Name: Easy French Toast Sticks
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 4 thick slices of bread, brioche, challah, or Texas toast, about 1 inch thick; 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup whole milk; 1 tablespoon granulated sugar; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/8 teaspoon salt; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, for the pan; Maple syrup, for serving

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Golden, cinnamon-spiced, and cut into perfect dippable strips, french toast sticks turn a classic breakfast into something faster and more fun to eat. This recipe uses simple pantry ingredients and comes together in about 20 minutes, with options to bake or air fry if you’d rather skip the skillet.

Thick bread slices soak up a rich egg-and-milk custard, then get cooked until the outside is golden and slightly crisp while the inside stays soft and custardy. Cut into sticks, they’re easy for kids to hold and perfect for dunking in maple syrup, fruit compote, or yogurt.

tack of golden french toast sticks on a white plate with a small bowl of maple syrup for dipping.

Table of Contents

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4 (about 16 sticks)
Method: Stovetop (with oven and air fryer options)
Skill Level: Beginner

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Thick bread slices hold up well to the egg custard without turning soggy, so the sticks stay sturdy enough to dip. The stick shape also means more surface area gets that light, crisp edge, while the center stays soft.

This recipe comes together with basic ingredients you likely already have, and the whole batch is ready faster than a full plate of regular french toast. It also freezes well, which makes it a solid option for meal prepping busy weekday mornings.

Ingredients

4 thick slices of bread (brioche, challah, or Texas toast), about 1 inch thick
2 large eggs
1/2 cup whole milk
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, for the pan
Maple syrup, for serving

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

Bread: Thick, sturdy bread works best. Brioche and challah give a rich, slightly sweet result, while Texas toast holds its shape well. Day-old bread is ideal since it’s slightly dried out and absorbs the custard without falling apart.

Milk: Whole milk gives the richest texture, but 2% or a dairy-free milk like oat milk will also work.

Sugar: This can be reduced or left out if you plan to serve the sticks with a sweet syrup or fruit topping.

Butter: Butter adds flavor and helps with browning. A neutral oil can be used instead, or a mix of both for a balance of flavor and crisp texture.

Vanilla and cinnamon: These can be adjusted to taste. Nutmeg or a pinch of cardamom also works well in the custard.

Ingredients for french toast sticks including bread, eggs, milk, and cinnamon arranged on a wooden countertop.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cut the bread

Slice each piece of bread into 3–4 even sticks, about 1 inch wide. Keeping the sticks uniform in size helps them cook evenly.

2. Make the custard

In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt until fully combined.

3. Dip the bread

Dip each bread stick into the custard, turning to coat all sides. Let any excess drip off before moving to the pan. Avoid soaking too long, or the sticks may fall apart.

Close-up of a bread stick being dipped into a bowl of cinnamon egg custard.

4. Cook on the stovetop

Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat and add the butter. Once melted and lightly foaming, add the bread sticks in a single layer, working in batches if needed. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, turning to brown all sides evenly, until golden and cooked through.

5. Oven method (optional)

Preheat the oven to 425°F. Arrange the dipped sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden on all sides.

6. Air fryer method (optional)

Preheat the air fryer to 375°F. Arrange the sticks in a single layer, leaving space between each. Air fry for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp on the outside.

French toast sticks cooking in a buttered skillet until golden brown.

7. Serve

Transfer the finished sticks to a plate. Serve warm with maple syrup or your preferred dipping sauce.

Expert Tips & Common Mistakes

Use bread that’s slightly stale or lightly toasted first. Fresh, soft bread tends to soak up too much custard and can become mushy.

Don’t overcrowd the pan. Sticks that are too close together will steam instead of browning properly.

Keep the heat at medium. High heat browns the outside too quickly before the inside finishes cooking.

Let excess custard drip off before cooking. Extra liquid on the sticks can cause uneven browning and sogginess.

Variations

Stuffed french toast sticks: Sandwich a thin layer of cream cheese or fruit preserves between two bread slices before cutting into sticks and dipping.

Cereal-crusted sticks: Roll the dipped sticks in crushed cornflakes or graham crackers before cooking for extra crunch.

Pumpkin spice version: Swap the cinnamon for pumpkin pie spice and add a tablespoon of pumpkin puree to the custard.

Savory twist: Omit the sugar and vanilla, and add a pinch of black pepper and grated parmesan to the custard for a savory version.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with warm maple syrup, fresh berries, or a dusting of powdered sugar. For a heartier breakfast, pair with scrambled eggs or turkey sausage links. Yogurt or fruit compote also works well as a dipping option for a lighter meal.

French toast sticks served with fresh berries and maple syrup on a breakfast table.

Storage & Reheating

Refrigerator: Store cooled sticks in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer: Arrange cooled sticks in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, about 1 hour, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months.

Reheating: Reheat from frozen or refrigerated in a 375°F oven or air fryer for 5–8 minutes, or until warmed through and crisp. A microwave works in a pinch but will soften the crisp edges.

French toast sticks arranged on a parchment-lined baking sheet before freezing.

FAQs

Can I make french toast sticks ahead of time?

Yes. Cook the sticks fully, let them cool, then refrigerate or freeze. Reheat in the oven or air fryer before serving.

What’s the best bread for french toast sticks?

Thick, sturdy bread like brioche, challah, or Texas toast works best because it holds its shape and doesn’t fall apart when dipped in custard.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes. Substitute the whole milk with a dairy-free alternative like oat milk or almond milk, and use a plant-based butter or oil for cooking.

Why are my french toast sticks soggy?

This usually happens when the bread soaks too long in the custard or the pan is overcrowded. Dip briefly, let excess liquid drip off, and cook in batches with space between each stick.

Can I bake these instead of frying them?

Yes. Bake at 425°F for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden on all sides.