg and milk so you don’t get streaks of egg white on your toast.
• Tongs: These are perfect for gripping the sticks to flip them and to transfer them to the sugar plate without getting your fingers messy.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

I love turning these sticks into a complete meal. Since usually the French toast is sweet, I like to pair it with savory items.

• Crispy Bacon or Sausage: The salty crunch contrasts perfectly with the sweet, soft bread.
• Scrambled Eggs: Adds a nice protein boost to keep you full longer.
• Fresh Fruit Salad: A bowl of melon, grapes, or berries adds freshness and lightness to the plate.
• Greek Yogurt: A dollop on the side adds creaminess and protein.

Kid-Friendly Tips for French Toast Sticks

If you have little ones, this is such a fun recipe to get them involved in the kitchen!

• Dip Station: Let kids help with the “dunking” into the cinnamon sugar (after the sticks have cooled for a minute).
• Fun Shapes: Use cookie cutters to make stars or hearts instead of sticks.
• Dipping Sauces: Kids love to dip! Offer small cups of maple syrup, yogurt, or fruit jam so they can mix and match flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions about French Toast Sticks

• Can I use brown sugar instead of white sugar?
  Yes, you can! Brown sugar will give the coating a deeper, caramel-like flavor, though it might be slightly moister than white sugar.
• My French toast sticks are soggy inside. What happened?
  This usually happens if the bread was too fresh or if you soaked the sticks too long in the egg mixture. Remember, quick dip only!
• Can I make these without cinnamon?
  Absolutely. If you aren’t a fan of cinnamon, you can leave it out or replace it with a little nutmeg or cardamom for a different spice profile.
• Can I use just egg whites?
  You can, but the yolk provides the richness and the custard-like texture. If using only whites, add a splash of cream or full-fat milk to help with the richness.

Conclusion

See? Cooking doesn’t have to be stressful or complicated to be absolutely delicious. I really hope these French Toast Sticks bring a little bit of warmth and joy to your morning routine. Whether you are making them for a slow Sunday brunch or snatching one out of the freezer on a busy Tuesday, you’ve got this!

I would love to hear how they turned out for you. Did you try a fun topping? Did the kids love them? Leave a comment below and let me know, or share a picture on social media and tag me @AishaRecipes. Let’s celebrate your kitchen wins together!

French Toast Sticks

These delightful French Toast Sticks are perfect for a quick breakfast or brunch, made from bread slices dipped in an egg mixture, coated in cinnamon sugar, and fried until golden brown.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 12 minutes mins

Total Time 22 minutes mins

Servings: 2 servings

Calories: 520

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 4 slices white bread thick, preferably stale
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup milk
• Salt pinch
• 1/3 cup white sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon powder
• 3 tbsp butter
• Maple syrup to serve, optional

Equipment

• Bowl
• Plate
• Large pan

Method

 

Preparation

1. Remove the crusts from each bread slice, then cut each slice into three thick batons.
2. In a suitable bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and a pinch of salt.
3. On a plate, mix the cinnamon and sugar.

Cooking

1. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large pan over medium-high heat.
2. Quickly roll the bread sticks in the egg mixture, shaking off any excess, then place them in the pan to cook in two batches.
3. Cook each side until golden brown.
4. Immediately transfer the hot sticks to the cinnamon sugar plate and roll to coat them thoroughly.
5. Melt the remaining butter and cook the second batch of French toast sticks.
6. Serve the French toast sticks immediately with maple syrup for dipping.

Notes

For best results, use stale bread. Ensure to coat the cooked French toast sticks in cinnamon sugar immediately while hot so the sugar adheres properly.