French Toast Sticks Recipe

Bread: Preferably thick-cut to hold up well during cooking.

Eggs: Acts as a binding agent and adds richness.

Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a custard-like coating.

Vanilla extract: Adds a sweet, aromatic flavor.

Ground cinnamon: Provides a warm, spicy note.

Butter: Used for cooking to achieve a golden brown crust.

When preparing French toast sticks, ensure that the bread is slightly stale or day-old. This helps the bread absorb the egg mixture without becoming too soggy. If using fresh bread, you can lightly toast it before cutting into sticks.

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

• thick-cut bread - Substitute with challah: Challah has a similar texture and richness, perfect for soaking up the egg mixture.

• eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: Mix 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoon water per egg. This is a great vegan alternative that helps bind the ingredients.

• milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk is a dairy-free option that still provides a creamy texture.

• milk - Substitute with oat milk: Oat milk is another dairy-free option that adds a slightly sweet flavor.

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

• ground cinnamon - Substitute with pumpkin pie spice: This spice blend adds a warm, autumnal flavor.

• butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil is a dairy-free option that adds a subtle coconut flavor.

• butter - Substitute with margarine: Margarine is a plant-based alternative that works well for cooking.

• Allow the French toast sticks to cool completely on a wire rack to prevent them from becoming soggy.
• Once cooled, arrange the French toast sticks in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Place the baking sheet in the freezer for about 1-2 hours, or until the French toast sticks are frozen solid.
• Transfer the frozen French toast sticks to a resealable plastic freezer bag or an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Label the bag or container with the date to keep track of freshness.
• When ready to enjoy, reheat the French toast sticks directly from the freezer. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
• Alternatively, you can reheat them in a toaster oven or on a skillet over medium heat until warmed and golden brown.
• Serve with your favorite toppings like 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 about 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are heated through and crispy.

• Toaster Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Arrange the French toast sticks on the toaster oven tray.
  3. Heat for 5-7 minutes, turning once, until warm and slightly crispy.

• Microwave Method:

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

• Skillet Method:

  1. Heat a small amount of butter or oil in a skillet over medium heat.
  2. Place the French toast sticks in the skillet.
  3. Cook for 1-2 minutes on each side until they are warmed through and slightly crispy.

• Air Fryer Method:

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

• Knife: To cut each slice of bread into 3 sticks.

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

• Whisk: To mix the egg mixture thoroughly.

• Skillet: To cook the French toast sticks.

• Spatula: To flip the bread sticks in the skillet ensuring even cooking.

• Measuring cups: To measure the milk.

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

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

• Serving dish: Optional, for presenting the French toast sticks with syrup or other toppings.

Pre-cut the bread: Slice the bread into sticks the night before and store them in an airtight container.

Mix the batter in advance: Whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon the night before and refrigerate.

Use a large skillet: Cook more French toast sticks at once by using a larger skillet.

Preheat the skillet: Heat the butter in the skillet while you dip the bread sticks to save time.