Sick of biting into frozen centers or rubbery edges when microwaving French toast sticks? About to banish this quick breakfast staple from your mornings for good? Not so fast! With just a few simple tricks up your sleeve, you can transform those frozen French toast sticks from microwave mush to breakfast bliss. Inside this article, discover the exact times and power levels needed to heat frozen French toast sticks to crispy, golden brown perfection. Say adieu to microwave fails and bonjour to quick, delicious French toast your whole family will adore!
Here’s a quick answer: Microwaving frozen French toast sticks takes just 1-3 minutes for a quick breakfast treat. For best results, arrange sticks in a single layer on a microwave-safe plate and cook at high power. Cooking times range from 45 seconds for 1-3 small sticks up to 2 minutes for 7-10 sticks, based on microwave wattage. Check frequently and flip halfway for even crispness. Finish in the oven at 400°F for 5-10 minutes to achieve crispy exteriors. Classic dipping sauces include syrup, chocolate, and caramel.
What are French Toast Sticks?
French toast sticks, also sometimes called French toast fingers or French toast dippers, are bread sticks coated in an egg-based batter and fried or baked until crispy on the outside. The coating helps the bread absorb syrup or other dipping sauces.
French toast sticks are a popular breakfast item, especially for kids, because they are fun to dunk in syrup and have a delicious sweet flavor. The crunchy exterioralso provides a satisfying texture contrast to the soft, custardy interior.
Most grocery stores stock French toast sticks in the frozen breakfast aisle. Popular brands include Eggo, Van’s, and Ore-Ida. You can also make homemade French toast sticksby cutting bread into strips and coating them with a basic French toast batter.
Benefits of Microwaving French Toast Sticks
While French toast sticks are traditionally prepared in the oven or fried in oil, the microwave offers a convenient cooking method with several advantages:
- Speed – Microwaving is significantly faster than using the oven. French toast sticks can be ready in just 1-3 minutes.
- Less Mess – Without the need for a frying pan full of oil, there is minimal cleanup required after microwaving.
- Consistent Results – Microwaves distribute heat evenly, so the entire French toast stick heats through.
- Energy Efficient – Microwaves use less energy than an oven to cook a small portion of food.
- Kid-Friendly – Kids can safely use the microwave with supervision. Letting them microwave their own breakfast teaches independence.
So if you are rushed in the morning or just want a fast meal, microwaving is an excellent option for French toast sticks.
How Long to Microwave Frozen French Toast Sticks
Microwave times can vary based on several factors:
- Number of sticks – The more sticks, the longer the cook time. A few take less time than a whole plate.
- Microwave wattage – Higher watt microwaves will cook faster. Most home microwaves are 700-1200W.
- Size of sticks – Larger oven-style sticks take longer than thin frozen sticks.
- Doneness preference – Cook longer for crispier sticks or less for softer interior.
With those variables in mind, here are general guidelines:
- 1-3 small frozen French toast sticks – 45 sec to 1 min
- 4-6 small frozen French toast sticks – 1 min to 1 min 30 sec
- 7-10 small frozen French toast sticks – 1 min 30 sec to 2 min
- Oven-style French toast sticks – 2 to 3 minutes
Always check at minimum intervals and adjust to your tastes.
How to Microwave French Toast Sticks
Microwaving frozen French toast sticks takes just a few minutes for a quick and easy breakfast or snack. Follow these simple steps for perfect results:
- Take frozen French toast sticks out of the package. Leave them in the freezer until ready to cook.
- Prepare a microwave-safe plate. Choose a sturdy plate suitable for microwave use. Avoid paper plates.
- Arrange sticks on the plate in a single layer. Make sure sticks are not overlapping each other. Spread them out for even cooking.
- Microwave on high power. Optimal settings are typically 700-1200 watts. High or full power works best.
- Microwave for 1-2 minutes. Cook time depends on number of sticks and microwave wattage. Start with 1 minute for 2-3 sticks.
- Flip sticks and microwave for 30 more seconds. Rearrange sticks for evenly browned sides.
- Check for doneness. Sticks should be hot and starting to brown. Cook longer if needed.
- Let sit 1 minute before eating. The residual heat will finish cooking the center.
- Enjoy with syrup or dipping sauce! Serve warm syrup, chocolate sauce, whipped cream, or fruit toppings.
Following these simple microwaving steps results in hot, crispy French toast sticks in minutes. Adjust cook times as needed for your microwave. For added crunch, finish in the oven or toaster oven.
Finish Cooking With an Oven or Toaster Oven
While the microwave does a great job of quickly thawing and heating French toast sticks, many people prefer the texture of oven-baked French toast sticks. Using the oven or toaster oven for a short additional cooking time can further brown and crisp the outside to perfection.
The high dry heat of an oven or toaster oven is ideal for finishing off frozen French toast sticks after the microwave thaw. The short stint under the broiler or toaster elements will add that satisfying crunch without overcooking.
Oven Method
After microwaving the frozen French toast sticks to heat them through, arrange the sticks on a baking sheet or oven-safe plate. Bake at 400°F for 5-10 minutes, keeping an eye on them so they don’t burn. You want them lightly browned and crispy on the outside. The timing will depend on your oven and how crisp you prefer them.
Toaster Oven Technique
A toaster oven works great for adding crispy texture too. After microwaving, place the sticks directly on the toaster oven rack and toast at 400°F for 2-5 minutes. Watch closely to get the right amount of crispness without scorching them. The smaller toaster oven heats up quickly for fast results.
The two-step method of microwave thawing followed by a short oven or toaster oven crisping ensures you get the best of both worlds – moist, fully cooked interiors and crunchy, golden-brown exteriors. With this technique, you can enjoy perfect French toast sticks even when short on time. The double cooking makes them extra scrumptious!
Serving and Dipping French Toast Sticks
French toast sticks truly shine when paired with delicious dipping sauces and fun toppings. For breakfast, classic syrups like maple, pancake, and honey are perfect for dunking the custardy interior. For a dessert twist, drizzle with chocolate or caramel sauce. Set out a variety of dipping options for fun flavor combinations.
Toppings like whipped cream, powdered sugar, cinnamon sugar, or fresh fruit add sweet crunch. For a hearty breakfast meal, serve French toast sticks alongside eggs, breakfast meats like bacon or sausage, hash browns, or a fruit cup.
The opportunities are endless when planning creative ways to serve French toast sticks! The crispy exterior soaks up sweet sauces, while warm syrups and chocolate complement the soft bread interior.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Leftover French toast sticks can be kept for later enjoyment thanks to proper storage methods. After cooking, allow any uneaten French toast sticks to cool completely before storing. To store, place the cooled French toast sticks in a sealed container or resealable plastic bag. In the refrigerator, they will keep for 3-4 days. For longer term storage, freeze cooled French toast sticks in a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
When ready to eat the leftovers, the reheating method depends on whether they were refrigerated or frozen. To reheat refrigerated sticks, place them on a microwave-safe plate and microwave in 30 second intervals until warmed through, about 1 minute total. For frozen sticks, microwave at 1 minute intervals, adding 1-2 extra minutes to the original cook time to account for frozen state.
As always, check frequently to prevent overheating. Leftover French toast sticks also reheat well in the oven or toaster oven at 400°F for a few minutes to restore crispiness. With proper storage and reheating, you can enjoy easy French toast sticks twice!
Common French Toast Sticks FAQs
Can you microwave frozen raw French toast sticks?
Yes, frozen raw French toast sticks can go straight from freezer to microwave. Cook same as above based on number of sticks, but add 15-30 seconds more time. Check for doneness.
What setting is best to microwave?
Always use the microwave’s highest wattage setting for cooking frozen French toast sticks. This allows them to heat through quickly. The High or Power setting is ideal.
What if my microwave does not have a turntable?
In microwaves without a turntable, you will need to rotate the plate by hand once halfway through cooking. This ensures even cooking when unable to revolve.
What happens if you overcook them?
Overcooked French toast sticks will dry out and become tough. Stop the microwave immediately if you see sparks or smoke, as those are signs they may have overcooked. Undercooking is better than overcooking.
Can you microwave homemade French toast sticks?
Yes, homemade French toast sticks can be cooked in the microwave the same way. Prepare the batter and bread as you normally would. Arrange in a single layer and microwave 1-2 minutes, flipping once.
Conclusion
In conclusion, microwaving French toast sticks is a fantastic shortcut to indulging in a delectable, piping-hot breakfast or snack within minutes. By mastering the art of timing and technique, you’ll have the power to whip up this delightful treat whenever hunger strikes, whether it’s morning, noon, or night.
Don’t be afraid to experiment, fine-tuning the cooking process to achieve your preferred level of doneness. Once they’re just right, enhance the experience by dipping your golden-brown sticks into a pool of sweet syrup or a delectable sauce, transforming every bite into a symphony of flavors that’ll leave your taste buds singing with joy!
