If you’re craving a breakfast treat that’s both nostalgic and just plain fun, then get ready to fall in love with Homemade French Toast Sticks. These golden, cinnamon-scented sticks are crisp on the outside, custardy on the inside, and made for dunking in a generous pool of maple syrup. Every bite delivers that classic French toast flavor in a tasty, shareable form that’s perfect for both slow weekend mornings and busy weekday breakfasts. Not only are these delicious, but they’re also easy to make ahead and freeze, so you can always have a family favorite ready to go!

Homemade French Toast Sticks Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Homemade French Toast Sticks is how simple the ingredient list is. Each pantry staple and fridge favorite adds something special—whether it’s richness, spice, or that irresistible golden color. Here’s what you’ll need for breakfast success:

Thick-cut bread: Choose sturdy slices like brioche or Texas toast—they soak up the custard without falling apart and give the best fluffy-yet-crisp texture.
Large eggs: The foundation of your custard; eggs provide structure and that classic French toast richness.
Whole milk: This adds creamy moisture, making the interior of your sticks melt-in-your-mouth tender.
Granulated sugar: Just a little sweetness helps balance the egg and brings out the cinnamon’s cozy flavor.
Vanilla extract: Don’t skip this—it’s the secret to deep, comforting flavor in every bite.
Ground cinnamon: Infuses warmth and a hint of spice that defines Homemade French Toast Sticks.
Salt: A small dash sharpens all the sweet flavors and prevents your sticks from tasting flat.
Unsalted butter: For frying up perfectly golden, crispy sticks (plus delicious buttery flavor throughout).
Maple syrup: The irresistible finishing touch—perfect for dipping and drizzling!

How to Make Homemade French Toast Sticks

Step 1: Cut the Bread

Start by stacking up your slices of thick-cut bread and cutting each one into three even strips. This shape is key—sticks are easy to cook evenly, super fun for dipping, and make for a playful twist on classic French toast. If your bread is a little bit stale, even better; it’ll hold up wonderfully to the custard.

Step 2: Make the Custard Mixture

Grab a wide, shallow dish and whisk together the eggs, whole milk, sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt. Whisk until the mixture looks creamy and the cinnamon is distributed throughout—no streaks or lumps! This flavorful custard is what gives your Homemade French Toast Sticks that signature taste and texture.

Step 3: Dip the Bread Sticks

Working with a few bread sticks at a time, quickly dip them into the custard mixture. Make sure each stick is coated on all sides but don’t let them soak too long—just a quick dunk so they absorb flavor without getting soggy.

Step 4: Cook Until Golden

Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and add about one tablespoon of unsalted butter. Once melted and sizzling, arrange the custard-coated sticks in the pan in a single layer (don’t overcrowd). Cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side, turning gently, until each stick is a deep golden brown and crisp on the outside.

Step 5: Finish & Serve

Repeat with the remaining bread sticks, adding more butter to the skillet as needed to keep them perfectly caramelized. Serve your warm, golden Homemade French Toast Sticks right away, ideally with a big side of maple syrup for dipping—and don’t forget a sprinkle of extra cinnamon if you’re feeling fancy.

How to Serve Homemade French Toast Sticks

Garnishes

Sprinkle your French toast sticks with powdered sugar, a dusting of cinnamon, or even a handful of fresh berries for a touch of color and flavor. A few chopped toasted nuts can add crunch, while whipped cream makes it feel like a celebration!

Side Dishes

Pair your Homemade French Toast Sticks with classic breakfast sides like scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, or fresh fruit salad. The sticks are also wonderful alongside a big mug of coffee or hot cocoa for the coziest brunch ever.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the sticks stacked high on a platter with a mini pitcher of warm maple syrup, or set up a “dipping station” with bowls of flavored syrups, Nutella, or yogurt. They make a great grab-and-go breakfast when wrapped in parchment, or cut them smaller and serve on skewers as a fun party treat!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Homemade French Toast Sticks, let them cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container in the fridge, where they’ll stay tasty for up to 3 days. They’re perfect for quick breakfasts on busy mornings.

Freezing

These French toast sticks are freezer-friendly! Lay cooled sticks in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag or container. They’ll keep beautifully for up to two months, ready whenever you need a speedy breakfast or snack.

Reheating

To bring your Homemade French Toast Sticks back to life, pop them in a 375°F (190°C) oven or air fryer for about 5 minutes, or until hot and crispy. This method helps revive their original texture so they taste freshly made—no soggy microwaves here!

FAQs

What bread works best for French toast sticks?

Thick-cut, sturdy breads like brioche, challah, or Texas toast are ideal. They soak up the custard without falling apart and yield the fluffiest centers. Avoid thin, flimsy white bread, which can turn mushy.

Can I make Homemade French Toast Sticks dairy-free?

Absolutely! Swap whole milk for your favorite dairy-free alternative (like almond, soy, or oat milk). Use a non-dairy butter substitute for frying. The flavor and texture will still be delicious.

How do I keep French toast sticks from getting soggy?

Don’t let the bread sticks soak too long in the custard—just a quick dip is enough. Also, use day-old bread if possible, and cook the sticks over medium heat for a crisp, golden exterior. Finishing them in the oven for a few minutes helps too!

Is it okay to prep the custard mixture ahead of time?

Yes, you can whisk up the egg mixture the night before and keep it in the fridge, tightly covered. This makes assembly speedy in the morning—just give it a quick stir before dipping your bread sticks.

Can I freeze French toast sticks before cooking?

For best results, freeze them after fully cooking and cooling. Prepping and freezing the uncooked, custard-soaked bread isn’t recommended, as the bread can become overly soggy as it thaws. Cook first, freeze, and reheat for the perfect quick breakfast!

Final Thoughts

Breakfast just got a whole lot more exciting, don’t you think? With Homemade French Toast Sticks, you get all the cozy flavor of classic French toast in a fun, dunkable form. Gather your ingredients, whip up a batch, and watch smiles appear at the table—you might never go back to the frozen kind!

Homemade French Toast Sticks Recipe

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4.9 from 6 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 24 sticks (8 servings) 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Enjoy crispy-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside Homemade French Toast Sticks for a delightful breakfast treat. These sticks are easy to make, packed with cinnamon and vanilla flavors, and perfect for dipping in maple syrup.

Ingredients

Scale

Bread:

8 slices thick-cut bread (such as brioche or Texas toast)

Egg Mixture:

4 large eggs
1 cup whole milk
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt

Other:

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Maple syrup for serving

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Instructions

Cut Bread: Cut each slice of bread into 3 even strips.
Prepare Egg Mixture: In a shallow dish, whisk together eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt.
Cook French Toast Sticks: Heat a skillet, dip bread sticks in the egg mixture, and cook until golden brown on both sides.
Serve: Serve warm with maple syrup for dipping.