As I stood in my kitchen, the aroma of cinnamon dancing in the air brought back memories of cozy Sunday breakfasts. My latest obsession? Easy Sourdough Cinnamon French Toast Sticks. This delightful recipe transforms leftover sourdough or brioche into crispy, kid-friendly bites that are perfect for busy mornings. With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can whip up a batch that offers both charm and a satisfying crunch. These sticks are not only a fantastic way to use up stale bread but also provide a comforting start to any day. Curious how such a quick and simple treat can elevate your breakfast game? Let’s dive in!
Why Are These French Toast Sticks Special?
Quick and Easy: In just 15 minutes, you can whip up these delicious treats, making them a go-to for those hectic mornings!
Kid-Friendly: Tear through a pile of these crispy sticks, and watch as your little ones devour them.
Perfect for Leftovers: Turn stale sourdough or brioche into a breakfast star, reducing waste while creating something fantastic.
Customizable Flavors: Whether you prefer classic cinnamon or a fruit twist with fresh berries, the variations are endless!
Warm & Cozy: The delightful aroma of cinnamon sugar fills your home, creating a warm atmosphere for family gatherings.
If you want to explore other delightful breakfast ideas, don’t miss my recipes for Pumpkin French Toast or Cinnamon Swirl Donut Loaf. These treats will surely elevate your breakfast experience!
Sourdough Cinnamon French Toast Sticks Ingredients
For the Bread
• Sourdough Brioche or Challah – This serves as the base, providing structure and a delightful flavor; feel free to substitute with other enriched breads!
For the Custard
• Eggs – Essential for the custardy texture and binding the mixture together.
• Whole Milk – Adds creaminess; you can swap with half-and-half or heavy cream for a richer taste.
• Kosher Salt – A pinch enhances the overall flavor balance.
• Vanilla Paste or Extract – Infuses sweetness and aromatic flavor into the custard.
For the Coating
• Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the cinnamon mixture, ensuring a perfectly delightful crunch.
• Ground Cinnamon – This key flavoring can be adjusted according to your taste preference for the Sourdough Cinnamon French Toast Sticks.
For Cooking
• Unsalted Butter or Coconut Oil – Used for cooking, choose oil for a slightly different flavor profile!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Sourdough Cinnamon French Toast Sticks
Step 1: Prepare the Bread
Begin by removing the crusts from your sourdough brioche or challah and slice the bread into 1-inch thick sticks. If your bread isn’t stale, preheat your oven to 250°F and lay the sticks on a baking sheet for 5-10 minutes to dry out. This ensures they will absorb the custard without becoming too soggy.
Step 2: Make the Custard
In a shallow mixing bowl, whisk together 3 eggs, 1 cup of whole milk, a pinch of kosher salt, and a splash of vanilla extract or paste. Make sure the mixture is thoroughly combined, creating a smooth custard. This will give your Sourdough Cinnamon French Toast Sticks their rich and custardy texture, perfect for coating each stick.
Step 3: Prepare Cinnamon Sugar
On a plate, blend together 1/4 cup of granulated sugar with 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon, adjusting the cinnamon quantity according to your taste preference. Set this cinnamon sugar aside as it will be used to coat the cooked French toast sticks, providing that irresistible and sweet finish.
Step 4: Cook the Bread Sticks
Heat a generous tablespoon of unsalted butter or coconut oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Once the fat is sizzling, quickly dip each bread stick into the custard mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Arrange the dipped sticks in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and crispy.
Step 5: Coat with Cinnamon Sugar
Once the Sourdough Cinnamon French Toast Sticks are cooked to perfection, immediately toss them in the prepared cinnamon sugar while still warm. This will help ensure the sugar adheres beautifully, giving each stick a delightful sweetness. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Step 6: Keep Warm (Optional)
If you have multiple batches to cook, preheat your oven to 200°F to keep the cooked sticks warm. Simply place them on a baking sheet in the oven until you’re ready to serve, ensuring all your Sourdough Cinnamon French Toast Sticks stay crisp and delicious for your family.
Make Ahead Options
These Sourdough Cinnamon French Toast Sticks are a fantastic option for meal prep, saving you precious time in the mornings! You can prepare the custard mixture (eggs, milk, salt, and vanilla) and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Additionally, cut the bread into sticks in advance and refrigerate them so they’re ready to soak. When you’re ready to serve, simply dip the bread sticks in the custard and cook as directed. To maintain quality, avoid over-soaking the bread, as this keeps them crisp during cooking. Your family will love the convenience of these delicious sticks, with their delightful crunch and sweet flavor, on busy weekdays!
How to Store and Freeze Sourdough Cinnamon French Toast Sticks
Fridge: Store cooked sticks in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the toaster oven or skillet to maintain crispness before serving.
Freezer: Freeze uneaten sticks in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in a preheated oven at 375°F until warmed through and crispy.
Room Temperature: If serving immediately, keep Sourdough Cinnamon French Toast Sticks on a cooling rack to avoid steaming, maintaining that delightful crunch.
Reheating: To refresh, heat in the oven or skillet; avoid the microwave, as it can make sticks soggy. Enjoy your delicious breakfast treat even after the initial feast!
What to Serve with Sourdough Cinnamon French Toast Sticks
There’s nothing quite like a cozy breakfast spread that perfectly complements the sweet, crunchy goodness of these delightful treats.
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Maple Syrup: A classic pairing that adds a rich sweetness and enhances the flavor of the cinnamon sugar coating. Drizzle it generously for a perfect finish!
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Fresh Berries: Strawberries or blueberries provide a refreshing burst of flavor and a lovely contrast to the warm, sweet sticks. Their brightness adds a lovely visual touch to your breakfast table.
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Greek Yogurt: Offers a creamy, tangy balance to the sweetness, making it a nutritious option. A dollop of yogurt can elevate your French toast experience!
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Nut Butter: Almond or peanut butter adds a satisfying nuttiness and creaminess that pairs well with the flavors of cinnamon and sugar. Spread it on the sticks for an indulgent twist!
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Fruit Compote: A warm compote made from berries or apples brings a wonderful sweetness and additional texture. It’s an easy way to elevate your meal to a gourmet breakfast!
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Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy, it offers a delightful contrast to the crispy texture of the French toast sticks. A sprinkle of cinnamon on top takes it to the next level!
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Coffee or Hot Chocolate: Starting your day with a steaming mug brings comfort alongside your French toast. Both drinks enhance the warmth and coziness of the breakfast experience.
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Powdered Sugar: A light dusting adds a decorative touch and an extra hint of sweetness. It’s the finishing touch that makes your meal feel extra special!
Sourdough Cinnamon French Toast Sticks Variations
Get ready to sprinkle some creativity into your breakfast with these delightful twists!
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Dairy-Free: Substitute whole milk with almond or oat milk for a delicious non-dairy option.
This swap keeps the custard creamy while offering a nutty flavor profile. -
Sugar-Free: Use a sweetener like erythritol or stevia to ditch the sugar while keeping it sweet.
Enjoy the same cinnamon flavor without the calories—perfect for those watching their sugar intake! -
Fruit-Infused: Add mashed banana or pureed pumpkin to the custard for a fruity twist.
This enriches the sticks with natural sweetness and a lovely color, perfect for seasonal enjoyment. -
Nutty Texture: Sprinkle chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, into the custard mixture.
The added crunch elevates these sticks, making them delightful and hearty! -
Chocolate Lovers: For a decadent twist, mix in cocoa powder with the custard.
Serve with a drizzle of chocolate sauce, and satisfy those sweet cravings beautifully. -
Savory Style: Swap cinnamon for garlic powder, and add grated cheese to the custard for a savory version.
Pair with marinara sauce for dipping, and you’ll impress everyone at brunch with this unexpected treat! -
Spicy Kick: Add a dash of cayenne pepper to the custard for a surprising heat boost.
This unexpected spice will wake up your taste buds while perfectly complementing the sweetness of the cinnamon sugar.
For more delightful breakfast ideas, check out my recipes for Pumpkin French Toast or indulge your sweet tooth with some Cinnamon Swirl Donut Loaf!
Expert Tips for Sourdough Cinnamon French Toast Sticks
• Choose Stale Bread: Use stale sourdough for optimal texture; it absorbs custard without getting mushy, enhancing your Sourdough Cinnamon French Toast Sticks.
• Don’t Over-Soak: Quickly dip the bread sticks into the custard to prevent sogginess, ensuring they stay crisp during cooking.
• Preheat Your Oven: If making multiple batches, keep cooked sticks warm in a preheated oven at 200°F to maintain their crunch.
• Serve Fresh: For the best experience, serve your Sourdough Cinnamon French Toast Sticks right after coating with cinnamon sugar; they taste divine warm!
• Experiment with Spices: Don’t hesitate to mix in nutmeg or cardamom with the cinnamon for a delightful twist on flavor.
Sourdough Cinnamon French Toast Sticks Recipe FAQs
What type of bread is best for Sourdough Cinnamon French Toast Sticks?
Absolutely, using stale sourdough brioche or challah is ideal! These enriched breads provide the perfect structure and flavor. If you don’t have sourdough, feel free to substitute with other enriched breads like French bread or even banana bread for a unique twist.
How should I store leftover cooked French toast sticks?
You can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Just reheat them in a toaster oven or skillet to keep that delicious crispness alive before serving. They’re quick and easy to enjoy again!
Can I freeze Sourdough Cinnamon French Toast Sticks?
Definitely! To freeze, lay the uneaten sticks in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer bag and store for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just reheat in a preheated oven at 375°F until they are warmed through and crispy.
What should I do if my French toast sticks turn out soggy?
If they became soggy, you might have over-soaked the bread. For the future, quickly dip each stick in the custard mixture and let any excess drip off before cooking. Also, ensure you’re using stale bread, as it holds up better when absorbing the custard.
Are these French toast sticks suitable for kids and those with dietary restrictions?
Very! These Sourdough Cinnamon French Toast Sticks are kid-friendly and an easy breakfast option. For dietary adjustments, you can use non-dairy milk or substitute eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water for a vegan option. Just make sure to adjust the measurements accordingly!
How can I enhance the flavor of my Sourdough Cinnamon French Toast Sticks?
You can experiment with spices! Mixing in a bit of nutmeg or cardamom with your cinnamon will add an exciting depth to the flavor. Additionally, pairing them with fresh fruits or different dipping sauces like chocolate or fruit compote can elevate your breakfast experience.
Delicious Sourdough Cinnamon French Toast Sticks in Just 15 Minutes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Remove the crusts from the sourdough brioche or challah and slice into 1-inch thick sticks. If not stale, preheat oven to 250°F and lay sticks on a baking sheet for 5-10 minutes to dry out.
- In a shallow mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, kosher salt, and vanilla until smooth to create the custard.
- Blend the granulated sugar with the ground cinnamon on a plate, adjusting the cinnamon to your taste. Set aside for coating.
- Heat the butter or coconut oil in a skillet over medium heat. Dip each bread stick into the custard quickly, letting the excess drip off, and cook in the skillet for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden and crispy.
- Toss the cooked French toast sticks in the prepared cinnamon sugar while warm.
- Keep cooked sticks warm in a preheated oven at 200°F if making multiple batches.
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