If you’ve ever wished for a fuss-free, crowd-pleasing breakfast that combines the comfort of French toast with a fun, easy-to-eat shape, this Baked French Toast Sticks Recipe is going to become one of your new favorites. These golden sticks are perfectly crisp on the outside, soft and custardy on the inside, and baked to perfection with just the right balance of cinnamon and vanilla. Whether you’re serving a busy family morning or looking to impress brunch guests, this recipe offers simplicity and deliciousness all in one tray.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things refreshingly simple, with ingredients you likely already have on hand. Each component plays a special role—from the thick Texas toast that ensures a hearty texture to the cinnamon and vanilla that create that classic French toast warmth.
- Texas toast or thick-cut bread: Thick slices hold up well when baked, giving you perfectly shaped sticks with a tender bite.
- Large eggs: The eggs create a rich, custard-like coating that makes each stick soft and flavorful inside.
- Whole milk: Adds creaminess and moisture, essential for that melt-in-your-mouth quality.
- Granulated sugar: Just enough sweetness to complement the spices without overpowering the dish.
- Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the custard mixture, elevating the flavor beautifully.
- Ground cinnamon: The hallmark spice that gives these sticks their unmistakable French toast aroma.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
- Melted butter: Brushed on top for a bit of golden crispness and rich taste.
- Cooking spray: Prevents sticking and helps achieve an even bake on the parchment-lined sheet.
- Maple syrup and powdered sugar (optional): Perfect final touches for serving, adding that sweet finishing note everyone loves.
How to Make Baked French Toast Sticks Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, then lightly coat it with cooking spray. This setup keeps your sticks from sticking and ensures easy cleanup while baking.
Step 2: Slice the Bread Into Sticks
Take your loaf of Texas toast and cut each slice into three equal strips. These sticks are the perfect size for dipping and make a fun, portable way to enjoy French toast.
Step 3: Whisk Together the Custard Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs, whole milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until everything is fully combined. This blend is the flavorful bath that transforms plain bread into delicious French toast sticks.
Step 4: Dip and Arrange
Dip each bread stick into the custard mixture, allowing excess to drip off before placing it on the prepared baking sheet. Take your time here to coat each stick thoroughly without over-saturating it, which helps them bake up just right.
Step 5: Brush with Butter and Bake
Brush melted butter over the tops of all the sticks to give them that irresistible golden crust. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, flipping the sticks halfway through. Bake until they turn golden brown and get a slightly crisp exterior but stay soft inside.
How to Serve Baked French Toast Sticks Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar instantly elevates these sticks, adding a delicate sweetness and pretty presentation. Maple syrup on the side is essential—it enhances every bite with its rich, comforting flavor. Fresh berries or a sprinkle of chopped nuts can also be delightful garnish options for extra color and texture.
Side Dishes
Serve your baked French toast sticks alongside crispy bacon or savory sausage for a hearty breakfast spread. Fresh fruit or a simple yogurt parfait can lighten the meal and add a refreshing contrast to the warm sticks.
Creative Ways to Present
Arranging the sticks in a fun stack or fan shape on a platter makes for an inviting centerpiece at brunch. For kids’ parties, offer small cups of various dipping sauces like strawberry jam, chocolate sauce, or honey. This turns the dish into an interactive and joyful eating experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover baked French toast sticks, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This makes for an easy grab-and-go breakfast or snack option within the week.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep. Lay the cooled sticks in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to two months, ready to reheat whenever you need a quick, tasty bite.
Reheating
For best results, reheat frozen or refrigerated sticks in the oven or toaster oven at 350°F until warmed through and crisp, about 5 to 10 minutes. This method revives their crunchy exterior while keeping the inside soft and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use different types of bread for this recipe?
Absolutely! While Texas toast works wonderfully for its thickness and texture, you can also use brioche or challah for a richer, more buttery flavor. Just be sure the slices are thick enough to hold up during baking.
Are these baked French toast sticks gluten-free?
This recipe calls for regular bread, which contains gluten. To make it gluten-free, simply swap in your favorite gluten-free bread—it should work just as well with similar thickness.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To veganize the recipe, use plant-based milk such as almond or oat milk and replace eggs with a suitable substitute like a flax egg or commercial egg replacer. Using vegan butter and sweeteners will complete the transformation.
How long does it take to prepare and bake these French toast sticks?
Total prep time is about 10 minutes, with baking taking 18 to 20 minutes. In roughly half an hour, you’ll have a batch of warm, delicious baked French toast sticks ready to enjoy.
Is it possible to add other spices or flavors?
Definitely! A pinch of nutmeg or allspice adds extra warmth, and you can also experiment with citrus zest or a splash of orange juice in the custard mix for a bright twist.
Final Thoughts
This Baked French Toast Sticks Recipe is pure breakfast joy, combining simplicity, flavor, and fun in every bite. Whether you’re making it for your family’s weekday morning or a leisurely weekend brunch, these sticks bring the kind of comfort food magic that fills the kitchen with warmth and smiles. Give this recipe a try—it might just become your new go-to morning treat!
Print
Baked French Toast Sticks Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious baked French toast sticks made from thick-cut Texas toast, soaked in a cinnamon-vanilla egg mixture and baked to golden perfection. A healthier alternative to frying, these crispy and soft sticks are perfect for breakfast or brunch, served with maple syrup and a dusting of powdered sugar.
Ingredients
French Toast Sticks
- 1 loaf Texas toast or thick-cut bread (about 8 slices)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- Cooking spray
For Serving (Optional)
- Maple syrup
- Powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly coat it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Slice Bread into Sticks: Take each slice of bread and cut it into 3 equal strips to form the French toast sticks.
- Make Egg Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
- Dip Bread Sticks: Dip each bread stick into the egg mixture, allowing the excess to drip off so the bread is thoroughly coated but not soggy.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet and Add Butter: Place the coated sticks onto the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Brush the tops with melted butter evenly to help achieve a golden brown finish.
- Bake and Flip: Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes, flipping the sticks halfway through the cooking time to ensure they brown evenly and become slightly crisp.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve warm. Optionally, drizzle with maple syrup and sprinkle powdered sugar over the sticks for added sweetness and presentation.
Notes
- These French toast sticks freeze well for quick, convenient breakfasts—simply reheat in the oven or toaster oven.
- For a richer flavor, try substituting Texas toast with brioche or challah bread.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg to the egg mixture to introduce extra warmth and depth of flavor.
