French toast sticks are a delicious and easy breakfast option that is loved by kids and adults alike. They make for a great start to the day and can be enjoyed with a variety of toppings and dips. In this article, we will learn how to make crunchy French toast sticks that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. So, let’s get started!
Gathering the Ingredients
Before we begin, let’s gather all the ingredients we need to make our crunchy French toast sticks. You will need the following:
1. Sliced bread (preferably a day old)
2. Eggs – 2 or 3, depending on the quantity you want to make
3. Milk – ½ cup
4. Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon
5. Sugar – 2 tablespoons
6. Cinnamon – 1 teaspoon (optional)
7. Salt – a pinch
8. Cooking oil or butter for frying
Preparing the Batter
To make the perfect batter for our French toast sticks, crack the eggs into a mixing bowl and whisk them until they are well beaten. Then, add in the milk, vanilla extract, sugar, cinnamon (if desired), and a pinch of salt. Mix all the ingredients together until they are well combined. You can adjust the amount of sugar and cinnamon according to your taste preferences.
Preparing the Bread
Now, it’s time to prepare the bread for our French toast sticks. Take the slices of bread and cut off the crusts. This step is optional, but it helps to create a neater and more uniform appearance for the sticks. Once the crusts are removed, cut each slice of bread into several long strips. Aim for a stick-like shape, about 1 inch wide and 3 to 4 inches long. You can also make them smaller if you prefer bite-sized sticks.
Dipping and Coating
Dip each bread strip into the prepared batter, making sure to coat it thoroughly on all sides. Allow the excess batter to drip off before transferring the coated strip to a separate plate. Repeat this process for all the bread strips until they are all coated and ready to be cooked.
Cooking the French Toast Sticks
In a non-stick frying pan, heat a generous amount of cooking oil or melt some butter over medium heat. Once the oil or butter is hot, carefully place the coated bread strips into the pan, making sure not to overcrowd them. Cook the sticks for approximately 2-3 minutes on each side or until they turn golden brown and crispy.
Draining and Serving
Once the French toast sticks are cooked, remove them from the pan and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil or butter. This step will help keep them crispy and prevent them from becoming soggy. You can serve the crunchy French toast sticks on their own or with a variety of delicious toppings and dips.
Serving Suggestions and Toppings
Crunchy French toast sticks are incredibly versatile and can be served with a wide range of toppings and dips. Here are a few delicious ideas to take your breakfast to the next level:
Maple Syrup:
Drizzle some warm maple syrup over the French toast sticks for a classic and sweet flavor.
Powdered Sugar:
Dust some powdered sugar on top of the sticks to add a touch of sweetness and an aesthetically pleasing appearance.
Fruit Compote:
Prepare a quick fruit compote by simmering your favorite fruits with a little sugar and water. Spoon the compote over the French toast sticks for a fruity and tangy twist.
Chocolate Sauce:
Melt some chocolate and drizzle it over the sticks for an indulgent and decadent treat.
Peanut Butter:
Spread a generous dollop of peanut butter on each stick for a protein-packed and nutty flavor.
Whipped Cream:
Top the French toast sticks with a dollop of freshly whipped cream and sprinkle some chocolate shavings or berries on top for a delightful treat.
Remember, the toppings and dips are customizable to your taste preferences. Feel free to get creative and experiment with different flavors to find your favorite combination.
Conclusion
Crunchy French toast sticks are a delightful and easy breakfast recipe that is perfect for mornings when you want something delicious and satisfying. With a few simple ingredients and a little bit of effort, you can create a batch of these crispy sticks that will be loved by the whole family. So, why not give this recipe a try and start your day with a plateful of crunchy goodness? Enjoy!