French Toast Sticks Crispy Oven Baked Wellplated Com

French toast sticks usher in a certain carefreeness that reminds me of being a kid on endless summer weekends. Overnight French Toast is delish, but French toast sticks? They feel like an extra treat. Growing up, we only got the Eggo French toast sticks on special occasions (I was convinced they tasted better than the cheaper store brand my mom usually bought). When she sprung for the name brand, it was A. Big. Deal. In my early 20s, whenever I went to visit Ben during his stint with the Peace Corps, his requested celebratory meal was French toast sticks at Burger King (so romantic! The air conditioning at BK was another plus.). Now, I still have a long-seeded nostalgia for French toast sticks, but I much prefer to make them from scratch. Homemade French toast sticks are simple to make, and you’ll love that you can control the ingredients. They taste significantly fresher, and the leftovers freeze and reheat well, so you don’t lose the convenience factor. Wake up happy with better-tasting French toast sticks that are better for you too!

How to Make French Toast Sticks

Your inner kiddo will be all about creating a from-scratch version of a childhood favorite (and the fact that you can totally eat these with your fingers). Your prudent adult side will appreciate that these baked French toast sticks are relatively healthy. French toast can be bad for you if it’s made with excess sugars, refined flour (which doesn’t have the same nutritional benefits as whole grains), and heavy cream. Frying French toast in butter or oil also can make it unhealthy. Swap in whole wheat bread for white bread, use milk in place of cream, and bake your French toast sticks in the oven, and you have a more wholesome breakfast that still tastes like a total treat! As with this lighter take on Stuffed French Toast, your kids (and your personal inner kid) will never suspect your healthy sneaks.

The Ingredients

Thick-Sliced Bread. I prefer to use whole wheat, which is higher in fiber and nutrients. It makes the French toast sticks better for you and keeps you full for longer.

Eggs. A French toast essential! Eggs bind the batter and give French toast its custard-like flavor.

Milk. You can make French toast sticks with any kind of milk. The higher the fat percentage, the richer the French toast will taste. I used 2%.

Cinnamon + Sugar. The cinnamon sugar coating on the outside is a crispy French toast stick must-have! I do a light sprinkle and find the French toast sticks are plenty golden and sweet.Pure Maple Syrup. For a touch of natural sweetness in the French toast batter, and of course for dunking.Orange Zest or Lemon Zest. Optional addition if you’d like to make your French toast sticks “gourmet”. (Is gourmet French toast sticks an oxymoron? I’m here for it.)

The Directions

Storage Tips

To Store. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container or wrapped in foil for up to 3 days.To Freeze. Fully bake the French toast sticks, then let cool to room temperature. Freeze in a ziptop bag for 1 to 2 months.To Reheat. Warm the French toast directly from frozen (or from the refrigerator) in the microwave. You can also rewarm refrigerated French toast sticks in a 350 degree F oven.

Recommended Tools to Make this Recipe

Baking Sheet. Made with pure aluminum, these are ideal for heat conduction and don’t rust.Oven Rack. Dishwasher- and oven-safe, and cleans easily too.Measuring Cups. Durable, nonporous glass won’t absorb food odors, flavors, or stains.

Now the only question is: dunk with your fingers or use a fork? (Don’t mind me licking my fingers while we discuss.) That said, I have yet to find a whole wheat Texas toast at a store near me. If you’d like to make your French toast sticks whole grain but can’t find whole wheat Texas toast, purchase an unsliced loaf of whole wheat sandwich bread from a bakery or more specialty grocery store, then slice it yourself.

When replacing eggs with egg whites, substitute 2 egg whites or 1/4 cup egg substitute for 1 whole egg.