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Craving a delicious, crispy breakfast that’s both easy to make and utterly irresistible? Look no further than this baked French toast sticks recipe! Featuring a golden, crunchy exterior and a soft, fluffy inside, these homemade French toast sticks are perfect for dipping into syrup or your favorite sauce. And since they’re baked in the oven, not fried, you can get all the crispy goodness with less fuss!

Overhead photo of 13 homemade French toast sticks garnished with fresh blueberries and maple syrup on a serving board.

Table of Contents

About this French toast sticks recipe

If you’re looking for a breakfast that delivers both comfort and convenience, these homemade baked French toast sticks are the answer. With their irresistible golden-brown crunch on the outside and soft, fluffy center, they offer the perfect balance of textures. The best part? They’re baked, not fried, making them an easier, mess-free alternative to classic French toast. With a scattering of cinnamon, a sprinkle of nutmeg, and a dash of vanilla, each bite is bursting with delicious flavor, creating a satisfying breakfast that’s just as tasty as it is simple to prepare.

But, what makes this baked french toast stick recipe truly special is its ease of preparation. Unlike traditional French toast, which is time-consuming when making individual servings, these French toast sticks in the oven allow you to serve a large group effortlessly. They’re ideal for feeding a hungry crowd during holiday entertaining, weekend gatherings, or even as a fun snack for kids.

As for serving, dish them up with pancake syrup, fresh berries, whipped cream, or your favorite dipping sauces, tailoring them to everyone’s tastes. Whether you’re entertaining a crowd or treating your family to a weekend breakfast, this fuss-free version of French toast is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection!

If you’re looking for more toast recipes, be sure to check out these delicious recipes next: Cinnamon and Sugar Toast, Avocado Eggs Toast, and Whipped Ricotta Blueberry Toast.

Why you should make this recipe

  • Crispy Perfection! The key to getting these crunchy French toast sticks just right is drying out the bread and baking them just right to create that perfectly golden color and irresistible crispy, crunchy texture you love.
  • Simple and Quick! No more standing over a hot stove, this homemade French toast sticks recipe is incredibly easy to make. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you’ll have breakfast ready in no time.
  • Less Mess, Less Fuss! Unlike traditional French toast, which is pan fried on the stovetop, these French toast sticks homemade are baked on a sheet pan, making cleanup a breeze. You don’t have to worry about butter and grease splattering all over the place – woohoo!
  • Totally Customizable! You can easily adjust the seasonings, add flavoring ingredients like Grand Mariner, or even add toppings like powdered sugar, fresh berries, or whipped cream to elevate your crispy French toast sticks experience. Unlike some fast food places, you can truly “have it your way”!
Overhead photo of hearty white sandwich bread, milk, large eggs, a pat of butter, brown sugar, and seasonings neatly arranged on a kitchen counter.

Ingredients for homemade french toast sticks

  • White Sandwich Bread. Choose thick slices of hearty white bread, such as thick-cut sandwich bread, Texas toast, or challah, to unsure the sticks hold their shape and texture during the soaking process. Day-old bread works best as it absorbs the egg mixture without becoming too soggy. But, you’ll be drying the bread out in the oven before cutting it into sticks, so don’t worry too much if you only have fresh bread.
  • Large Eggs. Eggs create a rich, custardy texture and help the French toast sticks “set” during baking. In this recipe, you’ll be using 2 whole egg yolks for richness and just one whole egg for binding. Using more yolks gives the French toast a richer, less eggy flavor.
  • Half and Half. This cream product adds creamy richness to the egg mixture. Swap: Whole milk will give you a less rich, mild flavor, while heavy cream will give you a sweeter, richer flavor.
  • Light Brown Sugar. Brown sugar adds a subtle molasses flavor and a mild sweetness to the eggs and butter custard. Plus it caramelizes slightly during baking, giving the French toast sticks a lovely crunch.
  • Unsalted Butter. Butter makes everything better. You’ll need it for greasing the baking sheet and adding richness to the egg custard. Swap: Salted butter works as well, just reduce the salt.
  • Pure Vanilla Extract. Vanilla extract brings an aromatic, warming sweetness to the French toast party. Be sure to use pure vanilla (not imitation) for the best flavor.
  • Seasonings – Ground Cinnamon, Ground Nutmeg, and Kosher Salt. For warming flavor.

Recipe variations

  • Grand Marnier French Toast Sticks. This version is my personal favorite – especially during the holidays. Simply add a splash or two of Grand Marnier to the egg mixture to infuse your crunchy French toast sticks with rich, citrusy flavor.
  • Cinnamon Sugar Coated French Toast. Immediately after baking, sprinkle a mixture of cinnamon and sugar over the warm toast sticks for an added layer of sweetness and crunch.
  • Chocolate Chip French Toast Sticks. Carefully sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the soaked bread slices before baking for an indulgent breakfast.
  • Savory French Toast Sticks. Skip the sugar, vanilla, and warming seasonings. Instead, season the egg custard with salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, grated parmesan cheese, and minced fresh herbs like parsley for a savory experience.
  • Vegan French Toast Sticks. Substitute the eggs with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water), use a plant-based milk (like almond or oat milk), and replace the butter with a non-dairy alternative.
  • Caramel French Toast Sticks. Drizzle warm salted caramel sauce over the baked French toast sticks or simply dip them in the sauce.
Overhead photo of three sticks of bread soaking in egg custard.

How to make french toast sticks in the oven

Perfectly sweet and beautifully flavorful, you’ll never guess that this recipe for French toast sticks is also super-easy to make too! Here’s how:

  1. Dry Bread in Oven. Place slices of bread onto a wire rack set on a baking sheet. Then, place the bread into a 300-degree oven and bake for 11-13 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until bread is dry throughout.
  2. Cut Bread into Sticks. Use a sharp serrated knife to cut each slice of bread into thirds – widthwise – to make sticks.
  3. Make Egg Custard. In a large shallow dish, whisk together the egg yolks, whole egg, milk, brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and kosher salt.
  4. Pre-Heat Pan in Oven. Place a sheet pan into a 400-degree oven and let it heat for 10-20 minutes.
  5. Soak Bread Sticks. Dip each stick of bread into the egg mixture, giving it a quick dip and soak, then flipping it over and repeat.
  6. Butter Hot Baking Pan, Add Soaked Toast. Carefully remove the hot rimmed baking sheet from the oven and grease the pan with a tablespoon of butter. Next, add the soaked bread slices to the baking sheet.
  7. Bake French Toast in Oven. Place the French toast sticks into the oven and bake for 8-11 minutes, or until the bottom of each stick of bread is a deep golden color.
  8. Flip, Continue to Bake the Toast. Remove the French toast sticks from the oven and use a spatula to flip each piece over. Return the bread to the oven and continue to bake until the bread is beautifully golden all over, about 5-8 minutes.
  9. Serve. Transfer the oven baked French toast sticks to a serving platter. Dust with powdered sugar and drizzle with pure maple syrup or pancake syrup. Serve with fresh fruit and enjoy!

Expert chef tips for the best success!

  • Use Thick-Cut Bread for Structure. Choose thick slices of sturdy bread like a hearty white sandwich loaf, challah, brioche, or Texas toast-style bread for your French toast sticks. Thick bread slices have more structure and hold up better during the soaking and baking process. 
  • Dry Out the Bread First. Drying out the bread in the oven prevents it from becoming soggy when soaked in the custard. The drier bread absorbs the egg mixture more evenly, creating a sturdier texture that crisps up beautifully when baked.
  • Use Real Butter for Better Flavor and Texture. Use unsalted butter for greasing the baking sheet and for adding flavor to the custard mixture.
  • Ensure Even Coating with Custard. Dip each slice of bread evenly into the custard mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. And be sure to let any excess drip off before placing the slices on the parchment paper.
  • Preheat the Baking Sheet for Maximum Crunch. Heating the baking sheet and adding butter before placing the bread on it ensures a crispy, golden bottom from the moment the sticks hit the pan. This technique promotes even cooking and enhances the crunchiness.
  • Flip Halfway Through for Even Crispness. Flipping ensures that both sides of the French toast sticks get equally golden and crispy, creating a uniform texture throughout.
  • Avoid Overcrowding the Baking Sheet. Place the French toast sticks in a single layer with a little space between each one on the sheet pan. Space ensures that the hot air can circulate around them evenly, leading to better browning and crisping. 
  • Serve Immediately for Maximum Crispy, Crunch. Be sure to serve your French toast sticks fresh from the oven, while they’re still hot, as the crispy exterior will soften over time. 
Close-up photo of crispy, crunchy French toast sticks drizzled with maple syrup.

FAQs: frequently asked questions

Why choose baked french toast sticks over fried?

Baking French toast sticks in the oven has several benefits. Not only does it create a healthier option by reducing the amount of oil or butter used, but it also gives you the same crispy texture as frying, with a fraction of the hassle and mess. Plus, since they’re simply baked in the oven, you can make a larger batch at once. They’re perfect for feeding a crowd and or hungry bellies.

How do I make French toast sticks crispy in the oven?

There’s a few tricks to getting crispy French toast sticks in the oven:

  • Dry out the slices of bread in the warm oven before cutting them into sticks and soaking in the custard. Day-old bread is great, but if you’re looking for crispy, crunchy French toast sticks, you’ll want to dry out the bread in the oven as well. Basically, the drier the bread, the sturdier the texture will be.
  • Preheat your baking sheet at 400°F while you’re making the egg custard. Once the sheet is hot, add a pat of butter before placing the bread sticks on it. This starts that crispy, golden exterior process from the very beginning of baking.
  • Don’t overcrowd the pan, and flip the sticks halfway through baking for even crispness.

How do I prevent my homemade French toast sticks from being soggy?

To prevent soggy homemade French toast sticks, be sure to follow the tips directly above and toast the fresh bread slices before soaking them in the custard. Additionally, ensure you don’t soak the bread too long – just 6 to 8 seconds per side. And after dipping, allow the excess custard liquid to drip off of the sticks before baking.

Can I use a different type of milk for this recipe?

Absolutely. You can substitute the half-and-half or whole milk with any plant-based milk product, such as almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk for a dairy-free version. Just make sure to use the same amount. And if you like extra richness, you can opt for coconut milk.

What can I do to make my French toast sticks in the oven extra flavorful?

This is such a great and easy recipe to play around with. Below are some ideas to help inspire:

  • To easily elevate the flavor, try adding a splash Grand Marnier or Egg Nog to the egg mixture.
  • And, you can also experiment with different spices, like pumpkin spice and apple pie spice for a seasonal flair.
  • Or, for a sweeter flavor, add a tablespoon of pure maple syrup to the custard.
  • And, if you’re looking for sweet and cozy French toast, top your sticks with a cinnamon sugar mixture before baking.

Be sure to check the ‘Recipe Variations’ section above for more delicious ideas!

What type of baking sheet should I use for baked French toast sticks?

For the best results, use a heavy-duty baking sheet that heats evenly. Preheat it in the oven to get it hot before adding the pat of butter. This ensures that the sticks cook evenly and get that perfect crispiness. Avoid using thin baking sheets, flimsy pans, and glass casserole pans as they typically cause uneven cooking.

Overhead photo of 18 French toast sticks drizzled with maple syrup on a wood serving board.

Serving baked french toast sticks

Common serving suggestions

  • Maple Syrup. The classic choice, pour warm maple syrup over your crispy French toast sticks for that perfect sweet-and-savory combo.
  • Powdered Sugar. Lightly dust with powdered sugar for an elegant, simple finish that adds just the right amount of sweetness.
  • Fresh Berries. Top your homemade French toast sticks with a medley of fresh sugared berries like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for a fruity burst of flavor.
  • Whipped Topping. Add a dollop of freshly whipped cream, whipped yoghurt, or cool whip frosting on top for a rich, indulgent treat that pairs beautifully with the crunchy texture of the toast.
  • Honey or Agave Syrup: For a different sweet option, drizzle honey or agave syrup over the French toast sticks for a more floral, milder sweetness than maple syrup.
  • Crispy Bacon or Sausage: Serve with a side of breakfast sausage or crispy bacon for a savory balance. Or lean into the sweetness and pair your crunchy French toast sticks in the oven with maple candied bacon.

Unique serving ideas

  • Nutella and Banana: Spread a little hazelnut spread on your toast sticks and top with slices of bananas for a decadent, chocolatey twist.
  • Caramel Sauce: Drizzle warm salted caramel sauce over the baked French toast sticks for a rich, buttery sweetness that elevates the dish to dessert-like indulgence.
  • Chocolate Sauce: For an indulgent twist, serve your crispy toast sticks with microwave chocolate sauce for dipping.
  • Ice Cream: Make it a breakfast-for-dessert treat by serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or buttered pecan ice cream on top of your baked French toast sticks for a creamy, sweet contrast to the crispy toast.
  • Breakfast Bar: Set up a brunch bar complete with all your morning favorites, like cinnamon sugar donut holes and powdered sugar donut holes, oven scrambled eggs or egg muffin bites, and a pitcher of champagne mimosas.

Storing leftovers

Storage Instructions

  • Refrigerating. Allow your homemade toast sticks to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Reheating. To bring back their crispy texture, reheat the French toast sticks in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes, or until they are warm throughout and crispy again. You can also reheat them in a toaster oven as well.

Freezing Instructions

  • Freezing. After baking, allow the baked French toast sticks to cool completely. Then, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and flash-freeze until solid (about 2-3 hours). Once frozen, transfer the sticks to a freezer-safe bag or container and store in the freezer for up to 1 month.
  • Reheating from Frozen. To reheat, place the frozen French toast on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. Alternatively, you can reheat them in a toaster oven for about 8-10 minutes.
Close-up photo of a French toast stick made in the oven.

Now that you’ve got the perfect recipe for baked French toast sticks, it’s time to get cooking. Whether you’re serving them for a weekend brunch or a quick weekday morning breakfast, these deliciously crispy, perfectly sweet homemade French toast sticks are sure to be a winner! So grab your ingredients, heat up that oven, and treat yourself to a plate of golden, crunchy French toast sticks today— just don’t forget the syrup. Until next time, friends, cheers!

Cheyanne

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More French toast recipes!

Overhead photo of 18 French toast sticks drizzled with maple syrup on a wood serving board.

French Toast Sticks Recipe

Author: Cheyanne Holzworth
Total Time: 35 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Craving a delicious, crispy breakfast that's both easy to make and utterly irresistible? Look no further than this baked French toast sticks recipe! Featuring a golden, crunchy exterior and a soft, fluffy inside, these homemade French toast sticks are perfect for dipping into syrup or your favorite sauce. And since they're baked in the oven, not fried, you can get all the crispy goodness with less fuss!

Equipment

  • 1 Rimmed Half Sheet Pan – with Wire Rack (for baking French toast sticks)
  • 1 Cutting Board – with Serrated Knife (for cutting bread into sticks)
  • 1 Large Shallow Dish – with Whisk (for making the egg custard)

Ingredients 

Instructions

  • Preheat Oven: Adjust the oven rack to the middle position and then preheat the oven to 300-degree Fahrenheit.
  • Dry Bread Out in Oven: Place a wire rack onto a rimmed baking sheet and then place the slices of bread onto the wire rack.
    Place the bread into the preheated oven and bake for 6 minutes.
    Flip the bread over and continue to bake until the bread is almost dry throughout, yet slightly moist at the center, about 5-7 additional minutes. (Note: You don’t want to darkly toast it, just dry the bread out.)
    Remove the bread from the oven and place it on a clean cutting board.
  • Increase Oven Temperature: Once the bread is lightly toasted and you've removed it from the oven, increase the oven temperature to 400-degrees Fahrenheit.
    Then, remove the wire rack from the rimmed baking sheet.
  • Cut Dried Bread into Sticks: Use a sharp serrated knife to cut each slice of bread into thirds – widthwise – to make sticks. Then set the bread aside.
    (Note: If you’re looking for more “traditional” shaped French toast sticks, trim off and discard the edges of the bread.)
  • Make Egg Custard: In a large shallow dish (large enough to hold a couple French toast sticks – I use a 9×9-inch baking dish), add the egg yolks and whole egg, milk, brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and kosher salt.
    Use a whisk and vigorously stir the ingredients until well combined and emulsified. Set the bowl aside.
  • Heat Baking Pan in Oven: Once the oven reaches 400-degree, place the plain, rimmed half sheet pan into the oven and let it heat for 10-20 minutes.
  • Soak Bread Sticks in Custard: Dip each stick of bread into the egg mixture, giving it a dip and soak, then flipping it over and quickly dipping and soaking the other side.
    (Note: You want the bread saturated, but not falling apart. I do about 6-8 seconds per side.)
  • Butter Hot Baking Pan, Add Soaked Toast Sticks: Carefully remove the hot rimmed baking sheet from the oven.
    Add the tablespoon of butter to the pan and spread the butter around to grease the pan completely.
    Next, arrange the soaked bread slices onto the hot buttered baking sheet, spacing them out evenly on the pan.
  • Reduce Heat, Bake French Toast Sticks: Reduce the oven temperature to 370-degrees Fahrenheit and then immediately place the French toast into the oven. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the bottom of each stick of bread is a deep golden color.
  • Flip, Continue to Bake the Toast: Remove the French toast sticks from the oven and use a spatula to flip each piece over.
    Return the bread to the oven and continue to bake until the bread is beautifully golden all over, about 5-8 additional minutes.
  • Serve Homemade French Toast Sticks: Transfer the baked French toast sticks to a serving platter.
    Dust with powdered sugar and drizzle with pure maple syrup or pancake syrup. Serve with fresh fruit and enjoy!
    Overhead photo of 18 French toast sticks drizzled with maple syrup on a wood serving board.

Notes

  • Dairy: I recommend slightly warming the half-and-half, milk, or cream in the microwave so it doesn’t “shock” the melted butter and cause the fat to solidify. However, don’t heat the milk too much or you’ll cook the eggs in the custard.
  • Baking Sheet: If you don’t have a half-size sheet pan, you can use a full sheet pan; however, you’ll need to use two tablespoons of butter to grease the pan, instead of just one. If you are doubling the recipe – use a full size baking sheet.
  • Need to Scale the Recipe? Hover your mouse over the number of servings in the recipe card. You’ll see a sliding scale pop up, you can use that to scale the recipe up or down as needed.
  • Got questions? I’ve got answers! If you ever run into an issue, have a question, or need any clarification – please feel free to drop them in the comments section. I’m happy to help when I can!
  • Recipe Yield: 12 French Toast Sticks
Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and the nutrition facts are an estimate based upon 4 servings (3 French toast sticks per serving). Exact information will depend upon the brands of ingredients and precise measurements used.

Nutrition

Calories: 169kcal    Carbohydrates: 12g    Protein: 6g    Fat: 11g    Saturated Fat: 6g    Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g    Monounsaturated Fat: 3g    Trans Fat: 0.2g    Cholesterol: 159mg    Sodium: 77mg    Potassium: 130mg    Fiber: 0.2g    Sugar: 11g    Vitamin A: 444IU    Vitamin C: 0.01mg    Calcium: 85mg    Iron: 1mg
Course: Breakfast, Brunch
Cuisine: American

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