Baked French Toast Sticks

Baked French Toast Sticks: A Weekday Morning Savior

Mornings in our house are… chaotic, to say the least. Between getting the kids ready for school, packing lunches, and trying to squeeze in a quick workout before work, breakfast often falls by the wayside. Something quick, easy, and delicious is always at the top of my priority list, and that's where these baked French toast sticks come in. Forget soggy, greasy French toast – this recipe delivers crispy, golden-brown perfection, and it's all done in the oven, freeing up my precious morning time.

I used to dread making breakfast, honestly. It felt like one more thing adding to the already overwhelming morning rush. But this recipe is a game-changer. The prep takes just a few minutes the night before, and then it's just a matter of popping it in the oven while I tackle the other morning madness. The kids love them, and surprisingly, even my picky husband grabs a few before heading out the door. The best part? They're incredibly versatile. You can use any kind of bread you have on hand – Texas toast, challah, even leftover sourdough works wonderfully. The key is to use a bread that holds its shape well. The slight sweetness from the bread combined with the warm cinnamon and vanilla makes for a truly comforting breakfast, perfect to fuel you and your loved ones through the busy morning hours.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. On busy mornings, I whip up the batter the night before and store it in the fridge. This saves time in the morning, allowing me to focus on the other essentials, like making sure everyone has their shoes and backpacks. And if I want to really streamline things, I freeze a batch for those super hectic mornings. Just pop a few sticks in the microwave for a quick and easy breakfast that feels way more indulgent than it actually is. These aren’t just for the kids either; this is a fabulous treat for a quiet weekend brunch or a simple after-school snack. The customizable nature of the recipe also makes it a perfect way to involve the children in the cooking process. It's a simple enough recipe for little ones to assist with, fostering a sense of accomplishment and creating a shared family experience in the kitchen.

Beyond the Busy Mornings: But this recipe isn't just a weekday lifesaver; it's also perfect for lazy weekend brunches or even as a delightful dessert. Imagine serving them alongside some fresh fruit and a dollop of whipped cream – pure breakfast bliss! And for the grown-up twist? A sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of maple syrup elevates these little sticks into a sophisticated yet effortlessly simple treat. This recipe has become a staple in our home, a versatile and delicious solution that fits seamlessly into our busy lives. It's more than just a breakfast; it's a reminder that even in the chaos of daily life, we can still find time for simple pleasures and delicious food.

So, if you’re a busy mom, a working professional, or simply someone who appreciates a quick and delicious breakfast that doesn't compromise on taste, I highly recommend giving these baked French toast sticks a try. You won’t regret it! Trust me, they will become a new family favorite.

Step-by-step

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees then spray a baking sheet with non-stick spray very well and set aside.
• Cut bread slices into thirds then set aside.
• In a large shallow dish, whisk together eggs, milk, melted butter, vanilla, and cinnamon.
• Dunk bread sticks into batter, let excess drip off, then place onto prepared baking sheet.
• Bake for 16-18 minutes, spraying the tops of the French Toast Sticks with non-stick spray before flipping halfway through.
• To freeze: Let French Toast Sticks cool then place onto a baking sheet and freeze in the freezer. Transfer to a freezer bag or container when hard. To reheat, microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute.