These crunchy baked French toast sticks elevate classic French toast to an entirely new, delicious level! Effortless to prepare, they are destined to become a beloved breakfast staple in your home. Enjoy a satisfying crisp exterior and a wonderfully soft interior with every bite.

Crunchy Baked French Toast Sticks: Your New Favorite Breakfast Treat!

In today’s busy world, finding creative ways to enjoy our time in the kitchen, even with seemingly endless hours at home, often leads us back to the simple joys. While elaborate baking projects like complex pies, artisanal breads, or multi-layered cakes might tempt us, sometimes the mental energy (or specific ingredient availability) required points us straight to the fastest, easiest recipes. Dishes that can be whipped up in minutes and savored instantly are pure gold.

For those moments when ease is paramount, we often turn to reliable favorites like easy drop biscuits or no-bake dark chocolate granola bites. But recently, a new star has emerged in our kitchen: these incredibly easy and satisfying Crunchy Baked French Toast Sticks. They’ve quickly climbed the ranks to become a top contender for any meal of the day.

Effortless & Irresistible: Why These French Toast Sticks Are a Family Favorite

Let me tell you, my kids absolutely adore these French Toast Sticks. We enjoy them for breakfast, as a quick lunch, for dinner, or even as a delightful snack between meals. What makes them even better? They are so simple to prepare that my children can even make them themselves, fostering a love for cooking and a sense of accomplishment.

There’s an undeniable charm to the lightly sweet, crunchy coating that perfectly complements the soft, fluffy bread inside. This magical combination makes them utterly irresistible. And according to my toughest critics – my kids – these sticks are “waaaay better than just normal French toast.” It’s the delightful texture contrast and the fun stick shape that truly sets them apart, making every bite an exciting experience.

The Joy of Sticks: Fun, Portioned, and Mess-Free

While you could certainly transform an entire slice of bread into a crunchy French toast masterpiece, there’s something undeniably more enjoyable about crafting French toast sticks. Perhaps it’s the influence of spending more time at home, inspiring a craving for novelty and playful presentation. But even when we return to normal routines, I have a strong feeling these delightful sticks will remain a beloved staple.

Not only are they incredibly cute and appealing, especially to younger eaters, but they also offer fantastic portion control. A full slice of French toast can sometimes be too much for little ones, leading to unnecessary waste. Sticks are perfectly sized, making them easy for small hands to manage and reducing mess. Plus, the stick format is ideal for dipping into syrup, jam, or any other favorite topping, adding another layer of fun to the meal.

The Foundation of Flavor: Choosing the Best Bread for Baked French Toast Sticks

The success of these crunchy French toast sticks hinges significantly on your choice of bread. This isn’t the time for flimsy, thin slices that might disintegrate during the dipping process. Trust me, you’ll be quite frustrated if your bread falls apart before it even makes it to the coating!

Instead, opt for a loaf that is soft yet sturdy. The type of bread – be it white or whole wheat – is less important than its texture and thickness. A good, hearty bread will hold up beautifully, ensuring a perfect soft interior once baked.

Recommended Bread Varieties:

• Store-bought options: Look for Texas Toast or any other brand offering thick-sliced bread. These varieties are specifically designed to absorb liquid without becoming overly soggy and maintain their shape during cooking.
• Homemade options: If you enjoy baking, our perfect white sandwich bread or classic homemade French bread recipes are excellent choices. As you can see in some of the accompanying pictures, I often use the white sandwich bread recipe, sliced thick, for consistently fantastic results.

Aim for bread slices that are approximately 1-inch thick. This thickness is ideal for achieving that coveted soft interior without being overly dense. For this particular recipe, you’ll need about 4-5 slices, but feel free to easily double or triple the recipe to feed a larger crowd or prepare extra for later. Once you have your thick slices, cut each one into three uniform sticks. If your loaf has an irregular shape, don’t hesitate to adjust and cut into halves or fourths – the goal is simply to end up with bread rectangles perfect for dipping and baking.

Crafting the Irresistible Crunch: The Dipping and Coating Process

Once your bread is perfectly sliced, it’s time for the magical transformation. Gently dip each bread stick into the egg mixture. The key here is a quick dip on both sides – you want the bread to absorb just enough of the liquid to become flavorful and moist, but not so much that it becomes overly saturated and risks falling apart. A swift “dippy-do” is all it takes to prepare the bread for its crunchy coat.

Immediately after dipping, press the egg-coated bread into the star of our show: the cornflake mixture. This special coating is made from:

• Coarsely crushed cornflakes
• A touch of light brown sugar for sweetness
• Ground cinnamon, for an optional hint of warmth and spice
• Melted salted butter, binding it all together and adding richness

I recommend crushing the cornflakes just enough to break them into coarse pieces, rather than fine crumbs. This ensures maximum texture, delivering that delightful buttery, sweet crunch we’re aiming for. Turn the bread sticks to coat all sides evenly. If you find the cornflakes aren’t sticking perfectly, don’t worry! Simply sprinkle the coating mixture onto the bread with your fingers and gently press it into place. This hands-on approach guarantees every inch is covered in delicious crispiness.

Baking to Golden Perfection: Achieving that Ideal Crispy-Soft Balance

Now for the final step: baking! Arrange your beautifully coated French toast sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet and slide them into the preheated oven. You’ll bake them until they reach a gorgeous golden-brown hue and are no longer soggy in the middle. Of course, unless you have an unconventional preference for soggy bread, in which case we might need to have a friendly discussion about toast preferences! 😉

Seriously, though, while the bread will remain wonderfully soft on the inside after baking, it should not be excessively wet. If you avoid over-soaking the bread in the egg mixture initially, you’ll achieve that perfect balance. A good indicator that your French toast sticks are fully cooked is a slight puffing in the center, signifying that the egg mixture has cooked all the way through, creating a light and airy texture within the crunchy shell.

Serving Suggestions: Elevate Your French Toast Sticks Experience

These adorable and utterly delicious crunchy baked French toast sticks are incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. They are fantastic on their own, but a few simple additions can transform them into an even more delightful treat.

• Classic Dusting: A light dusting of powdered sugar is a timeless choice, adding a subtle sweetness and elegant finish.
• Syrup Sensation: A generous drizzle of your favorite maple syrup is always a winner. Warm it slightly for an extra touch of indulgence.
• Fresh Fruit Fiesta: Pair them with a vibrant medley of fresh berries like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries. Sliced bananas or peaches also make excellent companions, adding natural sweetness and a refreshing contrast.
• Fruity Spreads: Explore different jams or fruit preserves. A dollop of strawberry jam, apricot preserve, or even lemon curd can add a burst of flavor.
• Decadent Dips: For a truly decadent experience, a smear of Nutella is an absolute must-try! Peanut butter, almond butter, or even a cream cheese glaze also work wonderfully.
• Savory Twist: For those who enjoy a sweet and savory combo, serve them alongside crispy bacon or sausage links.

The options are truly wide open! Whether you’re planning a special weekend breakfast, a quick weeknight “breakfast for dinner,” or simply looking for an easy, totally doable, and quick baking project, these French toast sticks might just be the recipe you never knew you needed. They’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings smiles to faces, no matter the occasion.

Tips for Success & Variations

• Make Ahead: You can prepare the crunchy coating mixture a day in advance and store it in an airtight container. This saves time on busy mornings.
• Freezing Leftovers: Cooked and cooled French toast sticks freeze beautifully. Lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Reheat in a toaster oven or microwave for a quick meal.
• Spiced Up: Experiment with adding other spices to the cornflake mixture, such as a pinch of nutmeg, cardamom, or even a touch of pumpkin pie spice for a seasonal twist.
• Different Cereals: While cornflakes provide the signature crunch, you can try other cereals like finely crushed plain O-shaped cereal or even cinnamon-sugar cereal for a different flavor profile.
• Sweetener Options: Instead of brown sugar, a little maple sugar or granulated sugar can be used in the coating.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use stale bread for French toast sticks?

Yes, slightly stale bread works wonderfully for French toast! It tends to absorb the egg mixture better without becoming soggy, leading to a firmer, more satisfying texture.

How can I prevent the cornflake coating from burning?

Keep a close eye on the French toast sticks, especially towards the end of the baking time. If your oven tends to bake hot, or if the cornflakes are very finely crushed, they might brown quickly. If needed, you can tent the pan loosely with foil.

Can I make these in an air fryer?

Absolutely! An air fryer is excellent for achieving extra crispiness. Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for about 8-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and cooked through. Cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer model.

What’s the best way to reheat French toast sticks?

For best results, reheat in a toaster oven or a regular oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through and crispy again. You can also use an air fryer. Microwaving is possible, but they won’t be as crispy.

Crunchy Baked French Toast Sticks

Yield:

15
French toast sticks

Prep Time:

20
mins

Cook Time:

15
mins

Total Time:

35
mins

4.73 stars (116 ratings)

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Ingredients

Crunchy Coating:

• 3
  cups
  cornflakes
• 2
  tablespoons
  light brown sugar
• ¼
  teaspoon
  ground cinnamon,
  optional
• 2
  tablespoons
  salted butter,
  melted

Egg Mixture:

• 4
  large eggs
• ⅓
  cup
  milk or half and half
• ¼
  teaspoon
  vanilla extract

French Toast:

• 4-5
  thick slices of bread (see note)
• Powdered sugar,
  for dusting
• Syrup or fresh fruit,
  for serving

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line a half sheet pan with parchment paper and set aside.
2. For the crunchy coating, place the cornflakes in a gallon size ziploc bag, seal, and lightly crush with your hands (or a rolling pin) until the cornflakes are in coarse pieces. Add the brown sugar and cinnamon to the bag and shake until combined. Add the melted butter and mash/mix until evenly combined. Pour the cornflake mixture into a shallow dish and set aside.
3. For the egg mixture, in a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs, milk (or half and half) and vanilla until well combined.
4. For the bread, cut each slice of bread into thirds. Dip each piece of bread into the egg mixture giving it a quick soak on both sides (don’t overly saturate the bread or it will fall apart).
5. Immediately press the dipped bread into the cornflake mixture, turning to coat all sides and gently pressing the cornflakes into the bread pieces. Place French toast sticks on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake for 15-18 minutes until the cornflakes are golden and the French toast is baked through (if your oven bakes hot, watch closely so the buttery cornflake coating doesn’t burn).
7. Serve warm with a dusting of powdered sugar, syrup, fresh fruit, or however you like to eat your French toast!

Notes

Bread: The bread you use is very adaptable. I like to use thick-sliced bread. Texas toast or another thick-sliced bread would be a good store-bought option. In the pictures, I made this white sandwich bread and cut it into about 1-inch thick slices. This homemade French bread would be a great option as well.

Cornflakes: Don’t crush the cornflakes to super fine crumbs or they can get soggy.

Amounts: Depending on how thick your bread slices are, how long you let the bread soak in the egg mixture, and/or how much topping you pile on, you may have extra egg mixture or cornflake topping OR you may run out a little early. Don’t stress. If you run out, whisk another egg and a little milk together and crush a few more cornflakes. If you have extra, cut a few more slices of bread!

Author:
Mel

Course:
Breakfast

Cuisine:
American

Method:
Bake

Serving:
1
French Toast Stick
,

Calories:
80
kcal
,

Carbohydrates:
10
g
,

Protein:
3
g
,

Fat:
3
g
,

Saturated Fat:
1
g
,

Cholesterol:
48
mg
,

Sodium:
112
mg
,

Fiber:
1
g
,

Sugar:
3
g

Recommended Products

Wire Whisk

Serrated Bread Knife

Cookie Sheet {Half Sheet Pan}

Recipe Source: Adapted from Mel’s Kitchen Cafe

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