There is something incredibly comforting about breakfast dishes that blend warmth, sweetness, and a touch of nostalgia, which is exactly what makes this Baked French Toast Sticks Recipe an absolute gem. These golden, cinnamon-kissed sticks are the perfect handheld morning treat that’s both easy to eat and delightful to share. Whether you’re fueling up for a busy day or spoiling your loved ones on a lazy weekend, this recipe delivers the classic flavors of French toast with a crispy baked twist that’s less messy but just as scrumptious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Bright, simple ingredients come together in this Baked French Toast Sticks Recipe to create a breakfast that feels both indulgent and approachable. Each element adds flavor, texture, or aroma that truly elevates the final result.
- 6 slices thick-cut bread (like brioche or Texas toast): Provides a soft, sturdy base that soaks up the custard without falling apart.
- 4 large eggs: The backbone of the custard, binding flavors and creating richness.
- 1 cup whole milk: Adds creaminess to the custard mixture, ensuring a silky coating.
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar: Sweetens just enough to enhance, not overpower.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses a warm, comforting aroma that’s classic French toast.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Brings a cozy spice that pairs beautifully with sweet toppings.
- Pinch of salt: Balances sweetness and boosts overall flavor.
- Butter or nonstick spray for greasing: Ensures the sticks bake up crisp without sticking.
- Optional toppings (maple syrup, powdered sugar, fresh berries): To personalize your plate with extra sweetness, freshness, or visual appeal.
How to Make Baked French Toast Sticks Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Before diving into the custard, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lightly grease the paper with butter or nonstick spray to ensure your French toast sticks don’t stick while baking—this step makes cleanup easier and keeps the sticks crispy on the outside.
Step 2: Slice the Bread Into Sticks
Slice each piece of thick-cut bread into 3 or 4 sticks. Using thick slices like brioche or Texas toast helps the sticks maintain a soft center while getting golden and crisp edges once baked. This size is perfect for dipping and snacking.
Step 3: Whisk Together the Custard Mixture
In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until fully combined. This gives you a flavorful custard that will soak into the bread sticks, infusing them with sweet, spiced richness.
Step 4: Dip the Bread Sticks
Dip each bread stick into the custard mixture, making sure to coat all sides evenly. Allow the excess custard to drip off before placing the sticks on the baking sheet. This soaking step is essential to ensure each bite is moist but not soggy.
Step 5: Bake the Sticks
Arrange the coated sticks in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, then carefully flip each stick and bake for another 10 to 12 minutes. You’re aiming for a golden brown color with lightly crisp edges while keeping the inside tender and custardy.
How to Serve Baked French Toast Sticks Recipe
Garnishes
Serving your Baked French Toast Sticks Recipe with the right garnishes is like adding the cherry on top of a perfect breakfast sundae. Dust a light sprinkle of powdered sugar for a delicate sweetness or drizzle pure maple syrup for that irresistible sticky finish. Fresh berries add a refreshing pop of color and tartness, balancing the richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of breakfast favorites. Think crispy bacon or savory sausage for a flavor contrast, or a simple fresh fruit salad to lighten the plate. Whipped cream or a side of yogurt also complement the creamy texture of the sticks while adding a touch of indulgence.
Creative Ways to Present
Imagine a breakfast board set with a stack of these golden sticks, small bowls of maple syrup, berry compote, and even a chocolate hazelnut spread. For an extra fun touch, serve the sticks alongside a small cup of warm caramel or cinnamon honey for dipping. It’s a fantastic way to invite guests to mix and match flavors, making breakfast both interactive and memorable.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, no worries at all! Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sticks might lose a little crispness but will still be delicious when warmed up.
Freezing
Baked French Toast Sticks Recipe is super freezer-friendly. After cooling completely, arrange the sticks in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 2 months. This makes for a convenient grab-and-bake breakfast on a busy morning.
Reheating
To reheat, pop your frozen or refrigerated sticks in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 8–10 minutes. This method revives their crispiness without drying them out. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that perfect texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different kind of bread?
Absolutely! While thick-cut brioche or Texas toast works best for absorbing the custard without falling apart, you can swap in challah or any sturdy bread you have on hand. Just avoid super thin slices or very soft bread to maintain the right texture.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can easily substitute whole milk with any plant-based milk such as almond, oat, or soy milk. Just keep in mind that this might subtly change the flavor and texture, but the baked French toast sticks will still be delicious.
How do I prevent the sticks from getting soggy?
The key is in the dipping and baking process. Dip the sticks fully but let the excess custard drip off before baking, and make sure to bake them long enough to develop a crisp exterior. Flipping halfway through baking also helps them brown evenly without sogginess.
Can I double the recipe for a bigger group?
Definitely! Just be sure to use large enough baking sheets or bake in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can cause uneven cooking. The custard mixture can be whisked up in a larger bowl with no problem.
What toppings pair best with Baked French Toast Sticks Recipe?
Classic toppings like maple syrup and powdered sugar are always winners. Fresh berries add brightness, while whipped cream or nut butters introduce indulgent richness. Get creative and try drizzling honey, berry compote, or even a sprinkling of chopped nuts for crunch.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about sharing a warm, homemade breakfast that feels both easy and a little bit fancy, and this Baked French Toast Sticks Recipe delivers on all fronts. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to keep in your repertoire for weekends, holidays, or whenever you crave that perfect blend of crispy edges and tender centers soaked in cinnamon vanilla goodness. Grab your favorite bread, and get ready to treat yourself and your loved ones to a breakfast that’s as fun to make as it is to eat!
Print
Baked French Toast Sticks Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy a kid-friendly twist on classic French toast with these baked French toast sticks. Made with thick-cut bread slices dipped in a cinnamon-vanilla egg batter, then baked until golden and crisp on the edges. Serve warm with maple syrup, powdered sugar, or fresh berries for a delightful breakfast treat that’s easy to prepare and perfect for make-ahead mornings.
Ingredients
French Toast Sticks
- 6 slices thick-cut bread (like brioche or Texas toast)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- Butter or nonstick spray for greasing
Optional Toppings
- Maple syrup
- Powdered sugar
- Fresh berries
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lightly grease the parchment paper using butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking during baking.
- Slice the Bread: Cut each thick slice of bread into 3 or 4 evenly sized sticks, creating manageable pieces that will bake quickly and uniformly.
- Make the Egg Mixture: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until fully combined and smooth.
- Dip the Bread Sticks: Dip each bread stick into the egg mixture, ensuring all sides are thoroughly coated. Allow any excess batter to drip off before arranging the sticks on the baking sheet.
- Arrange and Bake: Lay the coated bread sticks in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes to start the cooking process.
- Flip and Continue Baking: Carefully flip each bread stick over to promote even browning. Bake for an additional 10 to 12 minutes, or until the sticks are golden brown and crisp on the edges.
- Serve Warm: Remove from the oven and serve your baked French toast sticks warm. Top with maple syrup, a dusting of powdered sugar, and fresh berries as desired for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- These French toast sticks freeze well—cool completely, freeze in a single layer, and reheat in the oven or toaster oven for a convenient breakfast option.
- You can substitute dairy-free milk and gluten-free bread to accommodate dietary restrictions or preferences.
