Baked French Toast Sticks

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Introduction:

Start your day on a sweet note with our Baked French Toast Sticks recipe! Perfect for a quick breakfast or a fun brunch with family, these crispy, cinnamon-coated French toast sticks are baked to golden perfection and served with your favorite syrup or fruit. Whether you’re cooking for kids or hosting a weekend brunch, these baked French toast sticks are a delightful and easy-to-make option that everyone will love.

Ingredients:

  • 1 loaf of French bread or Texas toast, sliced into sticks
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • Optional: powdered sugar, maple syrup, or fresh fruit for serving

Instructions:

  1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
  2. Prepare the Custard: In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
  3. Coat the Bread: Dip each bread stick into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s well-coated. Place the coated sticks on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart.
  4. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the French toast sticks are golden brown and crispy. Flip the sticks halfway through baking for even crispness.
  5. Serve: Allow the sticks to cool slightly before serving. Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with maple syrup, and serve with fresh fruit if desired.

Serving and Storage Tips for Baked French Toast Sticks:

Serving Tips:

  1. Garnish and Toppings: Dust Baked French Toast Sticks with powdered sugar for a touch of sweetness, or drizzle with maple syrup or honey for extra flavor. Fresh fruit like strawberries, blueberries, or bananas adds a refreshing complement.
  2. Dipping Sauces: Offer a variety of dipping sauces, such as maple syrup, chocolate sauce, or fruit preserves, for a fun and customizable breakfast experience. You can also serve them with a side of yogurt for added creaminess.
  3. Warm Serving: For the best taste, serve the French toast sticks warm. They are delicious fresh out of the oven but can also be kept warm in a low-temperature oven (around 200°F or 93°C) if you’re serving a large group.
  4. Pairing Ideas: These sticks pair wonderfully with a side of scrambled eggs, bacon, or sausage for a complete breakfast or brunch spread. They also make a great addition to a fruit salad or smoothie for a balanced meal.

Storage Tips:

  1. Refrigeration: Store leftover Baked French Toast Sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This helps maintain their freshness and prevents them from drying out.
  2. Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the French toast sticks. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze until solid, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
  3. Reheating: To reheat, you can toast them in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. You can also reheat them in an air fryer for a few minutes to restore their crispiness.
  4. Avoid Overcrowding: When storing or reheating, make sure the French toast sticks are not overcrowded. This ensures even heating and helps them stay crispy.

    Variations for Baked French Toast Sticks:

    1. Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Sticks:
      • Ingredients: Add extra cinnamon and sugar to the custard mixture, or toss the baked sticks in a cinnamon-sugar mix right after baking.
      • Instructions: Mix 1/4 cup sugar with 1 tablespoon cinnamon. Sprinkle or toss the baked sticks in the mixture for a sweet, spicy touch.
    2. Berry Stuffed French Toast Sticks:
      • Ingredients: Use slices of French bread and spread a layer of cream cheese mixed with fresh berries between the slices before cutting them into sticks.
      • Instructions: Spread the cream cheese and berry mixture between two slices of bread, then slice into sticks and dip in the egg mixture before baking.
    3. Chocolate Chip French Toast Sticks:
      • Ingredients: Add mini chocolate chips to the custard mixture or sprinkle them on top of the French toast sticks before baking.
      • Instructions: Stir 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips into the custard mixture, or sprinkle them on the coated bread sticks before baking for a gooey chocolate surprise.
    4. Pumpkin Spice French Toast Sticks:
      • Ingredients: Add 1/2 cup canned pumpkin and 1 teaspoon pumpkin spice to the custard mixture.
      • Instructions: Mix pumpkin and pumpkin spice into the egg mixture for a seasonal twist. Top with a dusting of powdered sugar and a drizzle of maple syrup.
    5. Nutella French Toast Sticks:
      • Ingredients: Spread Nutella between slices of bread before cutting into sticks.
      • Instructions: Spread Nutella on one side of each bread slice, then sandwich two slices together and cut into sticks. Dip in the egg mixture and bake as usual.
    6. Apple Cinnamon French Toast Sticks:
      • Ingredients: Dice apples and sauté with cinnamon and a bit of sugar until tender. Mix into the custard or use as a topping.
      • Instructions: Add cooked apple pieces to the custard mixture or serve on top of the baked French toast sticks with a sprinkle of additional cinnamon.
    7. Almond Joy French Toast Sticks:
      • Ingredients: Add shredded coconut and chopped almonds to the custard mixture or sprinkle on top before baking.
      • Instructions: Stir 1/4 cup shredded coconut and 1/4 cup chopped almonds into the custard or sprinkle on the sticks before baking for a tropical twist.
    8. Blueberry Lemon French Toast Sticks:
      • Ingredients: Add lemon zest to the custard mixture and top the sticks with fresh or frozen blueberries.
      • Instructions: Mix 1 teaspoon lemon zest into the custard and scatter blueberries on top of the bread sticks before baking.
    9. Peanut Butter and Banana French Toast Sticks:
      • Ingredients: Spread peanut butter between slices of bread and add banana slices.
      • Instructions: Spread peanut butter and layer banana slices on one slice of bread, then top with another slice. Cut into sticks, dip in the egg mixture, and bake.
    10. Maple Pecan French Toast Sticks:
      • Ingredients: Add chopped pecans and a splash of maple syrup to the custard mixture.
      • Instructions: Stir 1/4 cup chopped pecans and 1-2 tablespoons of maple syrup into the custard before coating the bread sticks for a nutty, sweet flavor.

Conclusion:

Baked French Toast Sticks are a fantastic breakfast option that combines convenience with delicious flavor. By baking instead of frying, you get a lighter, healthier version of a classic breakfast treat without sacrificing taste. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or a simple family meal, these French toast sticks are sure to become a favorite. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven with your favorite toppings and savor the simple pleasure of a perfectly baked breakfast.

FAQ’s About Baked French Toast Sticks:

  1. Can I use any type of bread for this recipe?
    • Yes, you can use various types of bread such as French bread, Texas toast, challah, or brioche. Slightly stale bread works best because it soaks up the custard without becoming too soggy.
  2. Can I make Baked French Toast Sticks ahead of time?
    • Yes, you can prepare the French toast sticks and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover them with plastic wrap or foil and bake as directed when ready to serve.
  3. How can I make these French toast sticks gluten-free?
    • Use gluten-free bread and ensure that all other ingredients, such as milk and vanilla extract, are gluten-free. The cooking process remains the same.
  4. Can I freeze Baked French Toast Sticks?
    • Yes, you can freeze them. After baking and cooling, place the sticks in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the toaster oven or regular oven.
  5. What is the best way to reheat Baked French Toast Sticks?
    • Reheat in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes until warmed through and crispy. You can also use an air fryer for a few minutes for a crispy texture.
  6. Can I use a different type of milk in the custard mixture?
    • Yes, you can substitute whole milk with almond milk, oat milk, or any other milk alternative. Just make sure it’s unsweetened to avoid altering the flavor of the custard.
  7. How do I prevent the French toast sticks from sticking to the baking sheet?
    • Line the baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking. Lightly greasing the baking sheet also helps.
  8. What can I use if I don’t have cinnamon?
    • If you don’t have cinnamon, you can substitute with nutmeg, pumpkin spice, or leave it out entirely. Adjust according to your taste preferences.
  9. Can I add chocolate chips or nuts to the French toast sticks?
    • Yes, you can add mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruit to the custard mixture or sprinkle on top before baking for extra flavor and texture.
  10. What can I serve with Baked French Toast Sticks?
    • Serve with maple syrup, fresh fruit, powdered sugar, whipped cream, or a side of yogurt. They also pair well with bacon, sausage, or scrambled eggs for a complete breakfast or brunch.

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