Homemade French Toast Sticks

Alright, these homemade French toast sticks? They’re golden, crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and perfect for dipping. Think classic French toast—but way more fun to eat.

I made them one morning when I wanted something easy the kids could grab and dunk. Cut up some thick bread, dipped it in a cinnamon-vanilla egg mix, and pan-fried them ‘til golden. They smelled like a cozy bakery and tasted even better.

They’re great for breakfast, brunch, or even a snack. You can freeze ’em, reheat ’em, and dip ’em in syrup, jam, or whatever you love. Let’s fry up a batch—these never last long on the plate.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Great for Kids and Adults: These sticks are fun to eat by hand and taste like a cross between pancakes and cinnamon toast.
• Quick and Simple: Made in under 30 minutes with ingredients you likely already have at home.
• Freezer-Friendly: Make a big batch, freeze them, then reheat straight from frozen for a fast breakfast.
• Customizable: Change up the bread, spices, or toppings to match what you like best.
• Saves Money: Skip store-bought frozen sticks and make a fresher version with better taste and texture.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes (includes slicing bread and mixing custard)
• Cook Time: 12–15 minutes (in batches depending on pan size)
• Total Time: Around 25 minutes start to finish

Servings:

This recipe makes about 24 sticks, enough to feed 4 to 6 people when served with fruit, eggs, or yogurt. If you want leftovers for freezing, consider doubling the batch.

Difficulty:

This recipe is easy and beginner-friendly. If you can dip bread in a bowl and use a skillet, you can make these. Kids can help whisk the custard or coat the cooked sticks in cinnamon sugar.

Required Kitchen Tools

Here’s what you’ll need to make the process smooth and mess-free:

• Bread Knife: For cutting the slices into even sticks without tearing.
• Mixing Bowls: One medium bowl for the custard and another small one if coating in cinnamon sugar.
• Whisk or Fork: To beat the eggs and mix the custard evenly.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accuracy with sugar, milk, syrup, and spices.
• Nonstick Skillet or Griddle: A wide surface helps cook more sticks at once.
• Spatula or Tongs: For flipping the sticks gently without breaking them.
• Cooling Rack or Paper Towels: To drain the sticks slightly and keep them crisp before serving.

Ingredients for the French Toast Sticks

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the ingredients and why each one matters:

• White Sandwich Bread (6 slices): Choose soft, thick bread like Texas toast. Day-old bread works better than fresh because it holds its shape after soaking.
• Large Eggs (2): The eggs form the base of the custard and help bind the coating to the bread.
• Milk (¼ cup): Whole milk adds creaminess. You can substitute with oat, almond, or 2% milk as needed.
• Powdered Sugar (½ cup): Dissolves easily into the custard, giving a smooth texture and slight sweetness.
• Maple Syrup (2 tablespoons): Brings rich, caramel-like flavor to the custard. Use pure maple syrup if possible.
• Ground Cinnamon (¼ teaspoon): Adds warm spice and makes the sticks taste like cinnamon toast.
• Butter or Nonstick Spray (for cooking): Prevents sticking and adds a golden finish when frying.
• Granulated Sugar + Ground Cinnamon (Optional Coating): A mix of sugar and cinnamon gives the finished sticks a sweet crunch, similar to churros.

Variations for French Toast Sticks

• Use Different Bread: Thick-cut brioche, challah, or even cinnamon swirl bread makes a richer, bakery-style version.
• Make It Dairy-Free: Swap whole milk with almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk. Use oil or plant-based butter for greasing the pan.
• Add Vanilla or Nutmeg: A splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of nutmeg in the custard adds extra warmth and aroma.
• Go Savory: Omit the sugar and cinnamon, add a bit of salt and grated cheese to the custard, and serve with ketchup or a dipping sauce.
• Stuffed Version: Spread a thin layer of cream cheese or Nutella between two slices of bread before cutting into sticks and dipping.

How to Make French Toast Sticks Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Slice the Bread

Using a sharp bread knife, cut each slice of bread into 3 even sticks. If the crust is too firm, trim it off. Avoid tearing the bread—use slow, steady pressure.

Step 2: Make the Custard

In a medium bowl, whisk together:

• 2 large eggs
• ¼ cup milk
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Whisk until smooth and no streaks of egg remain. The custard should be creamy and slightly thick.

Step 3: Dip the Bread Sticks

Dip a few bread sticks into the custard mixture at a time. Let them soak for about 5–10 seconds, turning once to coat all sides, but don’t leave them in too long or they’ll fall apart.

Step 4: Cook the Sticks

Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Lightly grease with butter or nonstick spray.

Add soaked sticks in a single layer. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, turning with tongs or a spatula, until golden brown and slightly crisp on all sides.

You may need to cook in batches, depending on your pan size. Add more butter or spray between batches as needed.

Step 5: Optional Cinnamon Sugar Coating

While the sticks are still warm, toss them gently in a shallow bowl containing:

• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon

This step is optional but adds a satisfying, sweet crunch.

How to Serve French Toast Sticks

Serve them warm with your choice of toppings or dips. Here are a few ideas:

• With Maple Syrup: The classic—pour into a small cup for dipping.
• Topped with Fresh Fruit: Sliced strawberries, bananas, or blueberries work well.
• Dusted with Powdered Sugar: A light sprinkle adds a touch of elegance.
• With Whipped Cream or Yogurt: For added richness or a bit of tang.
• Peanut Butter or Nutella Dip: For a more indulgent treat.

These sticks are also great in lunchboxes or as part of a brunch board with eggs, fruit, and sausage links.

Storing French Toast Sticks

Refrigerate:

Place cooled sticks in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or toaster oven to crisp them up.

Freeze:

Lay cooked, cooled sticks in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheat:

• Microwave (Quick): 20–30 seconds per stick.
• Toaster Oven (Best Texture): Bake at 375°F for 5–6 minutes or until heated through and crisp.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Use Day-Old Bread: Slightly stale bread holds its shape better and soaks up custard evenly.
• Don’t Over-Soak: Let the sticks sit briefly in the custard—just enough to coat without becoming soggy.
• Cook in Batches: Don’t crowd the pan. Leave space so the sticks cook evenly and develop color.
• Keep Warm in Oven: If serving a crowd, place cooked sticks on a baking sheet in a 200°F oven to keep them warm while finishing the batch.

Nutrition

Nutrient	Per Serving (4 sticks)
Calories	215
Total Fat	9g
Saturated Fat	3.5g
Carbohydrates	27g
Sugar	11g
Protein	6g
Fiber	1g
Sodium	170mg

Nutrition values are approximate and based on plain sticks without sugar coating or syrup.

French Toast Sticks FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes. Cook, cool, and refrigerate or freeze. Reheat before serving.

What’s the best bread to use?
Thick-sliced white bread, brioche, or Texas toast are all great choices.

Can I use non-dairy milk?
Yes—oat, almond, soy, or coconut milk all work well in the custard.

How do I keep them crisp?
Don’t overcrowd the pan, and cook over medium heat to prevent sogginess.

Conclusion

These Homemade French Toast Sticks bring together everything you want in a breakfast—comfort, ease, and a touch of sweetness. They’re freezer-friendly, quick to reheat, and easy for little hands to hold. Whether you make them on a weekend morning or prep them ahead for the week, they’re a go-to recipe you’ll keep coming back to.