Baked French Toast Sticks

I'm not sure what possessed me to try and make the perfect French toast sticks. I guess first I should back up and explain my ideal French toast stick, since we could have different ideas. I'm talking about crispy on the outside, soft on the inside breakfast-buffet-style French toast sticks. Like the rich kid cousin to cinnamon toast.My first two attempts just didn't turn out quite right. The first version was too soft. Baking French toast (as opposed to cooking it in a pan) takes out the crispy edges. Or it can anyway. So that happened. My second version was more like soggy bread with burnt sugar on top. That one was pretty gross. That's what happens when you don't pay attention while using your broiler. Good news though: Attempt #3 was just right.French Toast Sticks, makes 2-3 servings.

4-5 slices of bread (I used an Italian loaf)
4 eggs
2 tablespoons cream (I used half and half)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
a generous sprinkle of cinnamonAnd the secret to really good French toast sticks is cinnamon sugar topping. You don't have to use this mix like I did. Just mix together 1/4 cup sugar and 2 teaspoons cinnamon.Mix together the eggs, cream, vanilla and cinnamon in a shallow dish. Slice the bread into sticks. Coat each pieces in the egg mixture and place on a prepared baking sheet. I lined my baking sheet with a Silpat mat. You could also grease the baking sheet with a little oil or butter. Don't use parchment paper, because we will be putting these under the broiler and parchment paper + broilers = bad news man. Don't do it. Unless instead of making French toast sticks, you wanted to start a fire.

Not like that's ever happened to me. I'm an expert baker and all. Uh....

Now sprinkle a little cinnamon sugar over each stick. Bake under the broiler for 2-3 minutes. KEEP AN EYE ON IT. Not all broilers were created equal, so watch yours and adjust the bake time. What we are aiming for is for the eggs to cook but also for the sugar to caramelize on top. Think creme brulee.

Got your attention with that one, didn't I?After 2-3 minutes remove the sticks from the oven, flip and sprinkle on a little more cinnamon sugar. Bake for an additional 2-3 minutes. Now you're ready to serve. These are totally dippable. Oh yeah. That's a word. :) xo. Emma

Comments

[Keri-Anne]

Oh yum! We had French toast (or eggy bread as we call it) the other day. I never thought about adding other ingredients. I have always been taught to just use eggs and milk. I shall try this recipe next time xxx

Keri-Anne
http://gingerlillytea.blogspot.com

[Melissa]

Sooooo yummy looking and totally dipable!

Melissa
Http://shakeshakee.blogspot.com
Http://etsy.com/shop/hexnailjewelry

[Courtney Howard]

French toast was the first thing I learned how to cook. When my friends came over for slumber parties I would make them breakfast! Then they wanted to know how to make it!

PS... these photos are killing me right now. Heading to the kitchen!

http://run2thewild.blogspot.com/

[Catherine Denton]

Those look amazing!! We're having breakfast for dinner tonight so I may add these. You crack me up; I'm with you in the I-started-a-fire club.
Catherine Denton

[Inna]

French toast reminds me of childhood. When I wasn't really too sick not to go to school, but it was raining outside, and my mom (then very yound) didn't want to go to her college classes, so we both played hookie and made french toast and watched cartoons :)

[sarah kate branine]

Oh wow. These. look. amazing-zing! I very sadly admit that I just used the broil option on my oven for the very first time. I think I'm ready to bring that count to two : )

[Kristina B]

This looks GLOOOORRRRIOUUUUS!
BTW made your red velvet waffles the other night and they were a huge hit. The batter was like a DREAM (so smooth!!) and the syrup was fabulous! So good!

[Mary]

Yum! French toast sticks were one of my favorite breakfasts to eat as a kid. I think I'll have to try this recipe out this weekend!

[Charlie Cécile]

French toast is my all time favorite breakfast food! I will definitely have to try this, it looks so yummy :)

http://www.charliececile.com

[Taehreh]

These look yummy! My husband would be drooling right now if he saw these pictures, haha. I'd attempt to make them for him however my talent and patience for making anything is... none.
thanks for sharing :)

[Jessica Hebert]

OMG... can you say delicious. Amazing!

[Nicole]

Have you ever tried Penzeys spices? It will change your life!!!

[Lulu]

Omg! These look so good!!

Lulu xx

https://www.luluslittlewonderland.blogspot.com

[Carlee]

This sound so yummy and perfect for breakfast!
Carlee
http://almostendearing.blogspot.com/

[Laura]

Ohhhh man! These look SO good! I want to dip them in cream cheese icing as well!

[Marilyn]

These look so delicious. I suddenly have the urge to make some breakfast foods now. Thanks for sharing! You make it look so easy! Xo, M at BT

[Kotryna Bass]

this is such a great and simple recipe, just perfect the lazy days! thanks for sharing, girls!

[Caitlin F]

Emma - I am so glad you joined A Beautiful Mess!! French Toast Sticks were my favorite breakfast as a kid, I can't wait to make this baked version myself. And thank you for the post on making your own pasta...I just got the Kitchen Aid attachment and i've been planning to adventure into pasta making soon. Thanks for all the great recipes, tricks/tips, and of course your quirky humor. <3

[Craving for Barneys]

That is so yummy!!!

MIAMI IN http://cravigforbarneys.com

[natalia h]

I just had lunch but Oh My God, I want to try these right now. I'm a French Toast regular, I make them on the weekends, but I'm never baked them. I'll try it your way and see how it goes :D