French Toast Sticks
French toast sticks are a delightful breakfast treat that everyone can enjoy! These crispy cinnamon-flavored dippers are perfect for dipping into syrup, whipped cream, or even just enjoying plain. Whether it’s a cozy family breakfast or a fun brunch with friends, French toast sticks will be the star of the show.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy mornings.
- Fun for All Ages: Kids and adults alike enjoy the interactive experience of dipping these delicious sticks.
- Customizable Toppings: Choose your favorite toppings like syrup, fruits, or whipped cream to make each serving unique.
- Perfect for Leftovers: If you have extra sticks, they can be reheated easily for another meal or snack.
- Versatile Flavor Options: Feel free to add different spices or extracts to personalize the flavor profile.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into making your French toast sticks, gather all necessary tools. Having everything ready will streamline the cooking process and make it more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Blender or whisk
- Griddle or skillet
- Spatula
- Knife
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Blender or whisk: Ensures a smooth egg mixture that perfectly coats the bread.
- Griddle or skillet: Provides an even cooking surface that helps achieve that golden-brown finish.
- Spatula: Aids in flipping the French toast sticks without breaking them apart.
Ingredients
French toast sticks are fun for all ages! Strips of thick pieces of toast are made into cinnamon-flavored dippers perfect for dipping in your favorite syrup, whipped cream, or sprinkled in a little extra sugar!
Dairy and Eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
Dry Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 Tablespoons light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon Kosher salt
Other Ingredients
- 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. Set aside.
Step 2: Mix the Egg Mixture
- Place milk, flour, eggs, brown sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and Kosher salt in a blender.
- Pulse until smooth. Alternatively, mix all ingredients in a bowl using a whisk until well combined.
Step 3: Heat the Cooking Surface
- Preheat your griddle to 350°F or use a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add butter to the griddle before placing any bread on it.
Step 4: Cook the French Toast Sticks
- Dip each bread strip into the egg mixture, ensuring it is evenly coated.
- Place each coated strip on the griddle and cook for about 2 minutes per side until lightly golden brown.
- Whisk the egg mixture as needed between batches.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
- Serve immediately with your favorite toppings like syrup or whipped cream. Enjoy your delicious French toast sticks!
How to Serve French Toast Sticks
French toast sticks are a delightful breakfast option that can be customized in various ways. You can pair them with a range of toppings and sides to enhance the flavor and make your meal even more enjoyable.
Sweet Toppings
- Maple Syrup: A classic choice, maple syrup adds sweetness and depth.
- Honey: Drizzle honey over your sticks for a natural sweet touch.
- Whipped Cream: Top with whipped cream for a creamy, indulgent experience.
Fruity Additions
- Fresh Berries: Strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries provide a fresh burst of flavor.
- Banana Slices: Add banana slices for a tasty and nutritious topping.
Savory Pairings
- Bacon or Sausage: The salty crunch of bacon or sausage balances the sweetness perfectly.
- Yogurt: Serve with yogurt for added creaminess and protein.
Dipping Sauces
- Chocolate Sauce: For chocolate lovers, this is a rich alternative to syrup.
- Peanut Butter: A creamy dip that adds protein and flavor.
How to Perfect French Toast Sticks
Creating perfect French toast sticks is all about technique and quality ingredients. Here are some tips to ensure your sticks turn out great every time.
- Choose Thick Bread: Use thick bread like brioche or challah for the best texture.
- Soak Time Matters: Let the bread soak in the egg mixture long enough to absorb flavor but not so long that it falls apart.
- Hot Griddle or Skillet: Ensure your cooking surface is hot enough before adding the bread to achieve that golden brown color.
- Flip Carefully: Use a spatula to gently flip each stick without tearing it.
- Experiment with Spices: Feel free to add nutmeg or ginger for extra warmth in flavor.
- Serve Immediately: French toast sticks taste best when served right off the griddle.
Best Side Dishes for French Toast Sticks
To create a well-rounded breakfast experience, consider pairing your French toast sticks with these delicious side dishes. Each option brings something unique to the table!
- Scrambled Eggs: Fluffy scrambled eggs complement the sweetness of French toast sticks.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and nutrition.
- Crispy Potatoes: Roasted or fried potatoes offer a savory crunch that balances sweet flavors.
- Smoothie Bowl: A smoothie bowl provides a creamy texture alongside fruity flavors.
- Oven-Baked Bacon: Crispy bacon enhances the meal with its savory goodness.
- Avocado Toast: Creamy avocado on toasted bread adds healthy fats and rich flavor.
- Mini Pancakes: Serve alongside small pancakes for an additional sweet treat.
- Nut Butter Dip: A dish of nut butter offers a protein-packed option for dipping!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making French toast sticks can be easy, but certain mistakes can ruin the fun. Here are common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Using stale bread: Fresh bread works best for soaking up the mixture. Stale bread can lead to dry sticks that don’t hold flavor.
- Not whisking enough: A well-mixed egg mixture is key. If not blended thoroughly, you might end up with unevenly coated sticks.
- Cooking at too high a temperature: If your griddle or skillet is too hot, the outside may burn while the inside remains uncooked. Keep it medium heat for even cooking.
- Overcrowding the pan: Placing too many sticks in one pan can lower the temperature and make them soggy. Cook in batches for the best results.
- Skipping toppings: French toast sticks are fun with dips! Don’t forget to add syrup, whipped cream, or fresh fruit to elevate your dish.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover French toast sticks in an airtight container.
- They will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing French Toast Sticks
- Place cooled sticks in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
Reheating French Toast Sticks
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake for about 10 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat on a microwave-safe plate for 30-45 seconds per stick.
- Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat for about 3-5 minutes, flipping occasionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about French toast sticks and their preparation.
How do I make crispy French Toast Sticks?
To achieve crispiness, ensure your griddle isn’t overcrowded and consider using a bit more butter when cooking.
Can I use gluten-free bread for French Toast Sticks?
Absolutely! Gluten-free bread can work well; just ensure it’s sturdy enough to hold the egg mixture.
What toppings go well with French Toast Sticks?
Popular choices include maple syrup, honey, whipped cream, or fresh fruit. Get creative with your favorites!
How long can I keep French Toast Sticks in the freezer?
You can keep them frozen for up to 2 months. Just remember to reheat properly before serving!
Final Thoughts
French toast sticks are a delightful breakfast option loved by both kids and adults. Their versatility allows you to customize them with various toppings and flavors, making them perfect for any occasion. Give this recipe a try and enjoy delicious homemade treats that everyone will adore!
French Toast Sticks
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people (8 sticks total) 1x
Description
French Toast Sticks are a delightful breakfast treat that combines crispy, cinnamon-flavored dippers with the joy of dipping into syrup or whipped cream. Perfect for busy mornings, this quick and easy recipe brings family and friends together for a fun meal.
Ingredients
- 6 slices thick bread (brioche recommended)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions
- Slice the bread into 1-inch wide strips.
- Blend eggs, milk, flour, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until smooth.
- Preheat your griddle or skillet over medium-high heat and melt butter.
- Dip each bread strip in the egg mixture and cook for about 2 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Serve immediately with your favorite toppings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 sticks (75g)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
