Best French Toast Sticks for a Delicious Morning Treat

I remember the first time I made French toast sticks for my kids. It was one of those chaotic Saturday mornings — the kind where breakfast felt impossible because everyone wanted something different, and I wanted something quick and nourishing. French toast sticks came to the rescue like a little breakfast miracle. The kids loved dipping those crispy toast fingers into syrup, and I loved knowing they were getting a comforting start with some protein and whole grains. Those French toast sticks turned into a weekend staple, a small win in our busy family nutrition routine.

What really surprised me was how this easy breakfast recipe fit right into our wellness goals without the fuss or sugar overload. The cinnamon sugar coating adds just a touch of sweetness without going overboard, so we avoided those sugary cereals or pastries that leave kids crashing before school. Plus, I found that making a batch ahead helped me balance feeding hungry little bodies without the morning rush stress.

If you’re a busy mom juggling school lunches, after-school sports, and dinnertime nutrition wins, French toast sticks might be your new best friend. They’re something the whole family enjoys, and their simple ingredients support steady energy for the day ahead. I’m excited to share how to make these sticks work for your family’s nourishment — without complicated steps or pressure to be perfect. Let’s dive into all the ways French toast sticks make my kitchen feel a little calmer and my mornings a lot more delicious!

(And if you’re interested in other simple ways to feed your crew, check out this pumpkin spice French toast casserole that’s another favorite for busy mornings.)


INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:

Here’s the straightforward ingredient list for French toast sticks — because busy moms need nutrition that’s simple, not overwhelming.

  • 4 large eggs – great source of protein and vitamins to keep little brains focused
  • 1 cup milk (any kind — dairy or plant-based) – adds calcium and moisture for that perfect batter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – for a subtle sweet note that kids adore
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – a flavor powerhouse with antioxidants
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt – balances all the flavors just right
  • 6 slices of whole wheat bread (day-old bread works best) – whole grains for lasting energy
  • 2 tablespoons butter or coconut oil – for cooking and adding richness
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar mixed with 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional for cinnamon sugar coating)
Top down view of raw ingredients for French toast sticks including eggs, milk, cinnamon, and bread

No worries if you don’t have whole wheat bread — sprouted grain or even thick-cut sandwich bread works beautifully in this French toast sticks recipe. My family gets extra nutrition when I add a spoonful of ground flaxseed or chia seeds into the egg mixture — a silent fiber and omega-3 kick that sneaks right in!

I find these wholesome ingredients at my regular grocery store, so no need for specialty shopping. For budget-friendly swaps, using regular milk instead of plant-based or simple white bread instead of specialty loaves still keeps things tasty and good for your fam. I like prepping the egg and milk mixture the night before so mornings go smoother — this French toast sticks recipe is a little life-saver on those rushed days.

If you want even more easy breakfast ideas with French toast sticks, you’ll love this easy French toast bake recipe that blends family-friendly flavors into something even quicker.


Let’s Make it Happen!

  1. Cut your bread into sticks. About one-inch-wide strips make the perfect French toast sticks. This is a great task for little helpers!
  2. Whisk eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt. In my busy kitchen, this nutritious French toast sticks batter only takes about 2 minutes to whip up. It’s such a sanity-saving nutrition step.
  3. Dip each bread stick into the batter. Coat all sides well but don’t let them soak too long, or they’ll get soggy. Trust me, I’ve been there — soggy sticks are not what you want!
  4. Heat butter or coconut oil in a skillet over medium heat. This step creates your crispy toast fingers everyone will love. Make sure your pan isn’t too hot to avoid burning the outside before the inside cooks.
  5. Cook the dipped bread sticks in batches. Brown each side until golden and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side. Your kitchen should smell like cozy cinnamon, a sure sign your French toast sticks are nearly done!
  6. Optional step: Toss the cooked French toast sticks in the cinnamon sugar coating for a little extra sweetness. My kids think this step makes breakfast a special treat, and it keeps them asking for more!
  7. Serve immediately with dipping syrup or fresh fruit. If you’re short on time, you can keep leftover French toast sticks warm in the oven set at low heat or freeze extras for busy days ahead.

Here’s a little French toast sticks hack for you — while your sticks are cooking, use the time to prep tomorrow’s lunch or tidy up the breakfast mess. This multitasking trick saved my mornings more times than I can count!

If air frying is your thing, you might want to try this air fryer French toast sticks recipe I found in a great Facebook group — it’s a neat variation that gets the sticks extra crispy without so much butter.


How We Love to Eat This!

Close-up of finished French toast sticks ready to be eaten

My kids devour this nutritious French toast sticks when I serve it with fresh berries and a dollop of Greek yogurt. This combo adds probiotics and vitamin C to keep their immune systems strong along with the protein-packed sticks.

For a fun twist, try pairing French toast sticks with a side of unsweetened applesauce or even a small smoothie. These sides complement the crispy toast fingers with vitamins and hydration. Perfect for quick breakfasts before school or slow weekend mornings when we all have time to sit together.

French toast sticks are great for breakfast-for-dinner nights, especially when combined with scrambled eggs or a side of roasted veggies. It’s a sneaky way to get nourishing foods on the table without a battle.

Leftovers? We turn them into crunchier snack bites by reheating in the oven or toaster and serving with almond butter dipping syrup — a healthy swap I picked up from this amazing cinnamon French toast sticks recipe on RecipeTin Eats.

At family gatherings or brunches, my friends always ask for this French toast sticks recipe. It’s such a crowd-pleaser and an easy way to feed a hungry tribe!

If you want to impress with a comforting French toast casserole version, this recipe is a favorite in our family and super make-ahead friendly: French toast casserole.


FAQs: Your Questions Answered

  • Is this French toast sticks really nutritious enough for growing kids?
    Absolutely. Using whole wheat bread and eggs packs protein, fiber, and essential vitamins kids need. The cinnamon adds antioxidants without sugar spikes.
  • What if my picky eater won’t try this healthy French toast sticks?
    Try serving with a favorite dipping syrup or fruit to encourage tasting. Sometimes, letting kids help make these breakfast sticks makes them more interested in eating them.
  • Can I meal prep this French toast sticks for busy weeks ahead?
    Yes! Cook a big batch, then freeze individual sticks. Reheat in the toaster or oven for quick mornings. This quick save sanity and nourishes without stress.
  • Can I make this French toast sticks gluten-free?
    Definitely. Use gluten-free bread, and your family can still enjoy the crispy toast fingers with all the good nutrition.
  • Is there a dairy-free option for French toast sticks?
    Yes! Swap regular milk with almond, oat, or coconut milk and use coconut oil for cooking. It still tastes incredible and keeps nutrition balanced.
  • How can I make French toast sticks less sugary?
    Skip the cinnamon sugar coating or use a light dusting. Pair with fresh fruit instead of syrup to control sugar intake.
  • Any tips for making this recipe allergy-friendly?
    You can swap eggs for mashed banana mixed with a bit of ground flaxseed to create an egg-free batter. Just make sure to watch cooking times as the texture changes.

Family feedback has shown me how versatile and forgiving French toast sticks are — they fit many nutrition needs while keeping mornings smooth. For more family-friendly breakfast inspiration, check out this Facebook post Your family will be asking for this breakfast on repeat!


Final Thoughts:

French toast sticks have become a cornerstone of my family’s nutrition goals because they combine simple ingredients and real flavor with ease. They’re a comforting, wholesome choice that fuels busy mornings and busy bodies.

Here are My French toast sticks Nutrition Hacks that keep our mornings running smoothly:

  • Add ground flaxseed to the batter for extra fiber and omega-3s.
  • Use cinnamon liberally — it’s a natural flavor booster and antioxidant source.
  • Freeze leftovers for an easy heat-and-eat protein plus whole grain meal.

Our family loves several variations: my son prefers the cinnamon sugar coating, my daughter enjoys French toast sticks with peanut butter dipping syrup, and I like adding a sprinkle of chia seeds into our breakfast sticks for an added nutrition punch.

Don’t hesitate to tweak ingredients to fit your family’s preferences and needs. Creating your own version of French toast sticks can be a little nourishing adventure for your kitchen. Your family deserves simple nutrition you can feel good about serving.

If you want other simple recipes that keep breakfast both healthy and easy, try this pumpkin spice French toast casserole, or this easy French toast bake. And if brunch calls, this make-ahead French toast casserole is a lifesaver.

I hope these French toast sticks bring a little extra calm and a lot of nourishment to your busy mornings. Give it a try — your family will thank you!

  Print

French toast sticks

homemade French toast sticks

French toast sticks are crispy, golden-brown strips of bread soaked in a cinnamon-vanilla custard, perfect for a fun and easy breakfast or snack.

  • Author: Juliette
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Skillet
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 slices thick bread (such as brioche or Texas toast)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • Pinch of salt
  • Butter or oil, for frying
  • Maple syrup, for serving

Instructions

  1. Cut each slice of bread into 3 or 4 strips to form sticks.
  2. In a shallow bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, sugar, and salt.
  3. Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a small amount of butter or oil.
  4. Dip each bread stick into the egg mixture, coating all sides well.
  5. Carefully place the coated sticks on the hot skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
  6. Remove from heat and serve warm with maple syrup for dipping.

Notes

For extra crispiness, sprinkle the sticks with powdered sugar or dip them in a cinnamon sugar mixture before serving.

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