There’s something magical about biting into a perfectly crispy-on-the-outside, custardy-on-the-inside French toast stick that takes me right back to childhood. I’ve spent years perfecting my recipe, and I’m thrilled to share it with you today. These homemade French toast sticks aren’t just a nostalgic breakfast treat – they’re a versatile, finger-friendly way to elevate your breakfast game whether you’re feeding picky kids or hosting a fancy brunch.
What makes these French toast sticks special is their incredible texture contrast and the fact that they’re so much better than anything you’ll find in the freezer section. Plus, they’re surprisingly simple to make! I’ve tested dozens of variations to bring you this foolproof recipe that delivers consistent results every time.
What Makes French Toast Sticks So Special?
French toast sticks transform the classic breakfast into a convenient, dippable format that both kids and adults adore. Here’s why I think they deserve a special place in your breakfast rotation:
- Perfectly dippable: Their shape makes them ideal for dunking in syrup, fruit compote, or other toppings
- Better texture: The increased surface area creates more crispy edges than traditional French toast
- Portion control: Easier to serve appropriate amounts, especially for little ones
- Make-ahead friendly: They freeze beautifully for quick weekday breakfasts
- Fun factor: There’s something undeniably enjoyable about eating breakfast with your fingers
Essential Ingredients
The secret to exceptional French toast sticks lies in quality ingredients and the right bread choice. Here’s what you’ll need:
Bread Selection
Texas toast or thick-sliced brioche is my go-to choice for this recipe. The thickness is crucial – it gives you that perfect ratio of crispy exterior to custardy interior. While you can use regular sandwich bread in a pinch, the results won’t be nearly as impressive.
| Bread Type | Pros | Cons | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas Toast | Uniform thickness, holds shape well, affordable | Less rich flavor than brioche | Everyday breakfast |
| Brioche | Rich, buttery flavor, beautiful golden color | More expensive, can be too soft if sliced thin | Special occasions, brunch |
| Challah | Eggy flavor complements custard, sturdy texture | Can be harder to find | Weekend breakfast |
| Day-old Baguette | Extra crispy exterior, no waste for stale bread | Can be too crusty for some | Using up leftover bread |
| Cinnamon-Raisin | Built-in flavor, kid-friendly | Sweet raisins may burn during cooking | Kid-friendly breakfasts |
Custard Mixture
For the perfect egg mixture that creates that magical French toast flavor:
- Eggs: Provide structure and richness
- Milk: Adds moisture and creates tenderness
- Heavy cream: The secret ingredient that creates an ultra-luxurious texture
- Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth of flavor
- Cinnamon: The classic French toast spice
- Nutmeg: Just a pinch adds complexity
- Salt: A small amount enhances all the other flavors
Step-by-Step Process
Preparing the Bread
- Select your bread (day-old bread works best as it absorbs the custard without falling apart)
- Remove crusts if desired (optional but creates a more uniform appearance)
- Cut each slice into 3-4 even sticks about 1-inch wide
- Allow bread to sit out for 20-30 minutes to dry slightly if using fresh bread
Creating the Perfect Custard
- Crack eggs into a wide, shallow dish (I prefer a pie plate)
- Add milk, cream, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt
- Whisk together until completely smooth with no egg streaks
- Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes to allow the spices to fully incorporate
The Soaking Technique
The key to perfect French toast sticks is controlling how much custard the bread absorbs. Too little and you’ll have dry centers; too much and they’ll fall apart.
- Quickly dip each bread stick into the custard mixture
- Count to 3-5 seconds per side (less time for fresh bread, more for stale)
- Gently shake off excess custard
- Place on a wire rack while you finish the batch (this prevents sogginess)
Cooking to Perfection
- Heat a large non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat
- Add butter and a small splash of neutral oil (this prevents the butter from burning)
- Once the butter is melted and foaming subsides, add the soaked bread sticks
- Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, rotating to cook all four sides
- Look for a deep golden-brown color and slightly crisp exterior
- Transfer to a wire rack in a warm oven (200°F) to keep warm while cooking remaining batches
Flavor Variations
One of the things I love most about French toast sticks is how versatile they are. Here are some of my favorite variations:
Classic Cinnamon Sugar
Roll the freshly cooked sticks in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar while still hot for a churro-like treat.
Crunchy Cereal Coated
After soaking in custard, roll the bread sticks in crushed cereal (think cornflakes, cinnamon toast crunch, or even crushed granola) before cooking for an irresistible crunch factor.
Stuffed French Toast Sticks
Create a sandwich with cream cheese, nut butter, or chocolate spread between two thin slices before cutting into sticks and dipping in custard. Cook a bit longer at slightly lower heat to ensure the filling warms through.
Savory French Toast Sticks
Omit the sugar and vanilla, then add herbs, grated parmesan, and a pinch of garlic powder to the custard mixture for a savory twist that pairs beautifully with eggs.
Dipping Sauces and Toppings
The joy of French toast sticks is partly in the dipping! Here’s a comprehensive guide to the best dipping options:
| Dipping Sauce | Key Ingredients | Flavor Profile | Best Paired With |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic Maple Syrup | Pure maple syrup, butter | Sweet, rich, classic | Traditional cinnamon French toast sticks |
| Vanilla Yogurt Dip | Greek yogurt, vanilla, honey | Tangy, protein-rich | Fruit-topped French toast sticks |
| Nutella Dip | Nutella, heavy cream | Chocolatey, hazelnut richness | Plain French toast sticks |
| Fruit Compote | Berries, sugar, lemon | Fresh, bright, seasonal | Vanilla or almond French toast sticks |
| Cream Cheese Glaze | Cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla | Tangy, sweet, indulgent | Cinnamon sugar coated sticks |
| Caramel Sauce | Sugar, butter, cream | Deep, rich, buttery | Apple-cinnamon French toast sticks |
| Whipped Butter | Butter, cinnamon, honey | Light, airy, buttery | Any variation |
| Peanut Butter Dip | Peanut butter, honey, cream | Nutty, protein-rich | Banana-stuffed French toast sticks |
| Coconut Cream | Coconut cream, sugar, vanilla | Tropical, rich | Mango or pineapple topped sticks |
| Strawberry Sauce | Fresh strawberries, sugar | Bright, summery | Classic French toast sticks |
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
One of the biggest advantages of French toast sticks is their meal-prep potential. Here’s how to make the most of this:
Refrigerator Storage
- Allow cooked French toast sticks to cool completely
- Store in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers
- Refrigerate for up to 3 days
- Reheat in a toaster oven for 3-4 minutes until crispy and heated through
Freezer Storage
- Place completely cooled sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper
- Freeze until solid (about 2 hours)
- Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container
- Store for up to 3 months
- Reheat from frozen in a 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes or toaster oven until heated through and crispy
Custard Mixture Prep
You can prepare the custard mixture up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Just give it a good whisk before using.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with a foolproof recipe, things can sometimes go wrong. Here’s how to address the most common issues:
Soggy French Toast Sticks
Cause: Too much soaking time or custard too thin Solution: Reduce soaking time to just 2-3 seconds per side, or add an extra egg to thicken the custard
Burning Before Cooking Through
Cause: Heat too high or too much sugar in the custard Solution: Lower heat to medium-low and use a combination of butter and oil in the pan
Falling Apart During Cooking
Cause: Bread too fresh or soaked too long Solution: Use day-old bread or lightly toast fresh bread before soaking; reduce soaking time
Bland Flavor
Cause: Not enough spices or vanilla in the custard Solution: Double the vanilla and cinnamon; add a pinch of cardamom for complexity
Nutritional Information and Dietary Adaptations
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving (3 sticks) | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 320 | – |
| Total Fat | 14g | 18% |
| Saturated Fat | 7g | 35% |
| Cholesterol | 185mg | 62% |
| Sodium | 380mg | 17% |
| Total Carbohydrates | 38g | 14% |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g | 7% |
| Sugars | 8g | – |
| Protein | 10g | 20% |
Dietary Adaptations
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bread such as Canyon Bakehouse or Schar brands
Dairy-Free: Substitute almond milk or oat milk for regular milk and cream; use coconut oil instead of butter for cooking
Egg-Free: Create a mixture using 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed mixed with 6 tablespoons water (let sit for 15 minutes before using) as an egg replacement
Lower Carb: Use low-carb bread such as Thin Slim Foods or homemade almond flour bread
Vegan: Combine the dairy-free and egg-free adaptations above; consider adding a tablespoon of nutritional yeast to the custard for richness
Serving Suggestions
French toast sticks work beautifully as part of a larger breakfast spread. Here are some ideal pairings:
- Fresh fruit salad with mint and honey
- Yogurt parfait with granola and berries
- Crispy bacon or breakfast sausage for a sweet-savory contrast
- Scrambled eggs for a protein boost
- Freshly squeezed orange juice or a fruit smoothie
- Hot chocolate with whipped cream for an extra special treat
- Coffee with frothed milk or cold brew
For a complete brunch spread, I love to set up a French toast stick bar with various toppings and let everyone customize their own plate!
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best bread for French toast sticks? The best bread is thick-cut, slightly stale bread like Texas toast, brioche, or challah. The thickness ensures you get that perfect custardy center, while slightly stale bread absorbs the custard without falling apart.
Can I make these ahead of time? Absolutely! These French toast sticks reheat beautifully. Cook them completely, allow to cool, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Why are my French toast sticks soggy? Soggy French toast sticks usually happen because of too much soaking time or heat that’s too low. Try soaking for just 3-5 seconds per side and cooking at a medium heat until golden brown on all sides.
Can I use whole wheat bread? Yes, but be aware that whole wheat bread tends to be denser and may require less soaking time in the custard. It also tends to have a stronger flavor that may compete with the custard flavors.
How do I get that perfect crispy exterior? The secret to a crispy exterior is a combination of: 1) Not soaking the bread too long, 2) Using a mixture of butter and oil in the pan, and 3) Cooking at medium heat to allow the outside to crisp up before the inside gets too soft.
What can I use instead of heavy cream? If you don’t have heavy cream, you can use all milk, half-and-half, or even a non-dairy alternative like coconut cream. The heavy cream adds richness, but the recipe will still work without it.
Can I add alcohol to the custard mixture? For an adult version, you can certainly add a splash of Baileys, Amaretto, or Grand Marnier to the custard. Just replace about 1-2 tablespoons of the milk with your spirit of choice.
Are French toast sticks healthy? Traditional French toast sticks are a treat rather than a health food, but you can make healthier versions by using whole grain bread, reducing the sugar, and using lower-fat milk instead of cream. The protein from eggs does provide some nutritional value.
Can I use an air fryer to cook French toast sticks? Yes! Air fryer French toast sticks turn out wonderfully crispy. Preheat your air fryer to 370°F, lightly spray the basket, and cook for about 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Why did my French toast sticks burn? French toast sticks typically burn when the heat is too high or when there’s too much sugar in the custard mixture. Try reducing your heat to medium-low and make sure you’re using a combination of butter and oil to prevent burning.
The Ultimate French Toast Sticks Recipe
Now that I’ve shared all my tips and tricks, here’s my complete recipe that brings everything together:
Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 8 slices thick-cut Texas toast or brioche (slightly stale works best)
- 4 large eggs
- 2/3 cup whole milk
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons butter, for cooking
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil (like canola or vegetable)
For Cinnamon Sugar Coating (Optional)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Cut each slice of bread into 3-4 sticks about 1-inch wide (remove crusts if desired for a more uniform appearance)
- If using fresh bread, allow it to sit out for 20-30 minutes to dry slightly
- In a wide, shallow dish, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until completely smooth
- Heat a large non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat
- Add 1 tablespoon of butter and a teaspoon of oil to the pan
- Quickly dip each bread stick into the custard mixture, allowing it to soak for 3-5 seconds per side
- Let excess custard drip off, then place in the heated skillet
- Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, rotating to cook all four sides until golden brown and slightly crisp
- If making cinnamon sugar version, mix sugar and cinnamon in a shallow dish, and roll hot French toast sticks in the mixture immediately after cooking
- Transfer cooked sticks to a wire rack placed over a baking sheet in a 200°F oven to keep warm while cooking remaining batches
- Add more butter and oil to the pan as needed between batches
- Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces
I hope this comprehensive guide helps you create the most delicious French toast sticks you’ve ever tasted! They’ve become a staple in my home, and I’m confident they’ll become a favorite in yours too. Whether you’re making them for a special weekend breakfast, meal prepping for busy mornings, or creating a showstopping brunch spread, these versatile treats are sure to impress.
