Croissant French Toast Sticks

Name: Croissant French Toast Sticks
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 large croissants; 4 large eggs; 1 cup of milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 2 tablespoons sugar; Butter, for greasing the pan; Maple syrup, for serving; Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)

Highlighted under: Effortless Cooking Creations

I adore starting my mornings with a little indulgence, and there’s nothing that brings me more joy than these Croissant French Toast Sticks. They’re a delightful twist on traditional French toast, using buttery croissants that create a wonderfully flaky texture. What makes these sticks so special is the way they soak up the custard mixture, yielding a crispy exterior and a soft, custardy center. Perfect for brunch or a special breakfast treat, these sticks are sure to impress anyone you serve them to!

Created by

Lina

Last updated on 2026-01-25T17:42:27.343Z

When I first tried making French toast with croissants, I was a bit skeptical, but it turned out to be a game changer! The buttery layers of the croissants combined with the rich custard create a treat that’s almost like eating a dessert for breakfast. A little tip I learned: letting the croissants soak before cooking is essential to achieve that perfect balance of crispy and soft texture.

These sticks are not only delicious but also fun to serve. I like to cut them into manageable sizes, making them perfect for dipping into maple syrup. They’re also a fantastic dish to make with leftover croissants, so I always keep this in my back pocket for special brunch occasions.

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Buttery croissants make for a luxurious breakfast treat
Easy to prepare and perfect for serving a crowd
Great for dipping, making breakfast fun and interactive

The Importance of Soaking Time

Soaking the croissant sticks in the custard mixture is a critical step in achieving the perfect texture. Aim for about 30 seconds on each side, ensuring the croissants are adequately saturated without becoming too soggy. If you notice the liquid pooling instead of absorbing, gently press the sticks into the mixture to encourage absorption. Proper soaking enhances the flavor and allows the sticks to develop that delicious custardy center, contrasting beautifully with the crispy exterior.

Be mindful not to let the croissant sticks soak for too long, as overly saturated croissants might fall apart during cooking. If you are making a larger batch, consider soaking them in smaller groups. This will prevent crowding and help maintain even soaking, resulting in consistently delicious sticks.

Choosing the Right Croissants

The choice of croissants can significantly influence the final dish. For the best results, opt for fresh, flaky, and buttery croissants; this will impart a richer flavor and superior texture. Day-old croissants can be used but may not puff up as nicely when cooked. If you're able to find them, consider using chocolate or almond croissants for a unique twist on the classic flavor profile.

If you're looking for a lighter option, whole grain or less buttery croissants are also acceptable. However, keep in mind that these may yield a denser texture and can change the profile of your dish. If you're feeling adventurous, replace some of the eggs in the custard with a banana or applesauce for a subtle sweetness and a hint of fruitiness.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

These Croissant French Toast Sticks are incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. Pair them with fresh berries, whipped cream, or a dollop of yogurt to add a refreshing contrast. For added texture, try sprinkling chopped nuts or granola on top. Serve them with a side of eggs or bacon for a more substantial brunch spread that will impress your guests.

For an even more decadent version, consider adding a splash of orange or almond extract to the custard. Alternatively, you can drizzle some chocolate sauce over the sticks after plating them. If you're entertaining, considering stacking the sticks into a tower and garnishing with mint leaves for a striking presentation.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create these delightful Croissant French Toast Sticks:

Ingredients

4 large croissants
4 large eggs
1 cup of milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons sugar
Butter, for greasing the pan
Maple syrup, for serving
Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s move on to the cooking steps!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make Croissant French Toast Sticks:

Prepare the Custard

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and sugar until well combined.

Slice the Croissants

Carefully slice each croissant in half lengthwise, then cut each half into thirds to create sticks.

Soak the Croissant Sticks

Dip each croissant stick into the custard mixture, allowing them to soak for about 30 seconds on each side.

Cook the Sticks

In a non-stick skillet, melt a little butter over medium heat. Cook the soaked croissant sticks for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.

Serve

Remove from the skillet and serve warm, dusted with powdered sugar and drizzled with maple syrup.

Enjoy your delicious Croissant French Toast Sticks, perfect for breakfast or brunch!

Pro Tips

For an added twist, try dipping the croissant sticks in chocolate or serving with fresh berries for a burst of flavor.

Storing and Reheating

If you have leftovers (though it’s hard to resist these!), allow the croissant sticks to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can stay fresh for up to 3 days. When you're ready to reheat, a quick pop in the toaster or a bake in the oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes will restore their crunchy exterior.

For longer storage, these French toast sticks can also be frozen. Lay them flat on a baking sheet to freeze individually before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last for up to 2 months in the freezer. To reheat frozen sticks, bake them directly from frozen in a preheated oven for 10-12 minutes.

Troubleshooting Tips

If your croissant sticks turn out too soggy, they may have soaked too long in the custard. Adjust your soaking time for future batches, and make sure to allow excess custard to drip off before cooking. If they’re undercooked or not getting crispy, ensure your skillet is adequately preheated, and consider cooking in smaller batches to prevent overcrowding, which can lead to steaming instead of crisping.

Another common issue is uneven cooking; if you find some sticks are browning faster than others, simply rotate the sticks in the pan halfway through cooking to achieve an even golden-brown color. Using a non-stick skillet will help avoid sticking, but if you’re using a regular skillet, keep an eye on the heat to ensure they do not burn.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use day-old croissants?

Absolutely! Day-old croissants will soak up the custard mixture better and maintain a great texture when cooked.

→ What can I substitute for milk?

You can use almond milk, oat milk, or any plant-based milk for a dairy-free option.

→ Can I prepare the custard ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the custard mixture a few hours in advance and store it in the fridge until you're ready to use it.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet before serving.