If you’re craving a breakfast that’s both fun to eat and deliciously comforting, look no further than this Baked French Toast Sticks Recipe. It takes all the joy of traditional French toast and transforms it into perfectly crispy, golden sticks that are easy to dip, share, and savor. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, these sticks offer a fantastic blend of cinnamon, vanilla, and creamy custard flavors baked to perfection, making every bite feel like a little celebration of morning joy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet essential for achieving that perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color in your Baked French Toast Sticks Recipe. Each component plays a starring role, from the rich eggs to the warm cinnamon, ensuring your sticks come out irresistibly golden and tasty.
- Thick-cut bread, 6 slices: Best sliced into sticks and slightly stale to hold up well without getting soggy.
- Large eggs, 3: The key to that rich custard base that helps the bread soak up all the goodness.
- Milk, 1/2 cup: Adds creaminess while keeping the mixture light.
- Heavy cream, 1/4 cup: Elevates the custard to extra luxurious levels of richness.
- Granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons: Brings just the right touch of sweetness, balancing the spices perfectly.
- Vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon: Infuses a warm, fragrant note that complements the cinnamon beautifully.
- Ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon: Spices things up with its classic comforting flavor.
- Salt, 1/4 teaspoon: Enhances all the flavors and keeps the sweetness in check.
- Cooking spray: Ensures your baked sticks won’t stick and helps achieve a golden crust.
- Powdered sugar (optional): For an elegant dusting finish that adds a subtle sweetness and visual appeal.
- Maple syrup (optional): Perfect for dipping, adding that classic breakfast sweetness.
How to Make Baked French Toast Sticks Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Dish
Start by getting your oven ready at 425 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly spray your 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. This simple prep step ensures your French toast sticks won’t stick and will crisp up evenly as they bake.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Custard
In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until everything is completely smooth. This mixture is the heart of the recipe, soaking into the bread sticks and giving them that rich, flavorful coating.
Step 3: Dip and Arrange the Bread Sticks
Take each bread stick and dip it into the custard mixture, turning it to coat all sides thoroughly. Place each coated stick in a single layer in your prepared baking dish. Once all the sticks are nestled nicely, pour any leftover custard evenly over them to ensure they soak up every bit of flavor.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Delicious
Bake for about 15 to 20 minutes, flipping the sticks halfway through baking. This step is key to getting both sides beautifully golden brown and cooked through with a satisfyingly crisp exterior and soft interior.
Step 5: Cool Slightly and Get Ready to Serve
Once they are out of the oven, give your Baked French Toast Sticks a few minutes to cool just enough so they hold their shape but are still warm and perfect for dipping.
How to Serve Baked French Toast Sticks Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar adds an inviting, sweet finish and looks gorgeous sprinkled over these toast sticks. You can also sprinkle a bit more cinnamon sugar before baking if you want to boost that cinnamon aroma and flavor.
Side Dishes
Pair these sticks with fresh fruit like berries or banana slices to bring a refreshing contrast, or add a side of crisp bacon or sausage to satisfy savory cravings alongside the sweet. A dollop of Greek yogurt or a small bowl of fresh fruit compote can also elevate the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your baked French toast sticks in a jar or a wooden board for a rustic, shareable breakfast platter. Kids love dipping, so offer a trio of dipping sauces like maple syrup, honey, and a small pot of melted chocolate or peanut butter for a fun twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Baked French Toast Sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They keep their flavor well and make quick breakfasts or snacks when you’re short on time.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the sticks in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months, giving you a handy breakfast option whenever you need it.
Reheating
Reheat frozen or refrigerated sticks in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5 to 10 minutes to restore their crispy exterior and warm, tender inside. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that delightful crispiness.
FAQs
Can I use regular bread instead of thick-cut bread for the Baked French Toast Sticks Recipe?
While you can use thinner bread slices, thick-cut bread works best as it holds the custard well without becoming too soggy. Thinner bread might fall apart or bake up drier, so if you have thick-cut bread, it’s definitely the way to go.
What type of bread is best for making this recipe?
Day-old or slightly stale bread is ideal because it soaks up the custard without turning mushy. Brioche, challah, or any rustic loaf with a sturdy texture will give you fantastic results and extra flavor.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the milk and heavy cream with your favorite plant-based milk like almond or oat milk and use a nondairy heavy cream alternative. Keep in mind that texture may vary slightly, but it will still be delicious.
Is it possible to add extra flavors or spices?
Absolutely! Adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the custard mixture can add warmth and depth. You can also sprinkle a cinnamon sugar topping before baking for extra sweet crunch.
How do I keep the sticks from getting soggy after baking?
Make sure to flip the sticks halfway through baking for even crispness. Also, letting them cool slightly on a wire rack helps air circulate, keeping the outsides crisp rather than soggy.
Final Thoughts
This Baked French Toast Sticks Recipe is one of my all-time favorite twists on a beloved classic. It’s simple to make but feels special enough to brighten any morning. Give it a try for your next breakfast or brunch and watch how quickly these sticks disappear — I promise they’ll become a treasured staple in your kitchen as they have in mine!
Print
Baked French Toast Sticks Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Baked French Toast Sticks are a delicious and easy breakfast treat perfect for kids and adults alike. Made with thick-cut bread dipped in a fragrant custard of eggs, milk, cream, and warm spices, then baked until golden and crispy, they offer a mess-free alternative to traditional French toast. Serve them warm with maple syrup and a dusting of powdered sugar for a delightful morning meal.
Ingredients
French Toast Sticks
- 6 slices thick-cut bread, cut into sticks
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Cooking spray
For Serving (Optional)
- Powdered sugar
- Maple syrup
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Mix Custard: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Dip Bread Sticks: Dip each bread stick into the egg mixture, turning to coat all sides thoroughly, then place them in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.
- Pour Remaining Mixture: Pour any leftover egg mixture evenly over the bread sticks to ensure maximum flavor absorption.
- Bake and Flip: Bake the sticks for 15 to 20 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time to achieve an even golden brown and ensure they are cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the baking dish from the oven and let the French toast sticks cool slightly before serving. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar and serve with warm maple syrup.
Notes
- Day-old or slightly stale bread is best to prevent the sticks from becoming soggy.
- For extra flavor, sprinkle additional cinnamon sugar on top before baking.
- These French toast sticks can be made ahead and reheated in the oven or toaster for convenience.
