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French toast sticks are one of those breakfasts that just feel fun. They’re crispy, dippable, and way more exciting than a regular slice of French toast—especially for kids. The best part? You can make them at home with simple ingredients in just minutes.
If you’ve ever relied on frozen French toast sticks, this homemade version is about to become your new favorite. They’re soft and custardy inside, golden on the outside, and perfect for dunking in syrup, powdered sugar, or even a little chocolate sauce.
In high school local fast food places started pushing “French toast sticks” and I’ll tell you what, half the student body rolled in every morning with them. I was from an eat-at-home family so I never indulged which means I just had to make it happen for my own kids to relive my childhood.
What are French Toast Sticks?
French toast sticks are sort of like giant French toast French fries. They are long, thin pieces of bread that are dipped in an egg mixture and baked so that you can pick them up and dip them. They are often deep fried, but we just bake ours which makes them a little healthier. Kids go wild for French toast sticks!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Kid-Friendly: These are made for little hands and big appetites. The dippable sticks and crispy coating make breakfast feel fun (and yes, kids actually get excited about these).
Pantry-Friendly: Everything in this recipe is simple and easy to find—no special ingredients, just basics you probably already have on hand.
Make-Ahead Friendly: French toast sticks freeze beautifully, making them perfect for busy mornings. Just reheat and breakfast is done.
Better Than Frozen: These homemade French toast sticks taste fresher, crispier, and way more flavorful than anything from the freezer aisle.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Cornflakes: Crushed cornflakes create a crispy, golden coating that gives these French toast sticks their signature crunch.
- Light Brown Sugar: Adds gentle sweetness and a touch of caramel flavor that pairs perfectly with cinnamon and syrup.
- Cinnamon: Brings warm spice and classic French toast flavor to the coating.
- Unsalted Butter: Helps the coating crisp up while adding rich, buttery flavor.
- Eggs: Form the custardy base that coats the bread and gives the French toast its soft interior.
- Milk: Thins the egg mixture and adds creaminess for a tender, fluffy texture.
- Brioche: Soft, slightly sweet bread that soaks up the custard without falling apart.
- Syrup: The ultimate dipping companion, adding sweetness and that classic breakfast finish.
- Powdered Sugar: A light dusting on top for extra sweetness and a pretty finishing touch.
Best Bread for French Toast Sticks
If you can’t find a loaf of Brioche bread, then look for Challah or Texas toast. You want a thick, sturdy bread that will hold up well to the egg mixture and crunchy coating!
How to Make Homemade French Toast Sticks
- Prep: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line a cookie sheet pan with parchment paper.
- Make the Crunchy Coating: Add the cereal, brown sugar and cinnamon to a shallow pan and mix until combined. Add the butter and mix again until evenly combined.
- Make the Egg Mixture: Whisk the eggs and milk together.
- Cut and Dip Bread: Cut each slice of bread into three strips. Dip each piece into the egg mixture on all sides, then into the cereal mixture on all sides.
- Bake: Place all the dipped sticks on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-18 minutes.
- Serve: Serve the sticks hot with syrup and powdered sugar.
Can I Make These in an Air Fryer?
Yes, this recipe works great in the air fryer. Follow the instructions as written and then place in the air fryer preheated to 375°F and cook for 6-10 minutes and flip them half way through.
Dipping Sauces for French Toast Sticks
I honestly love these sticks just dusted with a little powdered sugar, but the whole point of the sticks is to dip, so dip we must! Dip them in Buttermilk Syrup, Maple Syrup, Chocolate Sauce, Coconut Buttermilk Syrup, Honey or Jam.
Make Ahead, Storing and Reheating
This is a great make-ahead breakfast for those busy mornings. Follow the recipe exactly as written. Let the sticks cool completely and then place in a ziploc bag or a freezer safe container separating layers with parchment paper. They can be stored for up to 2 months.
If you don’t plan to freeze leftovers, they should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and will keep for 2-3 days.
To reheat frozen or refrigerated French toast sticks, I recommend using the oven or the air fryer. For the oven, arrange the frozen sticks in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes (frozen sticks) or 7-8 minutes (refrigerated sticks), or until crispy and heated through.
French toast sticks are proof that breakfast doesn’t have to be complicated to be delicious. Whether you’re making a fun weekend breakfast, feeding a hungry crowd, or stocking your freezer for busy mornings, this recipe checks all the boxes.
More Fun Breakfast Recipes:
Watch How This Recipe is Made…
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