French toast sticks are a delightful and convenient breakfast option that is loved by both kids and adults alike. While you could always opt for the store-bought frozen versions, nothing beats the satisfaction of making your own delicious, homemade frozen French toast sticks. With just a few simple ingredients and some easy steps, you can whip up a batch of these tasty treats that can be enjoyed at any time. In this article, we will guide you through the process of making frozen French toast sticks in five easy steps. So let’s get started!
Gather Your Ingredients and Supplies
Before diving into the process, it’s essential to gather all the necessary ingredients and supplies. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients:
– Sliced bread (white, whole wheat, or your preference)
– Eggs
– Milk
– Vanilla extract
– Cinnamon
– Cooking spray or melted butter
– Maple syrup (for serving)
Supplies:
– Baking sheet
– Parchment paper
– Mixing bowl
– Whisk or fork
– Knife
– Ziplock bags or airtight container (for freezing)
Step 1: Prepare Your Egg Mixture
To start, you’ll need to prepare the egg mixture that will serve as the perfect coating for your French toast sticks. In a mixing bowl, crack a few eggs, depending on how many slices of bread you plan to use. Generally, two eggs are sufficient for approximately four slices of bread. Next, add a splash of milk, about a quarter cup, to the bowl. This will help to enhance the richness of the egg mixture. For added flavor, include a teaspoon of vanilla extract and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Whisk or beat the mixture until all the ingredients are well combined.
Step 2: Slice the Bread into Sticks
Using a knife, carefully cut each slice of bread into vertical strips, creating the desired size for your French toast sticks. Aim for about one to one and a half inches in width, ensuring that the sticks are easy to handle and dip. Don’t worry if the slices are not perfectly uniform; the taste will make up for any imperfections.
Step 3: Soak and Coat the Bread Sticks
Now it’s time to dip the bread sticks into the prepared egg mixture. Place the sliced bread into the bowl containing the egg mixture, ensuring that each piece is fully coated on both sides. Allow the bread sticks to soak for a few seconds, allowing them to absorb the delicious flavors. While soaking, preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 4: Bake the French Toast Sticks
Once the bread sticks have soaked up the egg mixture, carefully transfer them to the lined baking sheet. Give each stick a gentle shake to remove any excess liquid before placing them on the sheet, ensuring they are well spaced apart. Lightly spray the sticks with cooking spray or brush them with melted butter to help achieve a golden, crispy texture.
Now, the baking sheet filled with the precious cargo is ready to go into the preheated oven. Bake the French toast sticks for about 12-15 minutes, or until they turn crisp and golden brown. Keep an eye on the sticks and rotate the tray halfway through to ensure even browning. The smell of the toasty bread will fill your kitchen, making your taste buds tingle with anticipation.
Step 5: Freezing Your French Toast Sticks
Once the French toast sticks are baked to perfection, allow them to cool for a few minutes before proceeding to freeze them. Freezing the sticks ensures that you can enjoy this tasty treat whenever a craving strikes, without any hassle.
To freeze the sticks, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet or plate lined with parchment paper. Now, pop them into the freezer and allow them to firm up for about an hour. Once the French toast sticks are partially frozen, transfer them into Ziplock bags or an airtight container. This step prevents them from sticking together and allows you to take out as many sticks as you desire without thawing the entire batch.
Enjoying Your Frozen French Toast Sticks
Now that you have a batch of scrumptious frozen French toast sticks, it’s time to enjoy them! Whenever a craving strikes for a warm and delicious breakfast, simply take out the desired number of sticks from the freezer and pop them into the toaster or oven. Toast or bake them until they are heated through and crispy. Serve them with a drizzle of maple syrup, a sprinkle of powdered sugar, or alongside your favorite dipping sauce.
You can also add a touch of variety by experimenting with different flavors and toppings. Consider adding a handful of chocolate chips to the egg mixture for a delightful twist. Alternatively, you can dust the sticks with cinnamon-sugar immediately after baking for an extra burst of flavor.
In conclusion, making frozen French toast sticks at home is a straightforward and rewarding process. With just a few simple steps, you can create a freezer-friendly breakfast that can be enjoyed at any time. So gather your ingredients, slice that bread, soak and coat, bake to perfection, and freeze for later. Now you have the power to enjoy delicious homemade French toast sticks whenever the craving strikes.