French Toast Sticks
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Father’s Day is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than by surprising Dad with a homemade breakfast that feels both fun and indulgent? This week, I’m sharing recipes that are perfect for starting Father’s Day off right—dishes that are hearty, comforting, and just a little extra special. First up on the menu: crispy, golden French Toast Sticks that are guaranteed to make the morning memorable.
I’ve always loved classic French toast, but there’s something about French toast sticks that feels like a treat reserved for special occasions. Maybe it’s the fact that they’re perfectly portioned for dipping, or maybe it’s the irresistible crunch you get from frying them instead of cooking them on a griddle. What really sets this version apart is the coating—it’s not just an egg mixture, but more of a light batter since flour is included. That little twist gives the sticks a crisp exterior while keeping the inside soft and custardy.
Once they’re fried to golden perfection, you’ve got options for serving. You can keep it simple and dip them straight into warm maple syrup, or roll them in a cinnamon-sugar coating for a sweet, churro-like finish. If you go the cinnamon-sugar route, you can skip the syrup altogether since they’re already sweet enough—but in my house, that’s not how it goes. My husband insists on having both the cinnamon-sugar coating and a generous dunk in syrup. Let’s just say his sweet tooth is fully satisfied with this recipe!
Ingredients for French Toast Sticks
- MILK
- FLOUR
- LARGE EGGS
- SUGAR
- BAKING POWDER
- VANILLA EXTRACT
- SALT
- TEXAS-STYLE TOAST
- CANOLA OIL OR VEGETABLE OIL, FOR FRYING
- CINNAMON
Instructions for French Toast Stick RECIPE
Heat the oil – Pour about ¼ inch of oil into a deep skillet or Dutch oven and heat to 350°F (175°C). While the oil heats, prepare the batter and bread.
Make the batter – In a shallow bowl, whisk together the milk, flour, eggs, sugar, baking powder, vanilla, and salt until smooth. The mixture should be slightly thick—almost like a light pancake batter.
Prepare the bread – Cut each slice of bread into 4 equal bread sticks. Set aside.
Optional cinnamon sugar coating -If you’d like to coat the sticks after frying, stir together the sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl and keep it nearby.
Dip and fry – Once the oil is hot, dip each stick of bread quickly into the egg batter, turning to coat. Don’t let the bread soak—just a light coating is perfect. Carefully place the coated sticks into the hot oil. Fry in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the skillet. Cook until golden brown on the bottom, about 3 minutes, then flip and cook the other side until golden.
Drain and coat – Transfer the cooked sticks to a plate lined with paper towels to drain for a minute. If using, roll the warm sticks in the cinnamon sugar mixture for a sweet finish.
Serve – Enjoy the French toast sticks warm, either plain, dusted with cinnamon sugar mix, or dipped in maple syrup. This recipe makes about 48 French toast sticks—perfect for sharing!
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of bread works best for French toast sticks?
Thick, sturdy bread is best—think Texas toast, brioche, or challah. Regular sandwich bread can work, but it may get too soft and fall apart when dipped in the batter.
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes! Arrange the coated sticks on a parchment-lined sheet pan, spray lightly with cooking spray, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway through. They won’t be quite as crispy as fried, but still delicious.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Definitely, you can fry them, let them cool, and then store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to bring back the crispiness.
Do these freeze well?
Yes! Freeze the cooked sticks in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat straight from frozen in the oven or air fryer for a quick breakfast.
Can I skip the cinnamon sugar coating?
Of course. They’re delicious simply dipped in maple syrup, but the cinnamon sugar gives them a churro-like flavor that makes them extra special.
How do I know when the oil is ready for frying?
If you don’t have a thermometer, dip the end of a wooden spoon into the oil—if bubbles form around it, the oil is hot enough. Aim for 350°F (175°C) for best results.
French Toast Sticks
Real Mom Kitchen
Ingredients
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup flour
- 2 eggs
- 2 ½ Tbsp sugar
- 2 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp vanilla
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 loaf Texas-style toast
- canola oil for frying
Optional cinnamon sugar coating
- ¾ cup sugar
- 4 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- Heat 1/4 inch of oil in a deep skillet or dutch oven to 350 degrees.
- In the meantime whisk the milk, flour, eggs, sugar, baking powder, vanilla and salt together in a shallow bowl.
- Cut each piece of bread into 4 pieces.
- If you want to use the cinnamon sugar coating combine the sugar and cinnamon together in a bowl.
- When the oil is heated dip each stick of the bread in the batter, turning quickly to coat. You don’t want to soak the bread, just coat it. Place in the hot oil. Repeat with more of the sticks but don’t overcrowd the skillet. Cook until golden brown on the bottom side, about 3 minutes, then flip and cook the second side.
- Transfer the cooked sticks to a paper towel lined plate and let them sit for a minute to drain while you add another batch to the oil. Then roll the cooked sticks in the cinnamon sugar if desired. Serve warm and with syrup if desired. Makes 48 french toast sticks.
Nutrition
This recipe is adapted from Our Best Bites Cookbook.
