There's something incredibly comforting about these golden, crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside breakfast treats. My Homemade French Toast Sticks Recipe is my go-to for a weekend brunch that feels both nostalgic and a little special—perfect for sharing or sneaking a few sticks on your own!
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I honestly never thought something as simple as French toast sticks could bring such joy at the breakfast table. What makes this Homemade French Toast Sticks Recipe stand out for me is how easy it is to make, how perfectly the cinnamon sugar sticks to the crispy exterior, and how everyone in my family, from kids to adults, always asks for seconds.
- Simple Ingredients: You probably already have everything needed for this recipe right in your kitchen, which makes it incredibly accessible.
- Perfect Texture: The crispy cinnamon sugar crust combined with the soft inside creates a mouthwatering contrast you’ll adore.
- Quick to Make: These come together in under 20 minutes, making them ideal for busy mornings or when you want a special treat fast.
- Kid-Friendly & Fun: Cutting the bread into sticks makes them super easy to eat without mess, which my kids absolutely love.
Ingredients & Why They Work
This recipe has one of the best combos of ingredients for French toast sticks: rich eggs mixed with creamy half-and-half, fragrant vanilla, and a sprinkle of sugar and salt to balance everything. Plus, the cinnamon sugar coating adds that nostalgic sweet kick.
- Texas toast or French bread: Thick slices hold together nicely when cut into sticks without falling apart.
- Eggs: They give structure and moisture, helping create that tender interior we love.
- Half and half: Adds richness without being as heavy as cream—perfect for a fluffy, custardy soak.
- Sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to the egg mixture and the coating.
- Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the flavor, elevating the simple ingredients.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- Butter: For cooking—you want that delicious golden crust, and butter helps achieve it.
- Cinnamon: Mixed with sugar for the coating, it adds that classic, cozy spice.
- Maple syrup (optional): For drizzling, though honestly the cinnamon sugar coating makes these sweet enough on their own.
Make It Your Way
I love how versatile Homemade French Toast Sticks Recipe is. Over the years, I’ve played around with toppings and spices—sometimes adding nutmeg to the egg mix or swapping half and half for oat milk for a dairy-free version. Feel free to make this your own!
- Variation: One time, I added a dash of pumpkin pie spice during fall, and it turned my regular French toast sticks into a seasonal delight—that was a big hit at home!
Step-by-Step: How I Make Homemade French Toast Sticks Recipe
Step 1: Cut Your Bread into Sticks
Start by cutting each thick slice of Texas toast or French bread into four sticks. The thickness is key here—too thin, and they fall apart; too thick and they won’t cook through evenly. Set these aside while you prepare your batter.
Step 2: Whisk the Egg Mixture
In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, half and half, sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. This is your custard soak. Make sure it’s well combined, with the sugar mostly dissolved—that helps give an even sweetness throughout.
Step 3: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
In a separate bowl, mix together the sugar and cinnamon. This will be your crunchy coating once the sticks come off the skillet, so set it aside close by.
Step 4: Cook the French Toast Sticks
Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt about half a tablespoon of butter until it coats the pan. Dunk each toast stick into the egg mixture—let any excess drip off—then carefully lay them flat on the skillet. I usually fit 6-8 sticks at once but make sure to leave space so they cook evenly.
Cook for about 1-2 minutes per side, until golden brown but not burnt. Timing can vary a bit depending on your stove, so keep an eye on them. Don’t rush flipping; let the crust form so they hold together better.
Step 5: Coat in Cinnamon Sugar and Serve
Once cooked, immediately toss the hot French toast sticks in the cinnamon sugar mixture, rolling them around until every side is covered in that irresistible coating. Lay them out on a serving tray, and repeat until all your bread sticks are cooked.
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