French Toast Sticks Recipe

Bread: Preferably stale, as it absorbs the egg mixture better without becoming too soggy.

Eggs: Acts as a binder and gives the French toast its rich texture.

Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a creamy coating for the bread.

Vanilla extract: Provides a sweet, aromatic flavor that enhances the overall taste.

Cinnamon: Adds a warm, spicy note that complements the sweetness of the dish.

Butter: Used for cooking, it gives the French toast sticks a rich, golden-brown crust.

To ensure your French toast sticks are perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, use stale bread. Fresh bread can become too soggy when dipped in the egg mixture. If you don't have stale bread, you can dry out fresh bread by placing it in a low oven (around 250°F) for about 10 minutes before using.

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

• 4 slices preferably stale bread - Substitute with challah: Challah's soft and airy texture absorbs the egg mixture well, creating a fluffy French toast.

• 2 units eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg. This is a good vegan alternative that helps bind the ingredients.

• 2 units eggs - Substitute with mashed banana: Use ¼ cup of mashed banana per egg. This adds natural sweetness and moisture, making it a good option for those avoiding eggs.

• ½ cup milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk is a dairy-free alternative that works well in the recipe, providing a similar consistency.

• ½ cup milk - Substitute with coconut milk: Coconut milk adds a rich, creamy texture and a subtle coconut flavor, making it a great dairy-free option.

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup adds a natural sweetness and a hint of maple flavor, which complements the French toast.

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract provides a different but pleasant nutty flavor that can enhance the overall taste.

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon - Substitute with nutmeg: Nutmeg offers a warm, slightly sweet flavor that can be a good alternative to cinnamon.

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon - Substitute with pumpkin pie spice: This blend includes cinnamon, nutmeg, and other spices, adding a more complex flavor profile.

• 2 tablespoon for cooking butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil is a dairy-free alternative that provides a slight coconut flavor and works well for cooking.

• 2 tablespoon for cooking butter - Substitute with ghee: Ghee has a high smoke point and a rich, nutty flavor, making it a good alternative for cooking French toast.

• 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 in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Ensure they are not touching each other.
• Freeze the baking sheet for about 1-2 hours, or until the French toast sticks are solid. This step helps to keep them from sticking together.
• Once frozen, transfer the French toast sticks to a resealable plastic freezer bag or an airtight container. Label the bag or container with the date.
• 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 for a few minutes until they are warm and crispy.
• For a quick microwave option, place the French toast sticks on a microwave-safe plate and heat on high for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through. Note that this method may result in a softer texture.
• Serve the reheated French toast sticks with maple syrup, fresh berries, or your favorite toppings for a delightful breakfast treat.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the French toast sticks on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for about 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are heated through and slightly crispy.

• For a quicker method, use a toaster oven. Place the French toast sticks on the rack and toast on medium heat for 3-5 minutes until they are warm and crispy.

• If you're in a hurry, the microwave can be your friend. Place the French toast sticks on a microwave-safe plate and cover them with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 30-60 seconds, checking halfway through to ensure they are heated evenly.

• For an air fryer, preheat to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the French toast sticks in a single layer in the basket. Air fry for 3-4 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until they are warm and crispy.

• On the stovetop, heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of butter or oil to the pan. Place the French toast sticks in the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side until they are heated through and slightly crispy.

• Skillet: A flat-bottomed pan used for cooking the French toast sticks evenly on all sides.

• Mixing bowl: A bowl used to whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon.

• Whisk: A tool used to blend the egg mixture smoothly.

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

• Spatula: Helps in flipping the bread sticks to ensure they are golden brown on all sides.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure the milk accurately.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure the vanilla extract and cinnamon accurately.

• Plate: For serving the French toast sticks once they are cooked.

• Butter knife: Used to spread the butter on the skillet for cooking.

Use stale bread: Stale bread absorbs the egg mixture better, reducing soaking time.

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

Pre-cut bread: Cut the bread into sticks ahead of time and store in an airtight container.

Batch cooking: Cook multiple French toast sticks at once by using a large skillet or griddle.

Freeze leftovers: Make extra and freeze the cooked French toast sticks for a quick breakfast later.