If there’s one breakfast I always keep stocked in my freezer, it’s these homemade French toast sticks. I think this is actually my kids favorite breakfast food. Whenever I make a batch, I double it. We freeze the extras, then simply pop a few into the toaster or air fryer in the mornings. They come out tasting just as good as the day I made them, which makes them one of my favorite meal prep breakfasts for kids.
If you’re like me and love having breakfast ready to go, you’ll also love my Homemade Freezer Waffles or Blueberry Breakfast Cake. It’s another easy breakfast I always keep stocked for busy mornings.
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They’re soft on the inside, perfectly golden on the outside, and so much better than the frozen ones from the grocery store.
Whether you’re looking for an easy breakfast for toddlers, a freezer-friendly breakfast for school mornings, or simply a homemade version that’s better than store-bought, these French toast sticks are one recipe you’ll come back to again and again.
Why You’ll Love These Homemade French Toast Sticks
- Freezer-friendly and great for meal prep
- Quick and easy breakfast on busy morning
- Made with simple pantry ingredients
- Better than the frozen store-bought version
- Easy for little hands to hold and dip
As a mom, I know mornings can feel rushed. Having a freezer stocked with homemade breakfasts has made our mornings so much easier
Ingredients You’ll Need
Thick-cut brioche bread: My favorite for a soft, buttery center and perfectly golden edges. Challah or Texas toast also work well.
Whole eggs + egg yolks: The extra yolks create a rich, custardy texture.
Whole milk & heavy whipping cream: Using both gives the French toast a creamy, restaurant-style flavor.
Maple syrup or Brown sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness.
Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and enhances the custard.
Almond extract: My secret ingredient! Just a splash adds an amazing bakery-style flavor.
Ground cinnamon & freshly grated nutmeg: The perfect cozy spice combination.
Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
How to Make French Toast Sticks at Home
Making homemade French toast sticks is easier than you might think. Here’s a quick overview before you head to the full recipe card.
Step 1: Prep the bread
If using a whole loaf of brioche, slice it into thick slices. Arrange the bread on a baking sheet and bake at 300°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until it’s lightly dried out. If you’re using pre-sliced brioche or Texas toast, you can toast it the same way. Drying the bread slightly helps it soak up the custard without becoming soggy.
Step 2: Make the custard
In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, egg yolks, milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, vanilla, almond extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
Step 3: Dip the bread
Dip each French toast stick into the custard, coating all sides. Let any excess drip off before transferring to the skillet.
Step 4: Cook until golden
Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Cook the French toast sticks for 2–3 minutes per side, turning until all sides are golden brown and the center is cooked through.
Step 5: Cool and slice
Transfer the French toast to a wire rack and let it cool completely. Once cooled, use a sharp knife or kitchen scissors to slice each piece into 3–4 French toast sticks.
Tips for Making the best French Toast Sticks
I’ve tested French toast a lot over the years, and a few small changes make all the difference. If you want French toast sticks that are rich, flavorful, and never soggy, don’t skip these tips.
Start with thick-cut brioche bread
Brioche is my favorite bread for French toast because it’s buttery, soft, and sturdy enough to soak up the custard without falling apart. Thick slices also give you that fluffy center while still getting golden on the outside.
If you can find day-old brioche or toast it for a few minutes, even better. Slightly stale bread absorbs the custard more evenly and holds its shape while cooking.
Use a rich custard
The custard is what gives French toast its flavor, so don’t settle for just eggs and milk.
I use a combination of whole eggs, egg yolks, milk, and heavy cream for an extra rich, custardy texture. Then I add vanilla, cinnamon, freshly grated nutmeg, a tiny splash of almond extract, brown sugar, and just a pinch of salt.
Let the bread soak but not too long
Give each stick a few seconds in the custard so it has time to absorb the mixture. You want every piece coated, but not sitting in the bowl long enough to become soggy.
Cook low and slow
One of the biggest mistakes is cooking French toast over high heat. A medium-low skillet or griddle gives the inside enough time to cook through while creating a nice golden crust on the outside.
Double the batch for easy meal prep
Whenever i’m already making French toast, I always double the recipe. The extras freeze really well. Just reheat the in the toaster, air fryer, or oven, and they’re ready in minutes. . These are great for school morning, slow weekend or those days when your kids are demanding breakfast as soon as they are awake.
Best Bread for French Toast Sticks
The best bread for homemade French toast sticks is brioche. It’s soft, buttery, slightly sweet, and sturdy enough to soak up the custard without falling apart.
If possible, use bread that’s a day or two old, or lightly toast fresh slices in the oven before dipping them in the custard. Slightly dried bread absorbs the custard better, which helps prevent soggy French toast.
If you don’t have brioche on hand, these breads also work well:
- Challah: Rich
- Texas Toast:
- French Bread
- Sourdough
Storage and Reheating
These homemade French toast sticks are one of my favorite freezer breakfasts because they reheat beautifully.
Refrigerator: Store leftover French toast sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Once the French toast sticks have cooled completely, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1–2 hours. Transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months.
How to Reheat
- Toaster: Toast until heated through and lightly crisp
- Air Fryer: Reheat at 350°F for 3–5 minutes until warm and crispy. I generally reheat ours in the Ninja Crispi
- Oven: Bake at 350°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Microwave: Heat in 20–30 second intervals until warmed through. While it’s the quickest option, the French toast won’t be as crisp.
Tip: There’s no need to thaw them first. Reheat straight from the freezer for a quick and easy breakfast.
Kid-Friendly Serving Ideas
These French toast sticks are delicious on their own, but I like to pair them with a few simple sides to make breakfast a little more balanced and filling.
Here are some of our favorite combinations:
- Fresh berries, sliced bananas, or mandarin oranges
- Scrambled eggs, egg muffins, or hard-boiled eggs for extra protein
- Turkey sausage or chicken breakfast sausage
- Greek yogurt with a drizzle of honey
- Cottage cheese and fresh fruit
- A smoothie or homemade yogurt smoothie
- Peanut butter, almond butter, or sunflower butter for dipping
- Warm maple syrup or a side of vanilla yogurt for dipping
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze french toast sticks?
Yes! French toast sticks freeze beautifully. Let them cool completely, then freeze them in a single layer before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months.
Do I have to toast the bread first?
I highly recommend it, especially if you’re using fresh brioche. Lightly drying the bread in the oven helps it absorb the custard without becoming soggy.
How do I keep French toast from getting soggy
Use slightly stale or lightly toasted bread, don’t soak it in the custard for too long, and cook over medium-low heat so the center has time to cook through.
Can toddlers eat French toast sticks?
Yes! They’re a great finger food for toddlers. Simply cut them into age-appropriate pieces and serve with fruit, yogurt, or another favorite breakfast side. Be sure to serve them in a way that’s appropriate for your child’s age and chewing ability.
What is the best way to reheat french toast sticks?
For the best texture, reheat them in the toaster or air fryer until warm and lightly crisp. They can also be reheated in the oven or microwave if you prefer.
Can I serve these with anything besides syrup?
Yes, my girls love dipping them in vanilla yogurt or my healthy fruit dip for a fun breakfast.
More Easy Breakfast Meal Prep Recipes
Homemade Mini Waffles for Kids
DID YOU MAKE THESE FRENCH TOAST STICKS?
If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear what your kid thinks! Leave a comment below and give the recipe a star rating. It really helps other parents find this recipe, and I read every single comment. Follow along @eatwell.withlex for more delicious recipes!
Easy Homemade French Toast Sticks
Equipment
- Kitchen scissors
- Large bowl
Ingredients
- 8 slices thick-cut brioche bread
- 2 large eggs
- 2 egg yolks
- ¾ cup whole milk
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
- 1½ tablespoons brown sugar
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon almond extract
- 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons butter for cooking
- For Serving Optional
- Maple syrup
- Fresh berries
- Powdered sugar
- Fruit dip
Instructions
Prep the bread
- Arrange the brioche slices on a baking sheet and bake at 300°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re lightly dried out. If you’re using a whole loaf of brioche, slice it first. This quick step helps the bread soak up the custard without becoming soggy.
Make the custard
- In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, egg yolks, milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, vanilla, almond extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth.
Dip the bread
- Dip each slice of brioche into the custard, coating both sides. Let any excess drip off before transferring to the skillet.
Cook until golden
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Cook each slice for 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and the center is fully cooked.
Cool and slice
- Transfer the French toast to a wire rack and let it cool completely. Once cooled, use a sharp knife or kitchen scissors to slice each piece into 3–4 French toast sticks. Enjoy right away, or freeze.
Freeze (if meal prepping)
- Freeze the sticks in a single layer first, then transfer them to a freezer bag. This keeps them from sticking together so you can grab just what you need.
Notes
- Use brioche for the best flavor and texture. Challah or thick-cut Texas toast are great substitutes.
- Don’t skip drying the bread. Lightly toasting it first helps prevent soggy French toast.
- Cook over medium-low heat so the custard cooks through before the outside browns.
- Cool before slicing for cleaner, sturdier French toast sticks.
Storage
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. To freeze, cool completely, then freeze the French toast sticks in a single layer before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.Reheating
- Toaster: Toast until heated through and lightly crisp.
- Air Fryer: 350°F for 3–5 minutes.
- Oven: 350°F for 8–10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in 20–30 second intervals until warm.
