French Toast Sticks Recipe

Bread: Thick slices work best for this recipe, as they hold up well when dipped in the egg mixture and cooked.

Eggs: These help to create the custard-like coating for the bread sticks.

Milk: Adds richness and helps to thin out the egg mixture.

Vanilla extract: Provides a sweet, aromatic flavor that enhances the overall taste.

Cinnamon: Adds a warm, spicy note that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the French toast.

Butter: Used for cooking the French toast sticks, giving them a golden, crispy exterior.

When preparing French toast sticks, ensure that the bread you use is slightly stale. This helps the bread absorb the egg mixture without becoming too soggy. Additionally, when whisking the eggs and milk together, make sure the mixture is smooth and well-combined to ensure even coating. Using a non-stick skillet can also help achieve a perfect golden brown crust without sticking.

• bread - Substitute with brioche: Brioche is rich and slightly sweet, making it an excellent choice for French toast sticks.

• bread - Substitute with challah: Challah has a similar texture to brioche and absorbs the egg mixture well.

• eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water for each egg. This is a good vegan alternative.

• milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk is a dairy-free option that works well in the recipe.

• milk - Substitute with coconut milk: Coconut milk adds a subtle tropical flavor and is also dairy-free.

• vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract provides a different but pleasant flavor profile.

• vanilla extract - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup adds sweetness and a rich flavor.

• cinnamon - Substitute with nutmeg: Nutmeg offers a warm, slightly sweet flavor that complements the dish.

• cinnamon - Substitute with pumpkin pie spice: This spice blend includes cinnamon and adds extra depth of flavor.

• butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil is a dairy-free option that works well for cooking.

• butter - Substitute with margarine: Margarine is a plant-based alternative to butter.

• Allow the French toast sticks to cool completely on a wire rack to prevent them from becoming soggy.
• Once cooled, place the French toast sticks in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Freeze the French toast sticks on the baking sheet for about 1-2 hours, or until they are solid. This prevents them from sticking together.
• Transfer the frozen French toast sticks to a resealable plastic freezer bag or an airtight container. Label the bag or container with the date.
• When ready to enjoy, reheat the French toast sticks directly from the freezer. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and place the sticks on a baking sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
• Alternatively, you can reheat the French toast sticks in a toaster oven or air fryer for a few minutes until they are warm and crispy.
• For a quicker option, microwave the French toast sticks on a microwave-safe plate for about 1-2 minutes, though they may not be as crispy as oven-reheated ones.
• Serve the reheated French toast sticks with your favorite toppings, such as maple syrup, fresh berries, or a dusting of powdered sugar.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the French toast sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  3. Bake for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are heated through and crispy.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the French toast sticks on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent them from drying out.
  3. Microwave on high for 30-60 seconds, checking halfway to ensure they are heated evenly.

• Skillet Method:

  1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a small amount of butter or oil to the skillet.
  3. Place the French toast sticks in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until they are heated through and crispy.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the French toast sticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
  3. Air fry for 3-5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until they are heated through and crispy.

• Knife: To cut each slice of bread into sticks.

• Cutting board: To provide a safe surface for cutting the bread.

• Mixing bowl: To whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon.

• Whisk: To mix the egg mixture thoroughly.

• Skillet: To cook the French toast sticks.

• Spatula: To flip the bread sticks and ensure they cook evenly on all sides.

• Measuring cups: To measure the milk.

• Measuring spoons: To measure the vanilla extract and cinnamon.

• Plate: To serve the French toast sticks once they are cooked.

• Butter knife: To spread the butter in the skillet.

Prepare ingredients in advance: Measure and mix the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon the night before to save time in the morning.

Use a large skillet: Cooking more French toast sticks at once will reduce overall cooking time.

Preheat the skillet: Ensure the butter melts quickly and evenly by preheating the skillet before adding the bread sticks.

Opt for thick bread: Using thick slices of bread helps them hold up better during cooking, reducing the risk of breaking and saving time on repairs.