French Toast Sticks
French toast sticks are a delightful way to start your day! Perfect for breakfast or brunch, these cinnamon-flavored dippers bring joy to both kids and adults alike. They offer versatile pairing options, whether it’s syrup, whipped cream, or a dusting of sugar. Their fun shape makes them an engaging choice for any occasion, from lazy weekends to festive gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This recipe takes only 15 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy mornings.
- Kid-Friendly Fun: The stick shape is appealing to children, making breakfast enjoyable and interactive.
- Customizable Options: You can easily personalize the flavors with various toppings like fruits or flavored syrups.
- Perfectly Crispy: Each stick gets a delightful golden-brown crust while maintaining a soft inside.
- Healthy Ingredients: Made with simple components, these French toast sticks provide a balanced breakfast option.
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools will make your cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable. Here’s what you need:
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Blender or mixing bowl
- Griddle or skillet
- Spatula
- Knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Blender or mixing bowl: This is essential for smoothly mixing the egg mixture without lumps.
- Griddle or skillet: A good cooking surface ensures even heating and helps achieve that perfect golden color on your French toast sticks.
- Spatula: A sturdy spatula helps you flip the sticks easily without breaking them.
Ingredients
To make delicious French toast sticks, gather 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 Essentials
- 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 thick bread into 1-inch wide strips.
Step 2: Blend the Egg Mixture
Place the following ingredients in a blender:
– 1/2 cup milk
– 2 tablespoons flour
– 2 eggs
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/8 teaspoon Kosher salt
Pulse until smooth. Alternatively, combine these in a bowl and whisk until thoroughly mixed.
Step 3: Heat the Cooking Surface
Preheat a griddle to 350°F or set a skillet over medium-high heat. Butter the surface before adding the bread.
Step 4: Cook the French Toast Sticks
Once hot, dip each strip of bread into the egg mixture, flipping to coat evenly. Place them on the griddle and cook for about 2 minutes per side or until they turn lightly golden brown. Be sure to whisk the egg mixture as needed between batches.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
Serve immediately while warm, topping with your favorite options like syrup or whipped cream. Enjoy your homemade French toast sticks!
How to Serve French Toast Sticks
French toast sticks are not only delicious but also versatile. You can elevate your breakfast experience by serving them with a variety of toppings and dips. Here are some creative ways to enjoy your French toast sticks!
Sweet Toppings
- Maple Syrup: The classic choice! Drizzle warm maple syrup over the sticks for a sweet finish.
- Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of whipped cream for a light and fluffy texture that complements the cinnamon flavor.
- Fresh Berries: Strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries add a refreshing burst of flavor and color to your dish.
Savory Options
- Bacon: Crispy bacon strips provide a savory contrast to the sweetness of the sticks, making for a satisfying meal.
- Nut Butter: Spread almond or peanut butter on your French toast sticks for added protein and richness.
- Cream Cheese Frosting: For a unique twist, dip your sticks in sweetened cream cheese frosting, marrying sweet and savory perfectly.
Creative Dips
- Chocolate Sauce: For chocolate lovers, serve with melted chocolate or chocolate sauce for an indulgent treat.
- Yogurt Dip: A tangy yogurt dip flavored with vanilla or honey can balance the sweetness and add creaminess.
How to Perfect French Toast Sticks
Making perfect French toast sticks is easy with a few simple tips. Follow these suggestions to ensure they are delicious every time!
- Choose Thick Bread: Using thick slices like brioche or Texas toast ensures a soft inside and crispy outside.
- Let the Egg Mixture Soak: Allow the bread to soak in the egg mixture for at least 30 seconds on each side for maximum flavor.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh eggs and milk will yield richer flavors in your French toast sticks.
- Preheat Properly: Make sure your griddle or skillet is hot enough before cooking; this will help achieve that golden brown color.
Best Side Dishes for French Toast Sticks
Pairing side dishes with your French toast sticks can enhance your breakfast experience. Here are some delicious options to consider:
- Sausage Links: Juicy sausage links add a hearty touch that pairs well with sweet flavors.
- Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad offers a refreshing complement, balancing the richness of the toast.
- Scrambled Eggs: Fluffy scrambled eggs provide protein and round out the meal nicely.
- Hash Browns: Crispy hash browns add crunch and texture next to your soft French toast sticks.
- Cottage Cheese: A side of cottage cheese is high in protein and adds a creamy element to the meal.
- Smoothie Bowl: Serve alongside a smoothie bowl packed with fruits for a nutritious boost.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making French toast sticks can be simple, but there are common mistakes that can affect your results. Here are some tips to help you avoid them.
- Skipping the soaking time: Not allowing the bread to soak long enough in the egg mixture can lead to dry sticks. Ensure each piece is fully coated and let it sit for a few seconds.
- Using regular bread: Using regular sandwich bread may not provide the right texture. Opt for thick-cut bread like brioche for a more satisfying bite.
- Cooking at too high a heat: High temperatures can burn the outside while leaving the inside uncooked. Keep your griddle around 350°F for even cooking.
- Not seasoning properly: Failing to add enough cinnamon or sugar can make the sticks bland. Be generous with these flavors to enhance your French toast sticks.
- Neglecting toppings: Skipping toppings means missing out on flavor and presentation. Serve with syrup, whipped cream, or fresh fruit for an irresistible finish.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store your French toast sticks in an airtight container.
- They will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing French Toast Sticks
- For longer storage, freeze your cooked French toast sticks in a single layer.
- Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container; they will keep for about 2 months.
Reheating French Toast Sticks
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat on high for 30 seconds to 1 minute, checking frequently to avoid sogginess.
- Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes per side until crispy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making French toast sticks.
How do I make crispy French toast sticks?
To achieve crispy French toast sticks, ensure you use thick bread and cook them at medium heat until golden brown on both sides.
Can I use different types of bread?
Absolutely! While brioche is recommended, other types like challah or sourdough also work well, adding unique flavors and textures.
What toppings go well with French toast sticks?
Toppings like maple syrup, whipped cream, fresh berries, or even chocolate hazelnut spread elevate the dish and add delightful flavors.
Can I make French toast sticks ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare them ahead of time and store them in the fridge or freezer. Just reheat when ready to serve.
How can I customize my French toast sticks?
You can customize by adding ingredients like chocolate chips, nuts, or spices into the egg mixture for extra flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts
French toast sticks are not only delicious but also versatile! They are perfect for breakfast or brunch and allow room for creativity with toppings. Try this easy recipe today and enjoy customizing it to suit your taste!
French Toast Sticks
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x
Description
French toast sticks are the ultimate breakfast treat that brings a touch of joy to your mornings! They are quick and easy to make, taking just 15 minutes from start to finish. These delightful cinnamon-flavored dippers are perfect for kids and adults alike, allowing for endless customization with toppings like syrup, whipped cream, or fresh fruit. Whether it’s a lazy weekend brunch or a festive gathering, these golden-brown sticks will impress everyone at the table. Plus, they offer a fun and interactive way to enjoy breakfast!
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 recommended)
Instructions
- Slice the brioche bread into 1-inch wide strips.
- Blend milk, eggs, flour, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until smooth.
- Preheat a griddle to 350°F and butter the surface.
- Dip each bread strip into the egg mixture and cook on the griddle for about 2 minutes per side or until golden brown.
- Serve warm with your favorite toppings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 French toast sticks (approximately 70g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
