Homemade French Toast Sticks with Strawberry Yogurt Dipping Sauce: A Nostalgic & Delicious Breakfast

Make breakfast fun again with French Toast Sticks with Strawberry Yogurt Dipping Sauce. This delightful recipe provides both baked and stovetop methods, ensuring you can whip up a batch of these classic childhood favorites no matter your preference. Get ready to transform your morning meal into a delightful, nostalgic experience that’s perfect for the whole family!

Rediscovering Breakfast Joy: My Journey to French Toast Sticks

For many years, my relationship with breakfast, and particularly with yogurt, has been a bit of a rollercoaster. Growing up, yogurt was an occasional presence in my diet, never quite hitting the mark as a satisfying meal. It was just… there. Then came college, a time when budget often dictates culinary choices. I revisited yogurt, hoping to find a quick, affordable option, only to be disappointed by many cheaper brands that relied on artificial sweeteners like aspartame. My interest waned, and yogurt faded into the background once more, perceived as an unfulfilling option.

Life moved on, and with my first “big girl job” came a slightly healthier grocery budget and a new daily dilemma: what to pack for lunch? This is where Greek yogurt made its grand entrance, thanks to a thoughtful coworker. Specifically, the kind with fruit swirled at the bottom. I was instantly smitten. So much so that I confess, I ate it every single day for what felt like an entire year. Every morning, in our makeshift office break room, my little cup of Greek yogurt was a constant companion. But, as with all good things enjoyed in excess, I eventually hit a wall. The magic wore off, and I stopped eating yogurt altogether for a good two or three years, thinking I was done with it for good.

The Quest for a Healthy, Fun Breakfast Option

Fast forward to today, and I found myself facing a familiar challenge: the quest for a healthy, yet appealing breakfast or snack option. I’m admittedly not a morning person, and certainly not naturally inclined towards healthy breakfast choices. As much as my heart desires a daily stack of chocolate chip pancakes, my sensible side knows that’s not a sustainable option for everyday nutrition. It was time to cycle back to yogurt, giving it another fair chance, armed with a better understanding of brands and my own evolving preferences for cleaner ingredients.

Fortunately, this time around, my exploration was far more successful. I discovered several brands and varieties of yogurt that I genuinely enjoyed, finding them both delicious and satisfying. While eating it straight from the container is perfectly fine for a quick snack, I also love to infuse a bit of fun and creativity into my breakfast routine. The inspiration for a yogurt dipping sauce struck during a casual conversation with a friend about breakfast ideas. It was an “aha!” moment that immediately brought to mind my beloved Apple Butter French Toast Roll Ups. But instead of more roll-ups, I decided to lean into another cherished childhood classic: French Toast Sticks, perfect for an easy breakfast.

Sure, you can enjoy a classic plate of French toast for two, but there’s something uniquely special about French Toast Sticks. When was the last time you, as an adult, savored these dippable, bite-sized delights? It’s a guaranteed trip down memory lane, bringing back the joy of a simpler breakfast. And instead of a cream cheese-based dip, I crafted a simple yet utterly delicious yogurt dipping sauce by blending creamy strawberry yogurt with a touch of sweet honey. The result? A breakfast that is fun, wonderfully nostalgic, and incredibly delicious – truly everything you need to start your day with a smile and a healthy twist.

The Secret to Perfect French Toast Sticks: Texas Toast and Dipping Sauce

The foundation of truly excellent French Toast Sticks lies in your choice of bread. The key ingredient here is thick sandwich bread, often sold as Texas toast. This type of bread is typically twice as thick as regular sandwich bread, and that extra heft is crucial for creating the ideal French toast stick. Its thickness allows the bread to maintain its structure beautifully, preventing it from becoming overly soggy when dipped in the egg mixture and ensuring it holds up perfectly for dipping into that luscious strawberry yogurt sauce.

If Texas toast isn’t readily available at your local grocery store, don’t despair! There are excellent alternatives to achieve the same great results. You can purchase a loaf of unsliced bakery bread, such as challah or brioche, and carefully cut it into thick, approximately 1-inch slices yourself. Day-old or slightly stale bread is actually preferable for French toast, as it absorbs the egg mixture without falling apart, leading to a superior texture. Another convenient option, if you only have regular sandwich bread, is to prepare traditional French toast using whole slices, then simply cut them into sticks after cooking. While you might need a fork to assist with dipping in this scenario, the nostalgic flavor will still be fantastic and just as enjoyable.

Got leftover bread? Don’t let it go to waste! Transform it into a delightful morning treat with my overnight French Toast Casserole For Two!

Baked vs. Stovetop: Choosing Your French Toast Method

When it comes to cooking your French Toast Sticks, you have two excellent methods to choose from: baking them in the oven or cooking them on the stovetop. Both yield delicious results, but each offers distinct advantages depending on your preferences, your available time, and the number of servings you need.

The Baked French Toast Method: Hands-Off Convenience

My personal preference often leans towards baking the French Toast Sticks. The primary reason is the sheer convenience it offers. Baking is largely a “hands-off” process. Once the sticks are prepped and neatly arranged on the baking sheet, you can slide them into the oven, set a timer, and attend to other morning tasks without constantly monitoring a skillet. This method also allows you to prepare and serve a larger batch of French toast sticks all at once, ensuring everyone at the breakfast table gets warm, fresh sticks simultaneously. It’s an ideal choice for feeding a family, preparing breakfast for a brunch gathering, or when you simply prefer a less interactive cooking experience.

The Stovetop French Toast Method: Quick & Golden Perfection

On the other hand, the stovetop method shines for its speed and immediate gratification, especially if you’re only making a small batch for one or two people. If you’re craving French toast sticks right away and don’t want to wait for the oven to preheat, the stovetop is your go-to. This method allows for a quick cook time, resulting in beautifully golden-brown sticks with a slightly crispier exterior. However, it does require more active attention. You’ll need to continuously flip the sticks and carefully manage the heat to achieve that perfect golden-brown crust without burning them. While quicker for small portions, it means serving as you go, which might leave someone waiting while you finish cooking the next batch.

No matter which method you choose, the ultimate goal is a perfectly cooked French toast stick: golden, crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and absolutely ready to be dipped into that irresistible homemade strawberry yogurt sauce. Consider your morning routine, your cooking style, and how many mouths you’re feeding when deciding which technique suits you best for your easy French toast sticks.

Recipe: French Toast Sticks with Strawberry Yogurt Dipping Sauce

French Toast Sticks with Strawberry Yogurt Dipping Sauce

Yield:
3 servings

Prep Time:
15 minutes

Cook Time:
20 minutes

Total Time:
35 minutes

Make breakfast fun again with French Toast Sticks with Strawberry Yogurt Dipping Sauce. Both baked and stovetop recipes are provided.

Ingredients

• 3 slices Texas toast bread* (see note)
• 1 egg, room temperature
• 1/4 cup milk, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• One 5.3-ounce cup Silk Dairy Free Strawberry Yogurt Alternative (roughly 3/4 cup)
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 2 tablespoons butter, softened (add a pinch of salt if unsalted)

Instructions

1. Cut each slice of bread into four 1-inch sticks with the crusts left on (you need the crusts to help hold their shape for dipping).
2. In a wide shallow bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla.
3. In a medium bowl, mix together the yogurt and honey. Store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Baking Method

1. Preheat the oven to 375F. Line a baking sheet with a silicone mat, parchment paper, or grease really well.
2. Dip each stick into the egg mixture, turning once to coat both sides. Shake off any excess mixture then place onto the baking sheet. Repeat with remaining sticks.
3. Bake 10 minutes. A few minutes before done, melt the butter in the microwave. Pull the tray out of the oven, brush the top side with melted butter, flip each stick then brush again with butter. If they stick, gently use a spatula to loosen them. Leave bottom side up and bake another 10 minutes. Serve immediately with dipping sauce.

Stovetop Method

1. Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once melted and hot, turn the heat down to low.
2. Dip 4 sticks into the egg mixture, turning once to coat both sides and shaking off any excess mixture. Immediately add to the skillet and cook for a few minutes or until golden brown on the bottom. Flip and cook another few minutes or until golden brown then remove from the skillet. Repeat with the remaining bread, adding the remaining 1 tablespoon butter when the first tablespoon is gone. Serve immediately with dipping sauce.

Notes

*Texas toast bread is twice the thickness of regular sandwich bread. This thickness allows the bread to hold its shape in order to successfully dip. If you can’t find thick bread, you can either cut a loaf of bakery bread into thick slices (day-old and/or stale bread is best) or make regular French toast as whole slices then just cut into pieces and dip with a fork.

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Tips for the Best French Toast Sticks

Achieving perfectly delicious French Toast Sticks is easier than you think with these helpful tips:

• Don’t Oversoak: While Texas toast is thick, avoid soaking the bread in the egg mixture for too long. A quick dip, turning once to coat both sides, is enough to ensure it’s flavored without becoming soggy. This helps achieve that desirable crispy exterior.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Using milk and eggs at room temperature helps them combine more smoothly and get absorbed more evenly by the bread, leading to a more consistent French toast texture.
• Proper Heat is Key: Whether you’re baking in the oven or pan-frying on the stovetop, ensure your cooking surface is preheated to the correct temperature. This prevents the French toast from absorbing too much butter or oil and encourages a beautiful, golden-brown crust.
• Avoid Crowding the Pan: If using the stovetop method, cook French toast sticks in batches. Overcrowding the skillet can lower the temperature and lead to uneven cooking and less browning.
• Experiment with Yogurt Dip: While strawberry yogurt and honey create a delightful dip, feel free to experiment! A mix of plain Greek yogurt with a spoonful of fruit preserves (raspberry, blueberry, or apricot) can be fantastic. You could also add a touch of maple syrup or a dash of vanilla extract to the yogurt for extra flavor.
• Keep Warm for Serving: If serving a crowd and using the stovetop method, you can keep cooked French toast sticks warm in a low oven (around 200°F / 95°C) on a baking sheet while you finish preparing the rest of the batch.

Serving Suggestions & Creative Variations

These Homemade French Toast Sticks are a delightful meal in themselves, especially when paired with the creamy Strawberry Yogurt Dipping Sauce. However, you can elevate your breakfast experience even further! Consider dusting the cooked sticks with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar for an extra touch of classic sweetness, or a drizzle of pure maple syrup for a traditional French toast flavor profile. Fresh berries like blueberries, raspberries, or sliced strawberries make a wonderful accompaniment, adding freshness, vibrant color, and extra vitamins. For a heartier meal, serve these delicious sticks alongside scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, or a side of sausage.

Feeling adventurous and want to customize your French Toast Sticks? The possibilities are endless! Try different variations of the dipping sauce. Instead of strawberry, use peach or vanilla yogurt. Or, for a dairy-free option, use coconut or almond-based yogurts. You could also add a pinch of warm spices like cardamom or a dash of orange zest to your French toast batter for a subtle yet sophisticated flavor twist. For a chocolatey touch, melt a bit of chocolate into your dipping sauce. These small changes can make the recipe truly your own, ensuring a breakfast that always excites your palate.

Embrace a Fun and Flavorful Breakfast with French Toast Sticks

Bringing back cherished childhood favorites like French Toast Sticks with a fresh, adult-friendly twist is a wonderful way to brighten your mornings and make breakfast an exciting event. The irresistible combination of crispy, tender French toast and a creamy, sweet-tart strawberry yogurt dipping sauce makes for an incredibly satisfying and fun start to your day. Whether you choose the convenient baked method or the quick stovetop approach, this recipe for homemade French toast sticks is sure to become a new family favorite. So, next time you’re looking for an easy, delicious, and nostalgic breakfast that excites your taste buds and brings a smile to your face, reach for that Texas toast and get dipping!

More Delicious Breakfast Recipes to Enjoy

Apple Butter French Toast Roll Ups

Pumpkin Cheesecake French Toast Roll Ups

Banana Mango Yogurt Smoothie

Banana Coconut Milk Pancakes (Dairy Free)