French Toast Sticks Recipe

Bread: Preferably stale, as it absorbs the egg mixture better.

Eggs: Acts as a binding agent and adds richness.

Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a creamy texture.

Vanilla extract: Adds a sweet, aromatic flavor.

Cinnamon: Provides a warm, spicy note.

Butter: Used for frying, adds a rich flavor and helps achieve a golden brown crust.

When dipping the bread sticks into the egg mixture, make sure to let them soak for a few seconds to fully absorb the flavors. This will ensure that the French toast sticks are rich and custardy on the inside while remaining crispy on the outside.

• stale bread - Substitute with brioche: Brioche is rich and slightly sweet, making it an excellent alternative for French toast.

• stale bread - Substitute with challah: Challah's soft texture and slight sweetness make it a great option for French toast.

• eggs - Substitute with flaxseed meal: Mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoons of water for each egg. This works well for binding and adds a nutty flavor.

• milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk is a dairy-free alternative that provides a similar consistency and a slightly nutty flavor.

• vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract offers a different but complementary flavor profile that works well in French toast.

• cinnamon - Substitute with nutmeg: Nutmeg provides a warm, slightly sweet flavor that can enhance the taste of French toast.

• butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil is a dairy-free alternative that adds a subtle coconut flavor and works well for frying.

• Allow the French toast sticks to cool completely on a wire rack. This prevents them from becoming soggy when stored.
• Place the cooled French toast sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they do not touch each other.
• Freeze the French toast sticks on the baking sheet for about 1-2 hours, or until they are solid. This step helps them maintain their shape and prevents them from sticking together.
• Once frozen, transfer the French toast sticks to a resealable plastic bag or an airtight container. Label the bag or container with the date to keep track of freshness.
• Store the French toast sticks in the freezer for up to 2 months. For best results, consume within this time frame to enjoy optimal taste and texture.
• When ready to enjoy, reheat the French toast sticks directly from the freezer. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and place the sticks on a baking sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are heated through and crispy.
• Alternatively, you can reheat the French toast sticks in a toaster oven or air fryer. Set the temperature to 375°F (190°C) and heat for 5-7 minutes, checking periodically to ensure they do not burn.
• For a quick option, microwave the French toast sticks on a microwave-safe plate for 1-2 minutes. Note that this method may result in a softer texture compared to baking or air frying.
• Serve the reheated French toast sticks warm with your favorite toppings, such as maple syrup, fresh berries, or a dusting of powdered sugar.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the French toast sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  3. Bake for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even reheating.
  4. Serve immediately with syrup or your favorite toppings.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the French toast sticks on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover with a damp paper towel to keep them from drying out.
  3. Microwave on high for 30-45 seconds, checking for warmth.
  4. Serve immediately with syrup or your favorite toppings.

• Toaster Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the French toast sticks directly on the toaster oven rack or a small baking sheet.
  3. Toast for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  4. Serve immediately with syrup or your favorite toppings.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the French toast sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
  3. Air fry for 3-5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even reheating.
  4. Serve immediately with syrup or your favorite toppings.

• Skillet Method:

  1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a small amount of butter or oil to the skillet.
  3. Place the French toast sticks in the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side until warmed through.
  4. Serve immediately with syrup or your favorite toppings.

• Knife: To cut each slice of bread into 3 sticks.

• Mixing bowl: To whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon.

• Whisk: To mix the egg mixture thoroughly.

• Skillet: To cook the bread sticks until golden brown.

• Spatula: To flip the bread sticks and ensure they cook evenly on all sides.

• Measuring cups: To measure the milk accurately.

• Measuring spoons: To measure the vanilla extract and cinnamon precisely.

• Plate: To serve the French toast sticks once they are cooked.

• Serving dish: To present the French toast sticks with syrup or your favorite toppings.

Use stale bread: Stale bread absorbs the egg mixture better, saving you time on soaking.

Pre-mix ingredients: Whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon the night before to save time in the morning.

Batch cooking: Cook multiple bread sticks at once in a large skillet to speed up the process.

Preheat the skillet: Ensure the butter and skillet are hot before adding the bread sticks for quicker cooking.