I still remember the first time I made French toast sticks for my kids. It was one of those mornings where the chaos never seemed to end—backpacks everywhere, shoes missing, and the usual scramble for something quick and satisfying. I figured if I could turn our favorite French toast into crispy toast fingers my little ones could dip and munch on happily, breakfast might actually go smoothly for once. To my surprise, those French toast sticks brought a comforting calm to our table. The kids loved dunking them into syrup and their happy chatter filled the kitchen—a true little victory.
Since that morning, French toast sticks have become a cozy staple in our home. Not only do they comfort my family, but they’ve also simplified my morning routine during busy back-to-school weeks. Over time, I’ve learned how to get them just the right level of cinnamon French toast goodness without stressing the kitchen. It turns out, the secret is in the balance of crispy edges and soft centers—all wrapped up in warm, cinnamon flavor that feels like a big hug on a plate.
If you’ve been searching for a simple comfort food solution to brighten those hectic meal moments, French toast sticks could be a happy addition to your recipe lineup. These crispy toast fingers are easy to customize, inviting all kinds of dipping sauces for variety. I’ll share all my little comfort hacks and lessons from the trenches—because moms like us deserve food that satisfies without the overwhelm! Ready to make some love-filled French toast sticks? Let’s dive in together.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Here’s the simple list for making comforting French toast sticks – perfect for busy moms who want a fuss-free breakfast solution!

- 6 slices of thick bread (I love using day-old bread for the best texture. No worries if you don’t have thick slices; regular bread works fine!)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk (Whole milk adds richness, but I often swap in almond milk for a cozy twist.)
- 1 tablespoon sugar (This adds a subtle sweetness—I sometimes skip it if we want a lighter snack)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (This is my family’s favorite part—the heart of that cinnamon French toast flavor!)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Butter or oil for frying (I go for butter for that golden, crispy crust on my French toast sticks.)
You can find all these simple ingredients at your regular grocery store, and they usually hang out in my pantry or fridge. French toast sticks don’t have to be fancy or pricey. This recipe proves delicious doesn’t mean expensive, which is a huge relief for managing my family’s food budget.
Pro tip: For faster prep, I slice the bread into sticks before dipping—it saves time on busy mornings. Kids love when their toast is already the perfect size for dipping. Plus, my crew gets extra comfort when I add a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top after cooking. It feels like a little homemade magic.
Let’s Make it Happen!
Making French toast sticks is easier than it looks, and I’m here to walk you through every cozy step.
- Whisk the eggs, milk, sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt together in a shallow bowl. The mixture should smell amazing—warm, sweet, and inviting. I find this mix is the heart of the flavor and sets the tone for crispy toast fingers that my family adores.
- Slice your bread into thick sticks, about finger-sized for perfect dipping. Hey, no fret if your bread is a little crumbly—French toast sticks are forgiving!
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add butter or oil. The smell of butter sizzling is the perfect cue that your French toast sticks are about to become something special.
- Dip each bread stick into the egg mixture, making sure every side is coated, but don’t soak too long or it will get soggy.
- Place dips on the skillet carefully. This is where I usually multitask—like prepping lunchboxes or catching up on that quick email—because the cooking time is short, usually around 2-3 minutes per side.
- Flip your French toast sticks with care once they’re golden brown underneath. If your sticks look a little darker than you hoped, no worries. We all have those days!
- Once cooked, pop them onto a paper towel to drain any extra butter. The result? Beautifully crispy toast fingers with soft, warm centers.
My family always gives me a thumbs-up here, and I learned fast to make a double batch because they often disappear as soon as they land on the plate. For more crispy breakfast sticks inspiration, check out this French toast sticks recipe.
How We Love to Eat This!
French toast sticks have found their way into our family favorites because they’re flexible and fun to enjoy.
My kids love dipping them in classic maple syrup, but we also throw in fruit compotes or even peanut butter for variety. Dipping sauces can really switch up the flavor and keep things interesting without much extra effort.
They’re a perfect match with fruit sides like berries or banana slices. Not only do these sides add color and nutrients, but the juiciness complements the crispy toast fingers wonderfully. At times, I serve them with yogurt cups for a creamy contrast that the kids adore.
This French toast sticks recipe also shines on birthday breakfasts or lazy weekend brunches when we want something cozy and indulgent without the mess. Even friends who have dropped by have raved about how satisfying and nostalgic these homemade French toast sticks are! If you’re hosting, throwing them on a platter with different dipping sauces always looks inviting.
Leftovers? I freeze any extras and reheat them in the toaster oven for crispiness—it’s a comfort hack that saves mornings when time is tight. For more cozy casserole ideas that echo this French toast comfort, check out our French toast casserole recipe.

FAQs: Your Questions Answered
Is this French toast sticks really filling enough for growing kids?
Absolutely! The combo of eggs, milk, and bread makes for a hearty bite. My kids often ask for second helpings. Pair it with fruit or a protein like yogurt to round out the meal.
What if my picky eater won’t try this French toast sticks?
Try adding a fun dipping sauce they love, like honey or a mild fruit jam. Sometimes cutting the sticks smaller helps, too. My youngest took a few tries before she loved dunking her crispy toast fingers into syrup.
Can I meal prep this French toast sticks for busy weeks ahead?
Yes! Cook a batch and freeze leftovers. Reheat them in a toaster or air fryer for best results. Speaking of air frying, here’s a great air fryer French toast sticks recipe that speeds up mornings without losing comfort.
Can I use gluten-free bread for French toast sticks?
Definitely. My cousin does this and loves the result. Just watch soaking time as gluten-free bread can be a bit more delicate.
Do I have to use cinnamon in the recipe?
Not at all. Cinnamon is our favorite for that classic flavor, but you can skip it or try nutmeg for a different cozy vibe.
What’s the best bread to use for homemade French toast sticks?
Thick, sturdy bread like brioche or challah is ideal for soft centers and crispy edges. Day-old bread works wonders because it soaks up the custard without falling apart.
Are there any budget-friendly ingredient substitutes?
Yup! Use regular white bread instead of brioche. Swap whole milk for whatever you have on hand. Maple syrup can be replaced by a simple honey drizzle or store-bought pancake syrup if you want to save a buck.
Need more family-friendly breakfast fun? This comforting pumpkin spice French toast casserole is a cozy hit for fall mornings.
Final Thoughts:
French toast sticks hold a special place in my kitchen because they bring quick, cozy comfort to our hectic days. My kids asking for “those crispy toast fingers” is enough to remind me that simple comfort food wins every time. My French toast sticks comfort hacks have helped me:
- Prep bread sticks ahead of time so mornings feel less rushed
- Double the cinnamon for a sweet surprise that makes everyone smile
- Freeze leftovers in batches for fast breakfasts during the week
We’ve tried lots of family-tested French toast sticks variations, like adding pumpkin puree in the custard or using flavored dipping sauces. My older kids prefer cinnamon-heavy sticks, while my toddler loves them plain with a side of fruit.
I encourage you to make your own French toast sticks your way. Adjust the flavor, stick size, or dipping sauces—whatever feels like comfort to your family. Meal chaos won’t disappear, but sharing food they love brings a little calm to the storm.
If your family needs warm, satisfying breakfast sticks, French toast sticks are a cozy, sanity-saving choice worth trying. You’ve got this, fellow comfort seekers! For more favorites like this, you might love our French toast bake recipe, perfect for feeding a crowd with minimal fuss.
And if you want some extra inspiration outside the kitchen, here’s an amazing churro French toast sticks recipe that adds a delicious twist to the classic—maybe a fun weekend treat idea for your busy family!
Keep creating those cozy moments. Your homemade French toast sticks will become a beloved comfort tradition—one crispy, cinnamon-scented stick at a time.
French toast sticks
French toast sticks are crispy, golden-brown strips of classic French toast, perfect for dipping in syrup and making a fun breakfast treat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 4 slices of bread (preferably thick-cut)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- Pinch of salt
- Butter or oil for frying
- Maple syrup for serving
Instructions
- Cut each slice of bread into 3–4 sticks.
- In a shallow bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, sugar, and salt until well combined.
- Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat and add butter or oil to coat the surface.
- Dip each bread stick into the egg mixture, ensuring it is fully coated.
- Place the sticks on the skillet and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove from the skillet and keep warm. Repeat with remaining sticks.
- Serve warm with maple syrup for dipping.
Notes
For extra crispiness, sprinkle some powdered sugar on top or serve with fresh fruit on the side.

