If you’re searching for a sweet and salty breakfast recipe that feels indulgent yet easy, these Crispy Maple Bacon Toast Sticks are your answer. Each bite delivers the golden crunch of crispy French toast sticks, infused with smoky-sweet maple bacon flavor.
The buttery brioche, warm cinnamon, and rich maple syrup create that irresistible bacon maple breakfast magic comfort food at its best. Perfect for weekend brunch, lazy mornings, or impressing guests, these sticks are handheld, dippable, and loaded with flavor.
It’s everything you love about French toast reimagined into a fun, handheld breakfast recipe that’s crispy, caramelized, and unforgettable.
The secret to this gourmet breakfast at home lies in the texture and balance. Thick slices of brioche soak up a cinnamon maple custard, then cook to golden perfection. Adding maple syrup and brown sugar directly to the batter caramelizes the edges for that signature crunch.
Meanwhile, oven-baked bacon brings smoky, salty contrast. When paired with the sweet maple notes, every bite becomes a perfect mix of buttery richness, crispiness, and comfort.
This recipe transforms classic breakfast ingredients into a sweet and savory morning treat that’s restaurant worthy yet simple to make.
6 thick slices brioche bread (or challah)
4 large eggs
¾ cup whole milk
2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Pinch of salt
2 tablespoons butter, for frying
6 strips thick-cut bacon
1 tablespoon maple syrup (for brushing)
½ teaspoon black pepper (optional for contrast)
Powdered sugar, for dusting
Extra maple syrup, for dipping
Use day old brioche for better soak-and crisp balance. It absorbs the custard without falling apart, resulting in caramelized French toast sticks that hold their shape beautifully.
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and top it with a wire rack. Lay the bacon strips evenly on the rack. Brush each slice with maple syrup, then sprinkle lightly with black pepper if you like a sweet-spicy edge.
Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until the bacon is deep golden and crisp. Set aside on paper towels to drain. Once cool, crumble into small pieces.
Pro Tip: For extra flavor, reserve a tablespoon of the bacon drippings to brush over the cooked toast sticks later.
Meanwhile, in a medium mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, maple syrup, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Whisk until smooth and slightly frothy.
This sweet custard forms the base for the crispy coating. The maple and cinnamon will caramelize beautifully during cooking.
Next, slice each piece of brioche into three long sticks. Dip each stick into the egg mixture, letting it soak for 5–10 seconds per side. Avoid over-soaking, or your toast sticks will turn soggy.
Transfer dipped sticks to a plate while the skillet heats up.
Melt butter in a large non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place the soaked sticks in a single layer, leaving space between each one.
Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, turning until all sides are evenly golden brown and slightly crisp on the edges.
If making a large batch, transfer finished sticks to a wire rack in a warm oven (around 200°F) to stay crisp while you finish the rest.
Arrange the toast sticks on a platter or plate them in small stacks. Sprinkle with crumbled maple bacon and dust with powdered sugar for an irresistible finish.
Serve immediately with a small pitcher of warm maple syrup for dipping. The combination of soft interior, crispy crust, and salty bacon crunch creates a flavor explosion you won’t forget.
Want to make this breakfast your own? Try these tasty twists:
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes to the custard for a sweet-spicy flavor.
Nutty Delight: Sprinkle toasted pecans or almonds on top for texture and depth.
Berry Bliss: Swap bacon for a fresh blueberry-maple topping for a fruity twist.
Chocolate Lover’s Version: Drizzle with melted chocolate and skip the bacon for dessert-style French toast sticks.
Each variation keeps that crispy maple base but lets you customize your easy brunch recipe for any mood or occasion.
This recipe stores and reheats like a dream ideal for make ahead breakfast ideas:
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Layer with parchment paper in a freezer bag and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheat: Warm in a toaster oven or air fryer at 375°F for 5–6 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it softens the texture.
Over-soaking bread: This makes the sticks soggy. Dip quickly to coat, don’t soak.
Too high heat: Burns the outside before the inside cooks. Keep medium heat for even browning.
Skipping the bacon drain: Greasy bacon will ruin the crisp finish. Always drain on paper towels.
Cold pan: Ensure the skillet is fully heated before adding the first batch.
Perfect balance of sweet maple and salty bacon flavors.
Crisp exterior with tender custard inside.
Handheld format makes it fun and mess-free.
Simple ingredients transform into a gourmet breakfast.
Customizable with toppings, flavors, or presentation styles.
Crispy Maple Bacon Toast Sticks turn ordinary mornings into something special. Each piece is buttery, golden, and dusted with maple-sweet perfection the kind of breakfast that feels luxurious without extra effort.
Whether for brunch gatherings, lazy Sundays, or a family breakfast treat, this recipe hits all the right notes: crispy, soft, smoky, and sweet.
Grab a plate, pour some syrup, and let every bite remind you that simple breakfasts can still feel extraordinary.