French toast is a beloved breakfast staple, but have you ever tried it with a delightful, unexpected crunch? Thanks to the culinary genius of the Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond, you can elevate your french toast game with these incredible French Toast Sticks. Inspired by Ree’s cookbook, “Come and Get It,” this recipe takes the classic dish and infuses it with a fun, family-friendly twist that’s perfect for busy mornings and even late-night sweet cravings. Get ready to discover the secret to irresistibly crunchy and freezer-friendly Pioneer Woman French Toast Sticks.
What makes these french toast sticks stand out from the crowd? It’s all about the texture and convenience. Ree Drummond’s recipe ingeniously incorporates crushed Cap’n Crunch cereal into the coating, creating a satisfyingly crispy exterior that contrasts beautifully with the soft, eggy interior. But the brilliance doesn’t stop there – these french toast sticks are designed to be freezer-friendly, making them a make-ahead dream for those hectic weekdays.
The Pioneer Woman Inspiration
Ree Drummond, the Pioneer Woman, is known for her approachable, family-focused recipes that are both delicious and practical. Her cookbook, “Come and Get It,” is packed with recipes designed for real life, and these french toast sticks perfectly embody that philosophy. They’re fun to make, even more fun to eat, and incredibly convenient for busy families who still want to enjoy a homemade breakfast. This recipe is a testament to Ree’s knack for taking classic comfort food and giving it a delightful, crowd-pleasing upgrade.
The Crunchy Secret: Cap’n Crunch
The magic ingredient that sets these french toast sticks apart is undoubtedly the Cap’n Crunch cereal. Crushed into fine crumbs, it forms the base of a crunchy coating that elevates the texture of traditional french toast to a whole new level. Combined with panko breadcrumbs, the cereal creates a double-crunch effect that’s simply irresistible. It’s a playful and unexpected addition that makes breakfast feel like a special treat, appealing to both kids and adults alike.
Freezer-Friendly for Busy Mornings
One of the biggest advantages of this Pioneer Woman recipe is its freezer-friendliness. Imagine having a batch of these crunchy french toast sticks ready to go whenever you need a quick and satisfying breakfast. Simply prepare a large batch, freeze them, and then bake a few whenever the craving strikes. This make-ahead convenience is a game-changer for busy parents, students, or anyone who appreciates a delicious breakfast without the morning rush. Whether it’s a weekday breakfast or a weekend brunch, these freezer-friendly french toast sticks are always a welcome treat.
Close-up of crunchy french toast sticks coated in cereal crumbs before cooking
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create these delightful Pioneer Woman French Toast Sticks, gather these simple ingredients:
- 12 slices Texas toast or thick sliced bread: The sturdy base for your sticks.
- 6 large eggs: For the rich and custardy egg mixture.
- 1/2 cup half-and-half: Adds creaminess to the egg mixture.
- 1/2 cup sugar: Provides sweetness to both the egg mixture and the crunchy coating.
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor profile with warm vanilla notes.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds a touch of spice and classic french toast flavor.
- 1-1/2 cups panko bread crumbs: Contributes to the overall crunchy texture.
- 1-1/2 cups Cap’n Crunch cereal, crushed into fine crumbs: The star ingredient for the signature crunch.
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted: To moisten the crumb mixture and add richness.
- Powdered sugar and maple syrup for serving: Classic toppings for french toast perfection.
Slices of thick artisan bread being cut into strips for french toast sticks
Step-by-Step Guide to Pioneer Woman French Toast Sticks
Follow these easy steps to make your own batch of Pioneer Woman French Toast Sticks:
- Slice the Bread: Cut each slice of Texas toast or thick-sliced bread into three even strips. Using a serrated knife and a gentle sawing motion will prevent the bread from getting squished and losing its shape.
- Prepare the Egg Mixture: In a shallow dish, like a pie plate, whisk together the eggs, half-and-half, 1/4 cup of the sugar, vanilla extract, and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon until well combined. Set aside.
- Make the Crunchy Coating: In a separate shallow dish, combine the panko bread crumbs, crushed Cap’n Crunch cereal, the remaining 1/4 cup of sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon. Drizzle the melted butter over the crumb mixture and stir with a fork until the crumbs are slightly moistened and clump together.
- Dunk and Coat: Working one bread strip at a time, quickly and gently dunk it into the egg mixture, ensuring all sides are coated. Then, immediately transfer the egg-coated strip to the dish with the crumb mixture. Turn and press the bread strip to completely coat it on all sides with the crunchy cereal mixture.
Whisking eggs, half-and-half, sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla in a shallow dish
- Arrange and Freeze (Optional): Place the coated french toast sticks on a wire rack set inside a baking sheet. For freezer-friendly sticks, flash freeze them for 30 minutes to allow the coating to set. Once slightly frozen, transfer them to freezer-safe storage bags in groups for easy baking later.
Combining cereal crumbs, panko bread crumbs, sugar, and cinnamon in a pie plate
- Bake from Frozen (or Fresh):
- From Frozen: Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Place the frozen french toast sticks on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until golden brown and heated through. For slightly softer sticks, bake at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) for 18-20 minutes.
- Freshly Made: If baking immediately without freezing, preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Bake the prepared french toast sticks for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
Dipping bread strips in egg mixture and then coating with cereal mixture
- Serve and Enjoy: Sprinkle the baked Pioneer Woman French Toast Sticks generously with powdered sugar. Serve them immediately with warm maple syrup for dipping.
Stack of cooked french toast sticks sprinkled with powdered sugar and drizzled with maple syrup
Serving Suggestions
While classic maple syrup and powdered sugar are always a winning combination, feel free to get creative with your toppings and dipping sauces. Consider these delicious options:
- Fresh berries: Strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries add a burst of freshness and color.
- Whipped cream: A dollop of homemade whipped cream elevates the indulgence factor.
- Fruit compote: Warm fruit compote, like apple or berry, provides a comforting and flavorful topping.
- Chocolate sauce: For a sweeter treat, drizzle with chocolate sauce or Nutella.
- Caramel sauce: Caramel sauce adds a rich and buttery flavor dimension.
No matter how you serve them, these Pioneer Woman French Toast Sticks are sure to be a hit. They are a fun, flavorful, and convenient breakfast option that will bring smiles to faces of all ages. So, grab Ree Drummond’s cookbook, “Come and Get It,” and get ready to make breakfast magic!
