Homemade French Toast Sticks

If you’re someone who prefers their French toast crisp and golden rather than soft and soggy, these homemade French toast sticks will hit all the right notes. Lightly crisped on the outside, fluffy and tender inside, and coated in a perfect blend of cinnamon and sugar, they offer that nostalgic diner-style flavor—but even better from your own kitchen.

These French toast sticks are an excellent choice for quick weekday breakfasts, leisurely weekend brunches, or even as a fun dessert. They’re also a hit with kids and ideal for dipping into maple syrup, whipped cream, or fruit compote. If you’re a fan of sweet breakfasts, this is a recipe you’ll keep returning to.

PIN THIS!PIN THIS!

Why You’ll Love These French Toast Sticks

• Crispy exterior with a fluffy interior
• Ready in just 20 minutes
• Freezer-friendly and meal-prep approved
• Kid-friendly and easy to serve
• Made with simple pantry staples

You can enjoy them fresh off the skillet, or freeze a batch for busy mornings when you need something quick and satisfying.

Preparation Phase

Before you begin, set up your ingredients and tools so the process flows smoothly. Preparation is key to getting that signature crunch and flavor.

Bread selection: Use white sandwich bread, brioche, or Texas toast. Day-old or slightly dry bread is ideal. Fresh bread tends to become soggy when dipped in the egg mixture.

Tip: Toast the bread slices lightly if they’re too soft or fresh.

Workstation setup:

• A mixing bowl for the egg mixture
• A shallow plate or dish for the cinnamon sugar coating
• A nonstick skillet or griddle
• Tongs or a spatula for flipping
• Plate lined with paper towels for resting the cooked sticks

Essential Tools and Equipment

To make these homemade French toast sticks efficiently, have the following tools ready:

• Mixing bowl: For combining eggs, milk, sugar, and cinnamon
• Whisk: Helps evenly mix the egg base
• Sharp knife or bread knife: To slice the bread into uniform sticks
• Nonstick skillet or griddle: For frying the toast without sticking
• Tongs or spatula: For flipping sticks evenly
• Shallow dish: Ideal for rolling the cooked sticks in the cinnamon sugar

Ingredients List

For the Egg Mixture:

• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• ¼ cup milk
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the Bread:

• 6 slices white bread, cut into thirds

For Cooking:

• Nonstick spray

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

• ½ cup white granulated sugar
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Egg Mixture

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, powdered sugar, milk, maple syrup, and cinnamon until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

2. Slice and Dip the Bread

Cut each slice of bread into thirds to form uniform sticks. Quickly dip each stick into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s coated on all sides. Don’t soak for too long—just enough to coat.

Tip: Let the excess mixture drip off to avoid sogginess when cooking.

3. Mix the Cinnamon Sugar

In a shallow dish, mix together the granulated sugar and cinnamon. Set this aside for after the sticks are cooked.

4. Cook the Sticks

Heat your nonstick skillet over medium heat and spray with nonstick spray. Place a few dipped bread sticks into the skillet, leaving space between them. Cook for 1–2 minutes per side, rotating to brown all sides evenly.

Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook in batches for best results.

5. Coat in Cinnamon Sugar

Remove the cooked sticks from the skillet and immediately roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture. This allows the coating to stick while they’re still warm.

6. Serve and Enjoy

Serve the homemade French toast sticks warm. Pair with maple syrup, whipped cream, or fresh fruit. They’re great as-is or with your favorite breakfast toppings.

How to Serve Homemade French Toast Sticks

These cinnamon-sugar coated sticks are best served hot and fresh, just after they’ve been rolled in the sweet coating. Their firm edges and fluffy centers make them ideal for dipping and stacking.

Serving Suggestions:

• With maple syrup: A classic pairing. Pour a bit into a small ramekin for easy dipping.
• Topped with whipped cream: Adds a creamy contrast to the crispiness.
• Sprinkled with powdered sugar: A visual and sweet touch.
• With fresh fruit: Strawberries, blueberries, or banana slices offer a bright, fresh balance.
• Chocolate or caramel drizzle: Turn breakfast into dessert by adding a rich topping.

Presentation Tips:

• Stack the sticks like logs for a cozy, rustic look.
• Serve in a paper-lined basket or tray for a diner-style presentation.
• Offer a variety of dipping sauces for a brunch spread.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making homemade French toast sticks is straightforward, but there are some pitfalls that can affect the final result. Here’s what to look out for:

1. Using Fresh, Soft Bread

Fresh bread soaks up the egg mixture too quickly and becomes soggy. Instead, use day-old bread or lightly toast it before dipping.

2. Over-Soaking the Bread

The goal is to coat the bread evenly—not soak it through. Over-soaking leads to mushy centers and uneven cooking.

Solution: Dip quickly on each side and let excess drip off.

3. Skipping Preheat on the Skillet

Cooking on a cold or unevenly heated skillet causes the sticks to stick and brown unevenly.

Solution: Always preheat the skillet before adding the bread sticks.

4. Overcrowding the Pan

Adding too many sticks at once lowers the skillet’s temperature and causes steaming instead of crisping.

Solution: Cook in small batches, leaving space between each stick.

5. Letting the Sticks Cool Before Coating

The cinnamon sugar won’t stick well once the sticks cool. They should be coated immediately after coming off the pan.

Solution: Roll the warm sticks in the sugar mixture right away.

6. Using Too Much Egg Mixture

Too much egg in the dip can lead to scrambled egg bits clinging to the toast, creating an unpleasant texture.

Solution: Use the measurements in the recipe to maintain balance, and whisk the egg mixture well to fully combine.

Best Side Dishes to Serve

Pairing homemade French toast sticks with the right sides can round out your breakfast or brunch. Here are eight delicious and complementary options:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad

A mix of berries, melon, and citrus cuts through the sweetness and adds color to the plate.

2. Greek Yogurt Parfait

Layered with granola and honey, it brings creaminess and crunch, and balances the warm toast sticks.

3. Crispy Bacon or Plant-Based Alternative

A salty counterpart like bacon offers contrast to the sweet cinnamon sugar coating.

4. Scrambled Eggs or Tofu Scramble

Adds protein and savory flavor, making the meal more filling and balanced.

5. Hash Browns or Sweet Potato Hash

The crispy texture of hash browns complements the soft inside of the French toast.

6. Smoothies or Protein Shakes

Serve a fruit smoothie or protein shake on the side for added nutrients and a refreshing sip.

7. Mini Pancakes or Waffles

Create a breakfast spread with a variety of sweet options for a more indulgent meal.

8. Avocado Toast with Lemon and Chili Flakes

The savory and slightly spicy toast offsets the sweet richness of the French toast sticks.

Extra Tips for the Best French Toast Sticks

A few small tweaks can make a big difference in the taste and texture of your French toast sticks.

Boost the Flavor:

• Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to the egg mixture.
• For a citrus twist, add zest from half an orange.
• A pinch of salt can balance the sweetness.

Make It Healthier:

• Use whole wheat bread instead of white bread.
• Swap sugar with coconut sugar or a sugar substitute.
• Try plant-based milk for a dairy-free version.

Texture Tips:

• Toast fresh bread slightly before dipping to prevent sogginess.
• Use a cast-iron skillet for an evenly browned crust.

Storage Instructions

One of the great things about homemade French toast sticks is their make-ahead potential. Whether you’re meal prepping or saving leftovers, they hold up well with the right method.

Refrigerating:

• Let the sticks cool completely before storing.
• Place in an airtight container with parchment between layers.
• Store for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing:

• After cooling, lay the sticks flat on a baking sheet.
• Freeze for 1–2 hours, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag.
• Keeps well for up to 2 months.

Tip: Label the bag with the date and reheating instructions.

How to Reheat French Toast Sticks

Proper reheating restores the crispy outside and warm, fluffy interior. Avoid the microwave, which can make the bread rubbery or soggy.

Best Reheating Methods:

Oven:

• Preheat to 350°F
• Place sticks on a baking sheet
• Heat for 5 to 8 minutes

Air Fryer:

• Set to 350°F
• Heat for 3 to 5 minutes
• Flip halfway for even crisping

Toaster Oven:

• Use the toast or bake setting
• Heat for 4 to 6 minutes

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you keep French toast sticks from getting soggy?

Use day-old bread or toast fresh bread slightly before dipping. Also, avoid over-soaking the bread in the egg mixture and always cook on a preheated skillet to help seal the outside quickly.

Can you make French toast sticks ahead of time?

Yes, they are perfect for make-ahead meals. You can store them in the fridge for a few days or freeze them for longer-term storage. Reheat as needed using the oven or air fryer for best texture.

What’s the best bread for homemade French toast sticks?

White sandwich bread, brioche, or Texas toast are all excellent choices. Bread with a tighter crumb structure works best, especially when it’s slightly dried out or day-old.

Can I bake instead of pan-frying?

Yes. Place dipped sticks on a lined baking sheet and bake at 375°F for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping once halfway through. They won’t be as crispy as skillet-fried, but still delicious.

Are French toast sticks healthy?

They can be. By using whole grain bread, reducing sugar, and cooking with minimal oil or using an air fryer, you can make a lighter version of this classic breakfast.

Can I use almond milk instead of regular milk?

Absolutely. Any milk alternative, such as almond, oat, or soy milk, can be used in the egg mixture without compromising texture or flavor.

Conclusion

Homemade French toast sticks are an easy, satisfying recipe that brings comfort food vibes to the breakfast table. They’re quick to prepare, endlessly customizable, and freezer-friendly—making them a go-to for busy mornings or weekend brunches. With crispy edges, soft centers, and a sweet cinnamon sugar coating, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite.

Whether you’re serving a crowd or just want a treat for yourself, these sticks deliver every time. With the right prep, tools, and tips, you’ll get perfect results that rival any store-bought version.