Easy Toddler French Toast Sticks (Freezer-Friendly Recipe)
There’s a stretch of mornings every few weeks where my toddler decides she only wants to eat things she can hold in her hand — no bowl, no fork, nothing that requires sitting still for more than ninety seconds. That’s when these toddler French toast sticks earn their keep. They’re really just French toast cut into strips before cooking, which somehow makes them twice as appealing to a toddler and about ten times easier to dip.
They come together with ingredients most of us already have on hand, and a double batch means breakfast is basically solved for the week.
🟢 Quick Look
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Prep Time |
10 minutes |
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Cook Time |
10 minutes |
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Total Time |
20 minutes |
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Difficulty |
Easy |
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Servings |
12–16 sticks (4 slices bread) |
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Why Make This |
No added sugar, easy to hold, freezer-friendly |
Why This Recipe Works for Toddlers
- Easy to hold. The strips are easy for little hands to grasp, and you can adjust their size to suit your child’s current eating skills.
- No added sugar. A touch of cinnamon and vanilla add flavor without needing syrup.
- Good with dips. Pairs well with yogurt or mashed fruit, which can help with variety at the table.
- Freezer-friendly. Make a batch ahead and reheat individual portions as needed.
As with most single foods, these toddler French toast sticks work best served alongside something else — a side of fruit or a bit of yogurt helps round out the meal.
Ingredients
- 4 slices whole wheat bread, slightly stale if possible
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup milk (dairy or a fortified non-dairy milk)
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Butter or oil, for the pan
How to Make Toddler French Toast Sticks
- Cut the bread. Slice each piece of bread into 3–4 strips.
- Make the batter. In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cinnamon, and vanilla.
- Dip the strips. Dip each bread strip into the egg mixture, coating both sides without letting it get soggy.
- Cook. Heat a lightly buttered skillet over medium-low heat. Cook the strips for 2–3 minutes per side, turning with tongs, until golden and cooked through.
- Cool slightly before serving, since the inside holds heat longer than the outside suggests.
Easy Toddler French Toast Sticks
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Slice each piece of bread into 3–4 strips.2. In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cinnamon, and vanilla.3. Dip each bread strip into the egg mixture, coating both sides without letting it get soggy.4. Heat a lightly buttered skillet over medium-low heat. Cook the strips 2–3 minutes per side, turning with tongs, until golden and cooked through.5. Cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Fridge: Once cooled, refrigerate the French toast sticks promptly in a covered container and use within 3–4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze the cooled sticks in a single layer, then transfer them to a labeled freezer-safe bag or container.
- Reheat: Thaw in the refrigerator, then warm gently until heated through. If using a microwave, heat in short intervals and check the center before serving. Allow them to cool to a comfortable temperature.
Serving Ideas for Toddlers
- Cut strips a little shorter for younger toddlers, so they’re easier to manage in small hands.
- Serve with a small dish of plain yogurt or mashed berries for dipping.
- For younger toddlers, skip syrup and use mashed fruit or plain yogurt instead. This keeps the meal lower in added sugar and gives you an easier-to-handle topping.
Keep mealtime seated and supervised and let your child’s current chewing skills guide how you cut and serve the strips.
Storage and Freezer Instructions
- Fridge: Once cooled, refrigerate the toddler French toast sticks promptly in a covered container and use within 3–4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze the cooled sticks in a single layer, then transfer them to a labeled freezer-safe bag or container.
- Reheat: Thaw in the refrigerator, then warm gently until heated through. If using a microwave, heat in short intervals and check the center before serving. Allow them to cool to a comfortable temperature.
Easy Variations
- Dairy-free: Use a fortified non-dairy milk in place of regular milk.
- Creamier variation: Add a tablespoon of cottage cheese to the egg mixture and blend until smooth before dipping.
- Different bread: Soft whole-grain or oat bread can work well if you want a different texture. If using brioche, choose a variety with little or no added sugar.
- Fruit topping: Mashed banana or a spoonful of unsweetened applesauce make a good no-sugar topping.
A Note on Food Safety
- Keep mealtime seated and supervised. Serve them while your child is seated upright and avoid eating while walking, riding in a car, or sitting in a stroller.
- Cut strips into a size appropriate for your toddler’s current chewing ability, rather than relying on age alone. HealthyChildren.org’s choking-prevention guidance is a good general reference for food-related choking risks in young children.
- Let strips cool to a safe, warm temperature before serving.
- If using a dip, offer only a thin layer of nut butter if that’s part of your topping — thick spoonfuls can be difficult for toddlers to manage safely.
Frequently Asked Questions
More Toddler Breakfast Ideas
Add these to your rotation alongside our Banana Oat Pancakes, Banana Oat Muffins, and Toddler Egg Bites for a full week of easy mornings. For more serving guidance, check out our Finger Foods section.
