These french toast sticks are super easy and cheap to make. Did I also mention theyre freezer friendly? #Winning! Youll want to keep a bag of these in the freezer at all times theyre just that good!
When you think of easy breakfasts foods, what comes to mind other than cereal? French toast, right? No? Just me?
Before you roll your eyes into the back of your head and argue with me on how french toast is not easy, hear me out! Im not talking about just any french toast. I know the traditional way of making homemade french toast can take forever, is very messy, and you need to eat it all at one time because theres no good way to store it. Forget about trying to put it in the freezer.
Ive got a game changer for you.
I have a recipe that you can freeze and cuts the time in half! Its sweet, crunchy, and super cheap to make. Im talking about french toast that is so easy, delicious, and fun, my kids go crazy for it: my homemade cinnamon french toast sticks.
In fact, my youngest asks for this one all the time because its so easy he can make it with me. Sometimes well turn this into a kitchen cooking party for just the two of us. Ill cut the bread while he whisks the dry ingredients together for me, and we laugh and talk.
Its one of the few times I can get him to open up to me about whats going on at school and anything fun or new for him. If you have boys, you know that sometimes theyre not always chatty, so I love these moments when we can just talk.
To keep the party going, while Ive got my french toast sticks baking, Ill let my youngest pick out the toppings and dipping sauces he wants to use, because sometimes maple syrup isnt enough. Hell grab some chocolate chips or fruit and then well set it up like a buffet. It becomes a DIY french toast stick breakfast. So fun, right?
Once the french toast sticks are done, youll know it! The whole room starts to smell of sweet cinnamon and youll want to eat them right away. We usually cant wait to pull them from the oven so we can get to the buffet we set up. Plus, theyre best served warm, while theyre still crispy and crunchy on the outside with a soft center that just melts, plus a little spice from the cinnamon.
Is your mouth watering yet? Because I know mine is! Lets bring it back yall.
So, back to my original question. Whats easy, delicious, and something kids go crazy for? By the end of this recipe, youll agree the answer is my crunchy french toast sticks.
WHAT CAN I SERVE WITH FRENCH TOAST STICKS?
My homemade cinnamon french toast sticks completely stand on their own, but when Im feeling really fun, Ill break out the toppings! Toppings make everything better, am I right? Throw on some coconut flakes, fresh cut fruit, honey, or chocolate chips.
When were really feeling adventurous, well even change up the dipping sauce. Try melting some peanut butter, or using an icing glaze instead of regular maple syrup. You could also try making your own homemade maple syrup if you want to stick with the classic.
Want to make it a breakfast that will fill you up all day? Add some eggs and bacon. You could also try my french toast casserole or my cheesy potato filled breakfast bowl, both are guaranteed to keep you full!
CAN YOU FREEZE HOMEMADE FRENCH TOAST STICKS?
Bread is one of the easiest things to freeze, and my french toast sticks are made using ingredients that freeze easily. When freezing, be careful not to squish them by piling too many french toast sticks inside the bag. Once frozen, theyre good to eat for about 2 months!
TIPS AND HINTS
- These french toast sticks last about 2 months in the freezer not that your kids wont gobble them up in the first week like mine do!
- Make sure to get rid of all the air out of the bag before you freeze them. It will keep the french toast sticks from drying out and lengthen their freezer life.
- Cook these on a lightly greased parchment lined baking sheet one inch apart. They will get crispy on the outside and soft on the inside perfect french toast stick combo!
Make Ahead French Toast Sticks
Ingredients
- 12 slices thick sliced bread
- 6 large eggs
- cup half n half
- 1 tbsp vanilla
- 3/4 cup sugar divided
- 1- tsp cinnamon divided
- cup all-purpose flour
- cup butter melted
- 3 cups panko bread crumbs
- Powdered sugar optional
- Warm maple syrup
Instructions
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Cut each slice of bread into 3 strips.
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In a pie plate or medium bowl whisk together eggs, half n half and vanilla. Then add cup of the sugar, tsp of the cinnamon, and flour. Whisk until creamy and smooth with very few lumps if any. Then while whisking, add melted butter in a skinny stream and whisk to combine while pouring. Then whisk 5 seconds longer until well combined.
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In another pie plate mix using a fork to combine panko bread crumbs, remaining cup of the sugar and remaining 1 tsp of cinnamon.
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Dip each bread strip first into the egg batter, getting both sides, then lay into the crumb mixture, turning to coat both sides. You may need to sprinkle the mixture as well to make sure each piece is well-coated.
Make it Now
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Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Place french toast sticks after dipping and battering on a lightly greased parchment lined baking sheet one inch apart.
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Bake for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown on the edges.
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Let cool 2 minutes, then serve with a sprinkling of powdered sugar and a little maple syrup for dipping.
Make it a Freezer Meal
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Place a rack set inside of a baking sheet to set the sticks on for freezing.
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Place each dipped and coated stick on the rack in the baking sheet, not touching. Flash freeze by placing rack/baking sheet into the freezer for 30-45 minutes or until they are frozen.
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Transfer the frozen sticks to labeled gallon sized freezer safe bags, careful not to squish them by piling too many inside at once. Seal bags, removing as much air as possible and freeze.
Cook from Frozen
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Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Place frozen french toast sticks on a lightly greased parchment lined baking sheet one inch apart. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown on the edges.
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Let cool 2 minutes, then serve with a sprinkling of powdered sugar and a little maple syrup for dipping.
Notes
Nutrition
MORE BREAKFAST IDEAS?
- Breakfast Bowl Recipe {Freezer Meal}
- Make Ahead Freezer Friendly Gluten Free Breakfast Sandwiches
- Baked Blueberry Oatmeal
- Basic Muffin Recipe (With Variations!)
- Vanilla Orange Custard Freezer French Toast
- Bisquick Recipe Copycat
- Homemade Blueberry Lemon Sweet Rolls
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