French toast sticks bring back warm memories from my childhood. My mom used to make a quick breakfast for us before school, and these were always a favorite. There’s something comforting about the blend of cinnamon, sugar, and buttery bread that just hits the spot, especially on chilly mornings. Now that I have a family of my own, I find myself making these as a weekend treat. The best part? They’re not only delicious but also incredibly easy to whip up in under 30 minutes.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility. You can use any thick-cut bread, but brioche and challah are my top picks because they add a rich, slightly sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with the cinnamon sugar coating. And if you’re looking to mix things up, try using a dairy alternative like almond or oat milk. It adds a subtle nutty undertone that’s just delightful.
Another tweak I love is adding a hint of nutmeg or even a dash of allspice to the egg mixture. It gives the French toast a more complex, aromatic flavor that’s perfect for the holiday season. For a more indulgent version, consider drizzling the finished sticks with a bit of melted chocolate or a splash of maple syrup. And if you have leftovers (which is rare in my house), they freeze wonderfully and can be reheated for a quick weekday breakfast.
These Cinnamon French Toast Sticks are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re serving up a cozy family breakfast or entertaining guests for brunch. The ease of preparation combined with the comforting, familiar flavors make this recipe a winner every time. Plus, who can resist dipping crispy, cinnamon-coated sticks into warm syrup or fruit compote? It’s a guaranteed hit, no matter how you serve them.
Making Cinnamon French Toast Sticks
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Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons butter, for frying
- 1/4 cup white sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 8 slices thick-cut bread (such as challah, brioche, or Texas toast)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon, divided
- 1 cup milk (or your preferred dairy alternative)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- Pinch of salt
Directions
- In a wide, shallow bowl, whisk the eggs together with the milk, sugar, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until well combined.
- Slice each piece of bread into three or four even sticks to ensure uniform cooking.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt 1 tablespoon of butter to coat the pan evenly.
- Dip each bread stick into the egg mixture, letting it briefly soak on each side.
- Place the soaked bread sticks into the hot skillet, cooking in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook each side for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
- While the sticks are frying, combine the 1/4 cup of white sugar and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon in a shallow dish.
- Once the bread sticks are cooked, immediately roll them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, ensuring they are thoroughly coated.
- Serve the French toast sticks warm with your favorite dips and toppings.
Storing Suggestions:
If you have leftovers, let the French toast sticks cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes or until warmed through. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months and reheat directly from frozen.
FAQs:
Can I use whole wheat bread instead of thick-cut white bread?
Yes, you can use whole wheat bread, but the texture might be slightly different. Whole wheat bread tends to be denser and less absorbent than brioche or challah, so the French toast sticks may be a bit firmer. Adjust the soaking time if necessary.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the milk with any dairy-free alternative like almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk. Also, use a plant-based butter or cooking oil for frying to keep the recipe completely dairy-free.
Can I prepare the French toast sticks ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the French toast sticks in advance. After cooking, allow them to cool, then store them in the refrigerator or freezer. To reheat, bake them in the oven at 350°F until they are heated through and crispy again.
What are some good dipping sauces or toppings for these French toast sticks?
Maple syrup is a classic choice, but you can also try dipping them in honey, fruit preserves, or chocolate sauce. For toppings, consider fresh berries, whipped cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar to add extra sweetness and flavor.
How do I prevent the French toast sticks from getting soggy?
To avoid sogginess, make sure the skillet is fully heated before adding the bread sticks, and don’t soak the bread for too long in the egg mixture. Cooking them over medium heat helps achieve a crispy exterior while the inside stays soft.
Can I add more flavors to the egg mixture?
Definitely! You can customize the egg mixture with additional flavors such as nutmeg, allspice, or a dash of cocoa powder. Adding a little orange zest or almond extract can also give the French toast a unique twist.
Cinnamon French Toast Sticks
Ingredients
- 8 slices thick-cut bread brioche, challah, or Texas toast
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup milk or dairy alternative
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla essence
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons butter for cooking
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare the Egg Mixture: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt until smooth.
- Prepare the Bread: Slice each piece of bread into three or four sticks, ensuring uniform size for even cooking.
- Heat the Pan: Warm a large skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of butter, letting it melt to coat the pan.
- Dip the Bread Sticks: Submerge each bread stick in the egg mixture, letting it soak briefly on each side to absorb the custard.
- Cook the Bread Sticks: Place the soaked sticks into the hot skillet, cooking in batches if needed to avoid crowding. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are golden and crispy.
- Prepare the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating: While the sticks are cooking, mix the 1/4 cup sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon in a shallow dish.
- Coat the French Toast Sticks: Once cooked, immediately roll each stick in the cinnamon-sugar mixture to coat them thoroughly.
- Serve: Enjoy the French toast sticks warm with your favorite dipping sauces and toppings.
