These crispy cinnamon French toast bites are mini treats that are perfect for breakfast or a snack! They are sweet, buttery, and packed with yummy cinnamon flavor that everyone loves.
Honestly, who can resist tiny bites of French toast? I love serving them with maple syrup for dipping—it’s like a fun little breakfast party on your plate! 🥞
What I enjoy most is how quick they are to whip up. Just soak, fry, and enjoy! Perfect for busy mornings or lazy weekends when you want something special without a lot of fuss.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Thick Bread: Using brioche or challah gives a rich flavor and soft texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, try wheat or sourdough bread. Just make sure it’s thick to hold the egg mixture well!
Eggs: Large eggs are essential here as they create a fluffy texture. If you’re vegan or have egg allergies, you can use a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tbsp water) as a substitute.
Milk: Whole milk is my go-to for a creamy result, but any milk works. Almond, soy, or oat milk can be great dairy-free alternatives. Adjust the sweetness based on your milk choice.
Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko gives that extra crunch. If you don’t have it, regular breadcrumbs will do, but they’ll be less crispy. Try crushed cornflakes for a unique twist!
Butter: Unsalted butter adds a nice richness, but you can substitute with coconut oil or a plant-based spread for a dairy-free option.
How Do You Ensure Every Bite is Crispy and Delicious?
To achieve crispy French toast bites, start by not soaking the bread cubes too long in the egg mixture. A quick dip is ideal; you want them coated but not drenched. Here’s how:
- Chop the bread into even 1-inch cubes for uniform cooking.
- Whisk the egg mixture thoroughly to combine all ingredients for even flavor.
- Coat each cube with panko well; this is where the crunch comes from. Press gently to stick.
- Heat the skillet properly before adding butter; it should sizzle when butter is added.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan—this ensures they cook evenly and get that brown crispiness.
- Let them rest on paper towels after cooking to remove excess butter and oil.
These simple steps will help make sure every bite is perfectly crispy and delicious!
How to Make Crispy Cinnamon French Toast Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the French Toast Bites:
- 4 slices of thick bread (such as brioche or challah)
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup milk
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
For Drizzling:
- Maple syrup or icing (as desired)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of cooking time, totaling around 30 minutes to enjoy these delicious bites! You’ll spend some time cutting bread, mixing ingredients, and frying until they’re wonderfully crispy.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Bread:
Start by cutting each slice of thick bread into small cubes, about 1-inch pieces. Place those aside for later. This will be your base for the delicious French toast bites!
2. Make the Egg Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until everything is well combined. This mixture is going to give your French toast bites that sweet and cinnamon flavor we all love!
3. Coat the Bread Cubes:
Take each bread cube and dip it into the egg mixture. Make sure each piece is fully coated, but don’t soak it too long; you want them moist, not soggy. Then, move the coated cubes to a separate bowl filled with panko breadcrumbs and toss them around gently until they are well coated with breadcrumbs. This step is what gives them that extra crispy texture!
4. Cook the French Toast Bites:
In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter is hot and bubbling, carefully add the bread cubes in a single layer. You may need to cook them in batches depending on your skillet size. Cook the bites for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Once cooked, remove them from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Once all your French toast bites are cooked, it’s time to dig in! Drizzle them with maple syrup or icing—whichever you prefer. Serve them warm and enjoy your crispy, sweet, and cinnamon-infused treat!
Can I Use Different Types of Bread for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While brioche and challah work wonderfully for their richness, you can substitute with any thick, sturdy bread like Texas toast, sourdough, or even whole grain if you prefer. Just ensure the slices are about 1-inch thick for the best texture!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prep the egg mixture and bread cubes in advance. Store the bread cubes in an airtight container, and keep the egg mixture covered in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, just combine and proceed with the recipe as directed!
How to Store Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, pop them in a toaster oven or skillet on medium heat until crispy again. You can add a bit more butter if needed to revive their crunch!
Can I Substitute Milk with a Dairy-Free Option?
Definitely! You can use almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk as a substitute for regular milk. The flavor may vary slightly, but your French toast bites will still be delicious and crispy!
