Having leftover French toast sticks can seem like a conundrum. What should you do with those extra pieces of battered bread? Thankfully, there are many delicious ways to use up leftover French toast sticks!
Quick Answers
Here are some quick answers to common questions about leftover French toast sticks:
- Can you reheat French toast sticks? Yes, leftover French toast sticks can be reheated in the oven or toaster oven to crispy them back up.
- How long do French toast sticks last in the fridge? Leftover French toast sticks will stay fresh in the fridge for 3-4 days.
- Can you freeze leftover French toast sticks? Yes, freeze sticks in a single layer on a baking sheet then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat directly from frozen.
- What’s the best way to reheat French toast sticks? The oven or toaster oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes is best for evenly reheating French toast sticks.
Savory Ideas
If you have a bunch of leftover French toast sticks, why not try a savory recipe? French toast sticks aren’t just for breakfast – they can be incorporated into all sorts of delicious lunches, dinners and snacks too. Here are some savory French toast stick ideas:
- French toast sticks pizza: Top sticks with pizza sauce, mozzarella and your favorite toppings. Broil until cheese melts.
- French toast stick sandwiches: Layer meat, cheese, lettuce, tomato, etc between sticks for a fun sandwich.
- French toast stick nachos: Cut sticks into smaller pieces and top with beans, salsa, cheese, avocado and more.
- French toast stick croutons: Toss cubed French toast sticks with olive oil and seasonings then bake until crispy. Use on salads.
- French toast stick panzanella: A twist on the bread salad with French toast sticks, tomatoes, cucumber, onion and dressing.
- French toast egg cups: Line muffin tins with strips of French toast then fill with whisked eggs and veggies. Bake until set.
Sweet Treats
Of course, one of the most popular ways to use leftover French toast sticks is for sweet breakfast treats. The possibilities are endless! Here are some delightful sweet French toast stick recipes to try:
- French toast stick bread pudding: Toss sticks with an egg custard mixture and bake until set. Top with maple syrup.
- Blintzes with French toast sticks: Spread sweet cheese filling on sticks, fold and pan fry until golden.
- French toast cookies: Cut sticks into bite-size pieces, coat in cinnamon sugar and bake into crunchy “cookies.”
- French toast berry crisps: Alternate layers of chopped French toast sticks, berries and a crumbly oat topping. Bake until bubbly.
- Bananas Foster French toast bites: Top French toast sticks with sliced banana, brown sugar sauce and pecans.
- S’mores French toast sticks: Spread sticks with chocolate and marshmallow, toast until gooey.
Savory French Toast Stick Recipes
French Toast Stick Pizzas
These little pizzas are perfect for using up leftover French toast sticks in a fun and delicious way. They come together quickly and are sure to be a hit!
Ingredients:
- 8-10 leftover French toast sticks
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Toppings like pepperoni, cooked sausage, peppers, onions, etc.
Instructions:
- Preheat broiler to high. Line a baking sheet with foil.
- Lay French toast sticks out flat on prepared baking sheet.
- Spread 1-2 tablespoons of pizza sauce on each stick, covering evenly.
- Top with mozzarella cheese and any other desired toppings.
- Broil for 3-5 minutes until cheese is bubbly and melted.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
French Toast Stick Sandwiches
Put those leftover French toast sticks to good use in these crave-worthy sandwiches! Layer up your favorite fixings between slices of crispy French toast.
Ingredients:
- Leftover French toast sticks
- Sliced deli meat like ham, turkey, roast beef
- Sliced cheese like cheddar, Swiss, provolone
- Lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, etc.
- Condiments like mustard, mayo, etc.
Instructions:
- Heat up leftover French toast sticks in the oven at 350°F for 5 minutes until warmed through and slightly crispy.
- Assemble sandwiches by layering meat, cheese, vegetables and condiments between slices of French toast sticks.
- Serve sandwiches warm or at room temperature. Enjoy!
French Toast Stick Nachos
Crisp, cheesy nachos made extra tasty with leftover French toast sticks! An easy appetizer for game day or parties.
Ingredients:
- 6-8 leftover French toast sticks, cut into bite-size pieces
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
- 1/2 cup salsa
- Sliced jalapeños, avocado, cilantro, etc.
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Arrange cut up French toast sticks in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 5-10 minutes until crispy and golden brown. Remove from oven.
- Top toasted French toast sticks with black beans, cheese and salsa.
- Bake for another 3-5 minutes until cheese melts.
- Remove from oven, top with jalapeños, avocado, cilantro, etc. Serve immediately.
Sweet French Toast Stick Recipes
French Toast Stick Bread Pudding
An easy bread pudding that makes use of day old French toast sticks for a comforting, nostalgic dessert.
Ingredients:
- 6 cups cubed leftover French toast sticks
- 4 eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- Maple syrup, for serving
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Arrange cubed French toast sticks evenly in prepared baking dish.
- Whisk together eggs, milk, brown sugar, vanilla and cinnamon in a bowl.
- Pour egg mixture evenly over French toast cubes.
- Let sit for 10 minutes, pressing down on the bread to soak up custard.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes until puffed and set.
- Serve warm with maple syrup.
Blintzes with French Toast Sticks
Using leftover French toast sticks gives these classic filled pancakes an extra crunchy, crispy texture.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 6-8 leftover French toast sticks
- 2 Tbsp butter
- Powdered sugar and fresh fruit, for serving
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix together ricotta cheese, powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth. Set aside.
- Lay a French toast stick flat and spread 2-3 tablespoons of cheese filling down the center.
- Fold stick over to encase filling and press gently to seal.
- Repeat with remaining sticks and filling.
- In a nonstick pan, melt 1 Tbsp butter over medium heat. Add 2-3 filled sticks and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until golden.
- Repeat with remaining butter and blintzes. Serve with powdered sugar and fresh fruit.
French Toast Cookies
Give leftover French toast sticks new life in these fun, bite-size “cookies” coated in cinnamon sugar.
Ingredients:
- 4-5 leftover French toast sticks, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 4 Tbsp (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup cinnamon sugar (or 1/4 cup sugar + 1 tsp cinnamon)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cut French toast sticks into 1-inch bite-size pieces. You should have around 24 pieces.
- Place melted butter into a shallow bowl. Place cinnamon sugar in a separate shallow bowl.
- Dip each French toast piece into the melted butter, letting excess drip off. Then toss in the cinnamon sugar to coat evenly.
- Place coated pieces on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes until crispy.
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
More Tips for Using Leftover French Toast Sticks
Besides the recipes mentioned already, there are even more creative ways to use day-old French toast sticks!
Here are a few additional ideas:
- Make French toast stick croutons for salads or soups by cubing and toasting the sticks with oil or butter.
- Transform into breadcrumbs for coating chicken, fish, etc. Pulse in the food processor.
- Layer crushed sticks with berries and whipped cream for a trifle.
- Use as the bread for mini French toast stick sandwiches with jam.
- Make a French toast stick panzanella salad with tomatoes, cucumbers and dressing.
- Fill withScramble with eggs and veggies for a hearty breakfast bowl.
- Blend into smoothies for added protein and fiber.
- Cut into cubes for French toast kabobs dipped in syrup or chocolate.
Storing and Freezing Leftover French Toast Sticks
Want to keep those leftover French toast sticks to use later? Here are some storage tips:
Refrigerating French Toast Sticks
- Place leftover sticks in a sealed container or zip top bag.
- Refrigerate for 3-4 days maximum.
- To reheat, place in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes until warmed through and crispy.
Freezing French Toast Sticks
- Arrange unused sticks in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Place in the freezer for 1-2 hours until completely frozen.
- Transfer frozen sticks to an airtight freezer bag or container.
- Store frozen for 2-3 months.
- To reheat, place frozen sticks directly in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes.
Conclusion
With so many savory and sweet possibilities, you’ll never have to waste leftover French toast sticks again. From quick appetizers to show-stopping desserts, your extra French toast sticks can be easily transformed into mouthwatering new dishes. With proper refrigeration or freezing, they’ll be ready to use when inspiration strikes. So next time you have leftover sticks from brunch, don’t throw them out – put them to delicious use instead!