Your Kids Will Love This French Toast Sticks Recipe (And So Will You)

Crispy on the outside, custardy on the inside, French toast sticks are the breakfast finger food that wins over kids and grownups alike.

Back when my daughter was in kindergarten, I started making French toast sticks for quick weekday breakfasts. She’d dip them into a little cup of syrup like it was pancake fries and just giggle the whole time.

But it wasn’t until I made a batch for a weekend brunch with friends that I realized how big of a crowd-pleaser they were. Grown adults were dunking and munching like happy toddlers.

That’s when I started experimenting with ways to make them more flavorful and freezer-friendly.

The twist that makes mine stand out is a quick cinnamon sugar toss right after they come off the heat. It adds just the right amount of crunch and sparkle without overpowering the eggy goodness inside. You can bake them or fry them, but either way, they disappear fast around here.

Why French Toast Sticks Work

There’s a reason French toast sticks have stood the test of time. They’re cozy, comforting, and just plain fun to eat.

French toast is already a breakfast classic, but turning it into sticks makes it easier to serve, dip, and even freeze for later. If you’re feeding picky eaters or brunch guests with different tastes, this recipe gives you something playful and satisfying that’s easy to customize.

They’re also a smart option when you want to prep ahead. French toast sticks hold up better than full slices when stored or reheated, and they crisp up nicely without needing much oil. You can bake a whole tray in the oven or griddle them on the stovetop. Plus, the smaller size means more surface area for golden edges, which is my favorite part.

If you’ve ever bought those frozen French toast sticks from the store, you’ll love how much better homemade ones taste. They’re softer inside, more flavorful, and way less processed. You can even adjust the sweetness or spice to fit your mood.

Ingredients For French Toast Sticks

Good French toast sticks start with the right bread and a well-seasoned custard. Here’s what you’ll need to make them just right:

• Thick-cut bread: Brioche or Texas toast works best. Go for something sturdy that can soak up custard without falling apart.
• Eggs: Essential for the custard. I use large eggs for consistency.
• Whole milk: Makes the mixture rich and creamy. You can also use half-and-half for an extra decadent version.
• Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth.
• Ground cinnamon: A must for that cozy, spiced flavor.
• Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness.
• Butter or cooking spray: For greasing your pan or baking sheet.
• Cinnamon sugar (twist ingredient): I mix white sugar with extra cinnamon and toss the cooked sticks in it while they’re still hot. It gives them that crunchy, bakery-style finish.

The key to getting the most flavor is using day-old bread and whisking your custard until smooth. Avoid thin sandwich bread if you want crisp edges and soft centers.

Step-by-Step Instructions For French Toast Sticks

1. Prep the bread: Slice your bread into thick sticks, about 1 inch wide. If using brioche or Texas toast, you’ll get 3–4 sticks per slice.
2. Make the custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until smooth and well combined.
3. Dip and soak: Quickly dip each bread stick into the custard, letting it soak for a few seconds on each side. Don’t oversaturate or they’ll fall apart.
4. Cook them up:
   • For stovetop: Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat and grease with butter or cooking spray. Cook the sticks for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown.
   • For oven: Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment and place dipped sticks on it. Bake 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden.
5. Add the twist: While still hot, toss the sticks in a bowl of cinnamon sugar. Work quickly so the coating sticks.
6. Serve warm: Pile them high and serve with warm maple syrup or your favorite dipping sauce.

Don’t overcrowd the skillet if frying, and if baking, make sure the sticks aren’t touching. That way, every side crisps up beautifully.

Your Kids Will Love This French Toast Sticks Recipe

Yield: 4 servings

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

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Ingredients

• 6 slices thick-cut bread (brioche or Texas toast), sliced into sticks
• 3 large eggs
• ¾ cup whole milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1½ tsp ground cinnamon, divided
• 1 tbsp sugar
• Pinch of salt
• Butter or cooking spray, for greasing pan
• Cinnamon Sugar Coating: ¼ cup white sugar + 1 tsp ground cinnamon

Instructions

1. Slice each piece of bread into 3–4 thick sticks. Let sit out for 10–15 minutes to dry slightly if very fresh.
2. In a shallow bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, sugar, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
3. Quickly dip each bread stick into the egg mixture, allowing it to soak for a few seconds on each side.
4. For stovetop: Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease with butter or cooking spray. Cook sticks for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown.
5. For oven: Preheat oven to 400°F. Place dipped sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
6. While warm, toss cooked sticks in a mixture of ¼ cup sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon, if using.
7. Serve immediately with maple syrup or your favorite dip.

Notes

Day-old bread holds up better and gives the best texture.

To freeze: cool completely, then freeze in a single layer before transferring to a freezer bag.

Reheat in toaster oven or air fryer at 350°F for 4–5 minutes for crispy results.

How To Serve French Toast Sticks

These little breakfast sticks are versatile enough to serve at a family breakfast, a brunch buffet, or a lazy Saturday morning with pajamas still on.

They pair perfectly with all kinds of dips, sides, and toppings. I usually set out a few different options and let everyone mix and match:

• Warm maple syrup for classic dipping
• Nutella or peanut butter drizzle
• Greek yogurt sweetened with honey
• Fresh berries and whipped cream
• Caramel sauce or dulce de leche

Because they’re portable and easy to handle, they make great finger food for brunch parties or kid’s sleepovers. You can serve them stacked on a platter with toothpicks or bundle a few in parchment for a grab-and-go breakfast.

They also shine in breakfast boards alongside sausage links, fruit, and scrambled eggs. A sprinkle of powdered sugar on top makes them extra photo-worthy.

How To Store & Reheat French Toast Sticks

These reheat beautifully, which is part of why I make big batches.

To store, let them cool completely first. Then:

• Refrigerate in an airtight container up to 3 days
• Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a zip-top bag for up to 2 months

For reheating:

• Toaster oven: This is my favorite. It crisps the outside without drying out the middle.
• Microwave: Quick but softens the edges. Great for toddlers.
• Air fryer: Gives you crispy, golden results in just a few minutes. 350°F for 4–5 minutes works well.

You can reheat them straight from frozen too. Just add an extra minute or two to the cooking time.

Substitutions & Variations For French Toast Sticks

Once you’ve got the basics down, there are lots of ways to change up these sticks.

• Bread options: Challah, sourdough, Hawaiian rolls, or French bread
• Dairy-free: Use almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk
• Gluten-free: Use your favorite gluten-free sandwich bread or brioche-style loaf
• Flavor twists:
  • Add pumpkin spice to the custard in fall
  • Use coconut milk and toss in shredded coconut after baking
  • Add orange zest or a splash of rum extract for a grown-up spin

You can also cut them thinner or thicker depending on the occasion. Mini sticks are great for parties, and chunky ones feel more indulgent for brunch.

FAQs About French Toast Sticks

Here are some straightforward answers to the most common questions I receive about this french toast sticks recipe.

1. What’s the best bread to use for french toast sticks?
Brioche and Texas toast are ideal because they’re sturdy and rich. Challah is another great option. You want a bread that holds up to soaking without falling apart. Slightly stale bread works best because it soaks up the custard without turning mushy.

2. Can I freeze homemade french toast sticks?
Absolutely. Lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. Reheat in the toaster oven or air fryer straight from frozen for best results.

3. How do I keep french toast sticks from getting soggy?
Use thick, day-old bread and don’t over-soak. Whether you bake or fry, let them cook until the edges are golden and firm. If storing for later, cool them completely before refrigerating or freezing.

4. Can I make french toast sticks in the oven or air fryer?
Yes. Baking at 400°F for 12–15 minutes gives you evenly golden sticks without flipping them in a skillet. In the air fryer, cook at 350°F for about 4–5 minutes, flipping halfway if needed. They’ll be crispier than the oven version.

5. What toppings go well with french toast sticks?
Maple syrup is a classic, but you can get creative. Try whipped cream, fresh berries, chocolate drizzle, or yogurt. For something indulgent, a scoop of vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce turns them into dessert.

Try These Recipes Next

If you’re in the mood for more breakfast comfort food, check out these delicious recipes from This Gal Cooks:

• Croissant French Toast Casserole with Blueberries and Cream Cheese – A buttery, flaky twist on the classic breakfast bake.
• Overnight Chocolate Pecan Pie French Toast Casserole – Rich, chocolatey, and perfect for holiday mornings.
• Brown Sugar French Toast – A simple, sweet take on classic French toast that’s quick and satisfying.

These breakfast and brunch recipes will keep you satisfied for the next few lazy Sundays!