Marry Thompson This French Toast Sticks recipe is a crispy and easy recipe, which uses thick-cut brioche bread and a sweet cinnamon-sugar coating. It’s the perfect weekend breakfast, a fun and dippable treat that’s baked in the oven for easy cleanup.
Jump to RecipeFrench Toast Sticks Ingredients
A classic combination for a fun, dippable, and impressive breakfast.
- 8 (1-inch thick) slices of brioche bread
- 3/4 cup, plus 2 tbsp. granulated sugar
- 2 tsp. ground cinnamon
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup half-and-half
- 2 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1 tsp. orange zest
- 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp. ground cardamom
- 3 Tbsp. unsalted butter
- Maple syrup and mixed berries, for serving
How To Make French Toast Sticks
A step-by-step guide to these wonderfully crispy and easy baked sticks.
- Prep Oven and Bread: Preheat the oven to 425°F. Cut each slice of bread into 4 one-inch wide sticks. In a medium bowl, stir together 3/4 cup of the sugar and 1 1/2 teaspoons of the cinnamon; set this coating mixture aside.
- Make Custard and Coat Sticks: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, half-and-half, vanilla, orange zest, salt, cardamom, the remaining 2 tablespoons of sugar, and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon. Working one stick at a time, dip the bread into the egg mixture to coat all sides, then transfer it to the cinnamon-sugar bowl and toss to coat completely. Place the coated sticks on a large sheet of aluminum foil.
- First Bake: Place a large, rimmed baking sheet in the hot oven to preheat for 5 minutes. Carefully remove the hot pan, add 1 tablespoon of the butter, and swirl to melt it evenly. Arrange the bread sticks in a single layer on the hot, buttered pan. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the bottoms are golden brown and caramelized.
- Flip and Finish Baking: Remove the pan from the oven and flip the French toast sticks over. Sprinkle the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, cut into small cubes, around the bread. Return the pan to the oven and continue baking for another 4 to 6 minutes, until the other side is golden brown and crisp.
- Serve: Serve the French toast sticks immediately with maple syrup for dipping and a side of fresh mixed berries.
Recipe Tips
For the crispiest, most flavorful baked French toast sticks.
- How to get the crispiest sticks? The secret is the hot, preheated baking sheet. Placing the sticks onto a sizzling, buttered pan gives them an initial sear that helps create a wonderfully crispy, caramelized exterior, similar to pan-frying but with less mess.
- What’s the best bread to use? Thick-cut, sturdy bread is essential. The recipe’s suggestion of brioche is perfect for a rich, custardy result. Challah or a thick-cut Texas toast would also be fantastic. Using bread that is a day or two old is even better, as it will soak up the custard without getting soggy.
- Can I make these ahead of time? Yes! These are perfect for meal prep. Let the baked French toast sticks cool completely, then freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can be reheated directly from frozen in a toaster, an air fryer, or a hot oven.
- Can I pan-fry these instead of baking? Absolutely. After coating the sticks in the cinnamon-sugar, simply cook them in a hot, buttered skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
What To Serve With French Toast Sticks
Classic accompaniments that make for a perfect breakfast or brunch.
These fun, dippable sticks are a hit with kids and adults alike. Serve them with:
- A small bowl of warm maple syrup for dipping
- A side of fresh mixed berries or sliced bananas
- A dollop of sweetened whipped cream
- A dusting of powdered sugar
- A side of crispy bacon or breakfast sausage
How To Store French Toast Sticks
Keeping your delicious breakfast treats fresh.
- Refrigerate: Store any leftover sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: This is the best way to store them. Let them cool completely, then freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. They will keep for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: The best way to reheat these and restore their crispiness is in a toaster, a toaster oven, or an air fryer at 375°F for a few minutes.
French Toast Sticks Nutrition Facts
An estimated guide per serving.
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 65 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Fat: 15 g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
This usually happens if the bread was too fresh and soft, or if the sticks were soaked in the egg mixture for too long. A quick dip to coat them is all that’s needed.
It’s optional, but highly recommended! Cardamom is a warm, aromatic spice that has a slightly citrusy, floral note. It’s a secret ingredient in many baked goods and adds a wonderful, sophisticated flavor that pairs beautifully with the cinnamon and orange zest.
Yes. To make these gluten-free, simply use a thick-cut, sturdy gluten-free white bread or brioche.
Try More Recipes:
- Mini Turtle Cheesecakes Recipe
- Bacon-Wrapped Water Chestnuts Recipe
- Salted Caramel Bundt Cake Recipe
French Toast Sticks Recipe
Course: BreakfastCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy6
servings20
minutes18
minutes420
kcalAn easy and delicious recipe for baked French Toast Sticks that are crispy and caramelized on the outside, soft and custardy on the inside, and coated in a classic cinnamon-sugar crust.
Ingredients
8 (1-inch thick) slices of brioche bread
3/4 cup + 2 tbsp granulated sugar
2 tsp ground cinnamon
3 large eggs
1 cup half-and-half
1 tsp orange zest
3 Tbsp. unsalted butter
Vanilla, salt, cardamom
Directions
- Preheat oven to 425°F. Cut each bread slice into 4 sticks.
- In a bowl, mix 3/4 cup sugar and 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, half-and-half, vanilla, zest, salt, cardamom, and the remaining sugar and cinnamon to make the custard.
- Dip each bread stick in the custard, then roll it in the cinnamon-sugar to coat. Place on a sheet of foil.
- Preheat a large, rimmed baking sheet in the oven for 5 minutes. Melt 1 tbsp of butter on the hot pan.
- Arrange the coated sticks in a single layer and bake for 10-12 minutes until the bottoms are golden.
- Flip the sticks, dot with the remaining 2 tbsp of butter, and bake for another 4-6 minutes until crisp on both sides.
- Serve immediately with maple syrup and fresh berries.
Notes
- Preheating the buttered baking sheet is the secret to a crispy, caramelized exterior without frying.
- Using slightly stale, thick-cut bread like brioche or challah will give you the best custardy texture.