French toast sticks are a fun and delicious twist on the classic French toast. Perfect for breakfast or brunch, these crispy, golden sticks are easy to make and even easier to eat! Whether you’re serving them to your family on a lazy weekend morning or preparing a quick breakfast for busy weekdays, French toast sticks offer a delightful combination of textures and flavors. The crispy exterior and soft, custardy interior are sure to please both kids and adults alike. Plus, they can be customized with your favorite toppings and served with a variety of dips, making them a versatile and crowd-pleasing option.
Ingredients for Perfectly Easy French Toast Sticks
- 6 slices of thick bread (such as Texas toast, challah, or brioche)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
- Maple syrup or fruit preserves for dipping (optional)
How to Make Perfectly Easy French Toast Sticks
Step 1: Prepare the Bread
- Cut the Bread: Start by cutting the bread into sticks. For each slice of bread, cut it into 3 to 4 equal strips, depending on how thick or thin you want your French toast sticks.
- Preheat the Pan: Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. You want it to be hot enough to create a golden-brown crust on the French toast sticks, but not so hot that they burn quickly.
Step 2: Prepare the Custard Mixture
- Mix the Eggs: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs until well beaten.
- Add Dairy: Add the whole milk and heavy cream to the eggs, whisking until combined.
- Sweeten and Season: Stir in the granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. Mix until the sugar is dissolved and the spices are evenly distributed.
Step 3: Dip the Bread Sticks
- Soak the Bread: Dip each bread stick into the custard mixture, making sure to coat all sides. Allow the bread to soak for about 10-15 seconds, ensuring it absorbs the custard but doesn’t become overly soggy.
- Remove Excess Custard: Gently shake off any excess custard before cooking.
Step 4: Cook the French Toast Sticks
- Melt the Butter: Add 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter to the preheated skillet or griddle. Allow it to melt and start to bubble.
- Cook the Sticks: Place the soaked bread sticks in the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. You may need to work in batches depending on the size of your pan.
- Add More Butter: If necessary, add more butter to the skillet between batches to prevent sticking and ensure even browning.
Step 5: Serve
- Dust with Powdered Sugar: Once all the French toast sticks are cooked, you can dust them with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
- Serve with Dips: Serve the French toast sticks warm with maple syrup, fruit preserves, or any of your favorite dipping sauces.
About the Main Ingredients
Bread
Thick slices of bread such as Texas toast, challah, or brioche work best for French toast sticks. These types of bread are dense and absorb the custard mixture well without falling apart. They also create a satisfying contrast between the crispy exterior and soft, custardy interior. You can use day-old bread for this recipe, as it tends to soak up the custard mixture better than fresh bread.
Eggs
Eggs are a key component in the custard mixture, providing richness and binding the ingredients together. They help create the creamy texture inside the French toast sticks and contribute to the overall flavor.
Milk and Heavy Cream
Whole milk and heavy cream create a rich and creamy custard mixture. The combination of both gives the French toast sticks a tender, custardy texture while also enhancing the flavor.
Granulated Sugar
Granulated sugar sweetens the custard mixture and adds a subtle sweetness to the French toast sticks. It helps caramelize the exterior of the sticks, giving them a golden-brown crust.
Vanilla Extract
Vanilla extract adds a warm, aromatic flavor to the custard mixture. It complements the spices and enhances the overall taste of the French toast sticks.
Ground Cinnamon and Nutmeg
Ground cinnamon and nutmeg are classic spices used in French toast recipes. They add warmth and depth of flavor to the custard mixture, making the French toast sticks more aromatic and flavorful.
Unsalted Butter
Unsalted butter is used to cook the French toast sticks, creating a crispy and golden-brown exterior. It also adds a rich, buttery flavor that enhances the overall taste.
Perfectly easy French toast sticks are a delightful and versatile breakfast or brunch option. With their crispy exterior and soft, custardy interior, they offer a fun twist on traditional French toast. This recipe is simple to follow and can be customized with your favorite toppings and dips. Whether you’re serving them for a special occasion or a quick weekday breakfast, French toast sticks are sure to be a hit with everyone at the table. Enjoy experimenting with different variations and toppings to make this recipe your own!
