I’ve made challah French toast since I was a kid and now make it for my own little ones. Lately I realized they prefer it as sticks, perfect for dipping and easy for small hands. These make-ahead French toast sticks are portioned for syrup-dipping, great for busy mornings, and a fun change for lunchboxes.
They’re ideal if you want a portable version of a French toast casserole or classic challah French toast. Make a big batch, freeze them, and skip the packaged options. My kids inhale these every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Thick bread: Brioche or challah are ideal, but Texas toast or thick-cut cinnamon bread work too. Cut sticks about 1 inch wide.
- Milk: Whole milk, oat, almond, or your preferred milk.
- Cinnamon sugar: Stir into the custard and/or roll cooked sticks in it for a donut-like finish.
- Vanilla: For that warm, classic flavor.
Step by Step Directions
Mom Hack: Let the bread dry slightly overnight or leave cut pieces in an open bag so they soak the custard without getting soggy.
Slice the bread into 1-inch sticks.
Whisk eggs, milk, cinnamon sugar, and vanilla in a shallow dish to make the custard.
Dip each stick briefly so it soaks through without falling apart.
Cook in a buttered skillet until golden on both sides.
Other cooking methods:
- Bake a large batch at 375°F for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway, to save time.
- Air fry from frozen at 350°F. Arrange in a single layer without crowding and air fry 5–6 minutes, flipping halfway. Let cool briefly before serving.
Variations & Dipping Ideas
- Cinnamon-sugar or powdered sugar: Toss warm sticks in cinnamon sugar or dust with powdered sugar for a sweet finish.
- Cereal-crusted twist: Press dipped sticks into crushed cornflakes or other cereal before cooking for a crunchy coating.
- Fruit sauce: Warm applesauce or mashed berries with a splash of orange juice for a quick fruity dip.
- Yogurt dips: Greek yogurt mixed with a touch of honey makes a tangy, protein-rich dip.
- Nut butters: Warm peanut or almond butter for a rich dipping option.
- Maple butter: Melt butter with maple syrup and drizzle over the sticks for a classic pairing.
Make‑Ahead Strategy for Busy Mornings
These freeze and reheat beautifully. Use these tips for best results.
- Flash freeze: After cooking and cooling, arrange sticks on a cooling rack and freeze 30–60 minutes so they don’t stick together.
- Pack & store: Transfer frozen sticks to zip-top bags or containers, label with the date, and freeze up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Microwave 30–60 seconds for a quick fix. For crisp edges, use a toaster or air fryer at 350°F for about 5 minutes. For a full tray, reheat in the oven for ~10 minutes.
TL;DR
Make-ahead French toast sticks are a kid-friendly, five-ingredient breakfast you can freeze and reheat in minutes. Crispy, dippable, and better than boxed versions.
More Simple Breakfast Ideas
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Passover Rolls (Easy Matzo Meal Sandwich Rolls)
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One Bowl All Bran Muffins (7-Ingredients)
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5-Ingredient Pina Colada Smoothie
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5 Ingredient Make Ahead French Toast Sticks
Did you try this recipe and love it? Leave a comment or a 5-star rating!
📖 Recipe
5 Ingredient Make Ahead French Toast Sticks
Marni Katz
Ingredients
- 1 lb thick sliced bread (Challah or brioche recommended)
- 8 eggs
- 1 ¼ cup milk (any kind)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon-sugar mix
- butter (for cooking)
Instructions
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Slice the bread into 1″ sticks and set aside. Whisk eggs, milk, vanilla, salt, and cinnamon-sugar in a shallow dish to make the custard.
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Heat a large frying pan over medium heat and melt about ½ tablespoon butter. (Tip: run a stick of butter along the pan to quickly melt.)
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Dip sticks into the custard, pressing briefly so they’re coated but not falling apart, then place in the hot pan. Repeat until the pan is full.
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Cook until golden, flip and cook the other side. Repeat melting butter, dipping, and frying until all sticks are done. Roll in cinnamon sugar if desired and serve.
Notes
- Flash freeze: After cooling, place sticks on a rack and freeze 30–60 minutes so they don’t stick together.
- Pack & store: Transfer to freezer bags or containers, label, and freeze up to 3 months.
- Reheating tips: Microwave 30–60 seconds for speed. For crisp edges, use a toaster or air fryer at 350°F for ~5 minutes. For a full tray, reheat in the oven about 10 minutes.
Nutrition
FAQ‘s
Yes—soak the sticks, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Bake in the morning.
Use thick, slightly stale bread, avoid over-soaking, and bake or fry until golden.
Yes—use non-dairy milk (almond, oat, soy) and skip or substitute the butter.