French Toast Sticks
French toast sticks are a delightful breakfast treat that bring joy to both kids and adults alike! These cinnamon-flavored dippers are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family brunch, a holiday gathering, or simply a cozy morning at home. With their easy preparation and delicious taste, French toast sticks can be enjoyed with your favorite syrup, whipped cream, or even a sprinkle of sugar for that extra sweetness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe takes just 15 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy mornings.
- Customizable Toppings: Whether you prefer syrup, fresh fruit, or whipped cream, you can top these French toast sticks however you like.
- Kid-Friendly Fun: Kids love dipping! These sticks turn breakfast into a fun activity that everyone can enjoy.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of cinnamon and vanilla creates a warm, inviting flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and freeze extras for quick breakfasts on busy days.
Tools and Preparation
Preparing French toast sticks is simple with the right tools. Gather these essentials to make the process smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Blender or mixing bowl
- Griddle or skillet
- Spatula
- Knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Blender or mixing bowl: A blender makes it easy to mix ingredients smoothly, while a bowl allows for simple whisking by hand.
- Griddle or skillet: A non-stick surface helps prevent sticking and ensures your French toast sticks cook evenly.
- Spatula: This tool is essential for flipping the sticks without breaking them during cooking.
Ingredients
To make delicious French toast sticks, you will need the following ingredients:
Dairy & 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.
Step 2: Mix the Egg Mixture
- Place 1/2 cup milk, 2 Tablespoons flour, 2 eggs, 2 Tablespoons brown sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1/8 teaspoon salt in a blender.
- Pulse until the mixture is smooth. Alternatively, place ingredients in a bowl and whisk until combined thoroughly.
Step 3: Heat the Griddle
- Preheat your griddle to 350°F or heat a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Melt butter on the hot griddle before placing the bread strips on it.
Step 4: Cook the French Toast Sticks
- Dip each strip of bread into the egg mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Place them on the griddle and cook for about 2 minutes per side or until they are lightly golden brown.
- Whisk the egg mixture as needed during this process.
Step 5: Serve Your Delicious Treats
- Serve immediately with your favorite toppings such as syrup or whipped cream for an extra touch of delight!
How to Serve French Toast Sticks
French toast sticks are a delightful dish that can be served in various ways to please everyone at the breakfast table. From sweet toppings to savory sides, these sticks can easily be customized to suit your taste.
Sweet Toppings
- Maple Syrup: A classic choice for dipping that adds a rich sweetness.
- Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy, this topping makes for a creamy contrast.
- Fresh Fruit: Strawberries, blueberries, or banana slices can add a fresh zest.
- Powdered Sugar: A simple sprinkle gives an elegant touch and extra sweetness.
Savory Pairings
- Bacon: Crispy bacon adds a salty crunch that complements the sweet flavors.
- Yogurt: A dollop of yogurt can provide creaminess and tang for balance.
- Nut Butter: Almond or peanut butter is perfect for those looking for added protein and flavor.
Unique Flavor Combinations
- Chocolate Sauce: For the chocolate lovers, this indulgent option is hard to resist.
- Coconut Flakes: Toasted coconut can add a tropical twist to your meal.
How to Perfect French Toast Sticks
To create the best French toast sticks, a few simple techniques can go a long way. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time.
- Use Thick Bread: Choosing thick bread like brioche helps achieve that delightful soft center and crispy exterior.
- Let the Mixture Soak: Allowing the bread to soak in the egg mixture ensures it absorbs all those delicious flavors.
- Preheat Properly: Make sure your griddle or skillet is hot enough before cooking; this prevents sticking and ensures even cooking.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook in batches if necessary; overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking.
- Adjust Cooking Time: Depending on your heat source, you may need to adjust cooking time for perfect browning.
- Experiment with Spices: Feel free to add nutmeg or cardamom for extra flavor depth.
Best Side Dishes for French Toast Sticks
While French toast sticks are delightful on their own, pairing them with complementary side dishes enhances the breakfast experience. Here are some great options.
- Scrambled Eggs: Creamy scrambled eggs complement the sweetness of the sticks wonderfully.
- Sausage Links: Savory sausage adds protein and balances out the meal’s flavors.
- Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits provides freshness and lightness alongside the rich French toast.
- Smoothie Bowl: A refreshing smoothie bowl adds vitamins and pairs well with sweet breakfast items.
- Hash Browns: Crispy hash browns offer a satisfying crunch that contrasts nicely with soft toast sticks.
- Avocado Toast: For something trendy, serve avocado toast; its creamy texture pairs well with sweet dippers.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making French toast sticks is straightforward, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Using stale bread: Fresh bread absorbs the egg mixture better. Choose bread that’s slightly dry for the best texture.
- Not whisking thoroughly: An uneven egg mixture leads to inconsistent flavor. Ensure your mixture is well-blended before dipping.
- Overcrowding the griddle: Cooking too many at once causes steaming instead of crisping. Work in batches for perfect results.
- Cooking at too high a temperature: High heat can burn the outside before cooking the inside. Stick to medium heat for even cooking.
- Skipping the butter: Butter adds flavor and prevents sticking. Always butter your griddle or skillet before cooking.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing French Toast Sticks
- Place cooled sticks in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze.
- Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months.
Reheating French Toast Sticks
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake for about 10 minutes until heated through and crispy.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for about 30 seconds per stick. Be careful not to overcook.
- Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes on each side until warm and crispy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about French toast sticks.
How can I make my French Toast Sticks crispy?
To achieve crispy French toast sticks, ensure you use thick bread and cook them on medium heat. A generous amount of butter will also help create a golden crust.
Can I use whole wheat bread for French Toast Sticks?
Absolutely! Whole wheat bread adds extra fiber and nutrition while still providing that delicious flavor.
What dips pair best with French Toast Sticks?
Popular dips include maple syrup, chocolate sauce, whipped cream, or even yogurt. Get creative with your favorite toppings!
How do I customize my French Toast Sticks?
You can add spices like nutmeg or cocoa powder to the egg mixture. Toppings like fresh fruit or nuts can add extra flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts
French toast sticks are a delightful breakfast option that everyone will love! They’re easy to customize with different flavors and toppings, making them versatile for any occasion. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy these warm, comforting treats with your favorite dips!
French Toast Sticks
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 (8 sticks total) 1x
Description
French toast sticks are the ultimate breakfast treat that combines convenience and deliciousness, making them a favorite for both kids and adults. With a warm cinnamon and vanilla flavor, these easy-to-make dippers can be customized with your favorite toppings, whether you prefer sweet syrup, fresh fruit, or whipped cream. Perfect for busy mornings or special occasions, this recipe takes just 15 minutes from start to finish. Plus, you can prepare a large batch ahead of time and freeze them for quick breakfasts on the go. Enjoy the joy of dipping into a comforting breakfast experience with these delightful French toast sticks!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 6 slices thick bread (brioche preferred)
Instructions
- Slice the brioche into 1-inch wide strips.
- In a blender or mixing bowl, combine milk, eggs, flour, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Blend or whisk until smooth.
- Preheat a griddle or skillet over medium-high heat and melt butter.
- Dip each bread strip into the egg mixture until evenly coated.
- Cook on the griddle for about 2 minutes per side or until golden brown.
- Serve immediately with your choice of toppings.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 sticks (approximately 70g)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
