Introduction to French Toast Sticks
French toast sticks are a delightful breakfast treat that has gained popularity over the years. Unlike traditional French toast, they are portable, easy to eat, and perfect for those on the go. French toast sticks are also easy to customize and can be made with various flavors, toppings, and textures, making them a versatile dish for different occasions.
In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to make perfect French toast sticks with tips for success and how to avoid common mistakes. We will also provide a video tutorial, a healthier version, flavor twist recipes, and special occasion-based recipes. Let’s get started!
Step-by-Step Guide
The first step to making perfect French toast sticks is to gather all your ingredients. Here is what you will need:
- 1 loaf of white bread
- 1/2 cup of milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon
- A pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup of vegetable oil
- Maple syrup, whipped cream, and berries for toppings.
Next, you will need to follow these steps:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Cut your bread into sticks, about 1 inch in thickness.
- In a shallow dish, whisk together eggs, milk, sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
- Dip each bread stick into the egg mixture and coat them well.
- In a pan, heat up your vegetable oil over medium heat.
- Place the coated bread sticks into the pan and cook each side until they are golden brown for about 2 minutes.
- Remove from the pan and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake in the oven for 5-7 minutes or until the sticks are crispy and firm to the touch.
- Remove from the oven and let them cool before serving.
- Top with maple syrup, whipped cream, and berries.
If you find that your French toast sticks are not quite perfect, try these tips:
- Use stale bread for an extra crispy texture.
- Let the excess egg mixture drip off before placing it in the pan.
- Cook at a lower heat to avoid burning the outside while the inside is still doughy.
- Flip the sticks often to cook each side evenly.
Video Tutorial
For readers who prefer a visual learning experience, we have put together a video tutorial that highlights all the necessary tools and ingredients. The video tutorial also provides captions with additional tips as necessary. Follow along and learn how to make perfect French toast sticks.
A Healthier Version
For those who are watching what they eat, we have provided a healthier version of French toast sticks that are still delicious. Here is what you will need:
- 1 loaf of whole wheat bread
- 1/2 cup of skim milk
- 2 large egg whites
- 1 tablespoon of honey
- 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg
- A pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup of non-stick cooking spray
- Fresh fruit, honey, and low-fat yogurt for toppings.
Follow these steps to make healthy French toast sticks:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Cut your bread into sticks, about 1 inch in thickness.
- In a shallow dish, whisk together egg whites, milk, honey, nutmeg, and salt.
- Dip each bread stick into the egg mixture and coat well.
- Spray a pan with non-stick cooking spray and heat over medium heat.
- Cook each side until golden brown for about 2 minutes.
- Remove from the pan and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake in the oven for 5-7 minutes or until the sticks are crispy and firm to the touch.
- Remove from the oven and let them cool before serving.
- Top with fresh fruit, honey, and low-fat yogurt.
You can experiment with other low-fat toppings such as peanut butter, chia seeds, or almond butter.
Flavor Twist
For those who are bored with the standard French toast sticks, here are some variation ideas that you can try:
- Chocolate French toast sticks – Dip the sticks in chocolate milk instead of regular milk and add a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the egg mixture.
- Cinnamon Roll French toast sticks – Use cinnamon swirl bread, flatten the bread with a rolling pin, and apply a layer of butter and cinnamon sugar. Roll up the bread and cut into sticks.
- Fruit-filled sticks – Fill the bread with fresh fruit like blueberries, strawberries, and bananas before dipping it into the egg mixture.
- Pumpkin Spice French toast sticks – Mix pumpkin puree, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and ginger into the egg mixture to give it a fall flavor twist.
- Savory French toast sticks – Add cheese, herbs, and bacon to the egg mixture and use wheat bread instead of white bread to make savory French toast sticks.
Follow the same steps as the original recipe, adding a unique flavor touch to your French toast sticks. Don’t be afraid to experiment and be creative!
Perfect for Kids
Getting kids involved in the cooking process can encourage them to try new foods, plus it can be a fun and educational activity for them. Here is how to make French toast sticks with children:
- Let children help with measuring ingredients and whisking the egg mixture.
- Have them cut bread sticks and dip the bread into the egg mixture.
- Teach them the importance of kitchen safety, such as avoiding hot surfaces and sharp knives.
- Let them decorate their French toast sticks with fun toppings like sprinkles and whipped cream.
- Encourage them to try different flavor twists and let them be creative with their ideas.
Not only will kids enjoy eating their creations, but they will also learn valuable skills in the kitchen.
Occasion-Based
If you are looking for ways to incorporate French toast sticks into special occasions, here are some ideas:
- Valentine’s Day French toast sticks – Use heart-shaped cookie cutters to cut the bread and dye the egg mixture pink or red. Top with strawberry syrup and fresh strawberries.
- Halloween French toast sticks – Use pumpkin-shaped cookie cutters to cut the bread and add a drop of orange food coloring to the egg mixture. Top with caramel sauce and candy corn.
- Christmas French toast sticks – Use Christmas tree-shaped cookie cutters to cut the bread and add a drop of green food coloring to the egg mixture. Top with whipped cream and red and green sprinkles.
For any occasion, you can get creative with the shapes, colors, and toppings you use to make your French toast sticks match your theme.
Conclusion
French toast sticks are a delicious and easy breakfast treat that can be customized to suit different preferences and occasions. By following our step-by-step guide, you can make perfect French toast sticks every time. Our video tutorial, healthier version, flavor twist recipes, perfect for kids, and occasion-based options, provide readers with a wide range of creative possibilities to their French toast sticks. We hope you enjoy making and experimenting with French toast sticks!
Thank you for reading.
