5 Ingredient Make Ahead French Toast Sticks

I've been eating challah French toast since I can remember, and now I've been making it for my kiddos since they could hold a tiny piece in their little hands. But the other day it hit me, why keep making full slices when they actually love them best cut into sticks? These make-ahead French toast sticks are the answer.

They're perfectly portioned for syrup-dipping, great for grab-and-go mornings, and honestly, they double as a fun lunch box twist when you need to shake things up. When you want an on-the-go version of my Hawaiian Roll French Toast Casserole or Challah French Toast, this recipe has you covered.

Parents love these because you can make a big batch in one go, stash them in the freezer, and skip the store-bought stuff. And the kids? Mine gobble these up every time I make 'em.

 

Ingredients You'll Need

• Thick bread: I used brioche, but challah, Texas toast, or even thick cut cinnamon bread works great. You're going for sticks about 1 inch wide, so thicker slices are better.
• Milk: Use whatever you've got, whole milk, oat milk, almond milk. They all work!
• Cinnamon Sugar: You can mix it right into the custard and/or roll the cooked sticks in it for a twist that tastes like a cinnamon donut. So good!
• Vanilla: Adds that cozy, classic French toast flavor.

Step by Step Directions

Mom Hack: Let the bread sit out a bit and get a little stale.  Or cut the bread up the night before and leave the bag open. The slightly stale bread will soak up the custard without turning soggy.

Other cooking methods:

• Bake the French toast sticks if you are doing a big batch, it's a time save for sure! Bake at 375°F for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway.
• Air Fry to bake or reheat them. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F. Place frozen French toast sticks in a single layer in the basket watching making sure they don't get  overcrowded. Air fry for 5-6 minutes, flipping halfway through. Let cool slightly before serving (they'll be hot and crispy)!

Variations & Dipping Ideas

• Cinnamon-Sugar or Powdered Sugar: Rolling them in cinnamon sugar makes them feel like a sweet treat and drenching in powdered sugar makes them a full on dessert experience.
• Crunchy Cereal-Coated Twist: Roll the dipped sticks in crushed cornflakes or other crushed cereal before cooking, think French toast meets crunchy cereal bar.
• Fruit Sauce: Dip into old fashioned applesauce (our current fav) or mix a handful of frozen berries or frozen blueberry puree with a splash of orange juice. Microwave until bubbly, then mash with a fork for a quick berry-citrus drizzle.
• Yogurt Dips: Yogurt mixed with a little honey rounds out a delish breakfast.
• Nut Butters: Warm up your favorite peanut butter or almond butter and dip away.
• Maple Syrup Butter: Melt a little butter and combine with maple syrup and drizzle over the top for a classic French toast pairing.

Make‑Ahead Strategy for Busy Mornings

Because French toast sticks are easy to make and freeze ahead of time, you'll want to keep these tricks up your sleeve for the best result.

• Flash Freeze on a cooling rack: Once the french toast sticks are cooked and cooled, spread the sticks on a cooling rack and pop the whole thing in the freezer for 30-60 minutes. This keeps them from sticking together when stored.
• Pack & Store: Transfer frozen sticks into zip-top freezer bags or containers. Label with the date-these hold up great in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• Reheating Tips for Microwave, Toaster, Oven, Air-Fryer: Microwave for 30-60 seconds if you're in a rush. For crispy edges, go with the toaster or air-fryer at 350°F for about 5 minutes. Need a whole tray? Pop them in the oven for 10 minutes.

More Simple Breakfast Ideas

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