Growing up, my grandma would make the most amazing Chai Matcha French Toast Sticks for us every Sunday morning. As a kid, I couldn’t get enough of those warm, fragrant sticks dipped in a rich, creamy chai-infused maple syrup. The combination of the sweet, earthy matcha, the aromatic spices, and the crisp, golden-brown exterior was simply heavenly. Whenever I smell that familiar scent of cardamom and cinnamon, it takes me right back to those cherished family breakfasts.
Now, as an adult, I’ve perfected my grandma’s recipe and I can’t wait to share it with you. These Chai Matcha French Toast Sticks are not your average French toast – they’re a true culinary experience that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy. Trust me, this is one recipe you’ll want to add to your breakfast repertoire.
Why This Chai Matcha French Toast Sticks Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Chai Matcha French Toast Sticks
The secret to making these Chai Matcha French Toast Sticks so incredible lies in the unique blend of spices and the rich, creamy chai-infused custard. By adding a hefty dose of matcha powder, ground cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger, we create a flavor profile that’s both comforting and sophisticated. The result is a French toast that’s bursting with warmth, depth, and a subtle bitterness that perfectly balances the sweetness.
But it’s not just the flavors that make this recipe so special – it’s the technique as well. By cutting the bread into thick, 1-inch sticks, we ensure a delightfully crisp exterior and a soft, custardy interior. And by frying the sticks in butter or oil, we achieve that gorgeous golden-brown color and a satisfying crunch with every bite.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- 8 slices of bread, cut into 1-inch thick sticks: The thickness of the bread is key to achieving the perfect texture. Thick slices will give you a creamy interior and a crisp outer layer.
- 3 eggs: The eggs are the foundation of the custard that coats the bread, adding richness and helping to create that signature French toast texture.
- 1 cup milk: The milk adds moisture and creaminess to the custard, ensuring the Chai Matcha French Toast Sticks are perfectly tender.
- 2 tablespoons matcha powder: Matcha brings a vibrant green color and a unique, earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with the warm spices.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Cinnamon is a classic French toast spice, adding warmth and depth to the dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom: Cardamom is the secret ingredient that takes these Chai Matcha French Toast Sticks to the next level, providing an exotic, floral note.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger: Ginger complements the other spices, adding a subtle heat and a hint of citrus.
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional): A drizzle of honey adds an extra touch of sweetness and a beautiful shine to the finished sticks.
- Butter or oil for frying: This is what gives the French toast sticks their crispy, golden-brown exterior.
Step-by-Step Chai Matcha French Toast Sticks Instructions
Preparing Your Chai Matcha French Toast Sticks
With a prep time of just 10 minutes and a cook time of 15 minutes, these Chai Matcha French Toast Sticks come together in a snap. You’ll need a shallow baking dish or pie plate, a whisk, and a large skillet or griddle for frying.
1- In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, matcha powder, cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger until well combined. The mixture should be smooth and well-incorporated.
2- Dip each bread stick into the matcha custard, ensuring the entire surface is coated. Allow any excess to drip off before transferring the sticks to the hot skillet or griddle.
3- Cook the Chai Matcha French Toast Sticks for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they’re golden-brown and crispy. Be sure to work in batches, if necessary, to avoid overcrowding the pan.
4- As the sticks cook, you’ll notice the vibrant green color of the matcha and the warm spices become more pronounced. The exterior should develop a delightful crunch, while the interior remains soft and custardy.
5- Once all the sticks are cooked, you can drizzle them with a bit of honey for extra sweetness and a shiny finish.
6- Serve your Chai Matcha French Toast Sticks warm, either on their own or with a side of maple syrup, whipped cream, or your other favorite toppings. Enjoy!
Pro Tips for Success
- Use day-old or slightly stale bread for the best texture. The bread will soak up the custard more efficiently, resulting in a creamy interior.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with the spices – try adding a pinch of nutmeg or a dash of vanilla extract for even more depth of flavor.
- For an extra crispy exterior, let the coated bread sticks sit for 5-10 minutes before frying, allowing the custard to fully soak in.
- Be patient when frying – resist the urge to flip the sticks too quickly. Let them cook until they’re golden-brown on each side for the perfect texture.
Serving and Storing Your Chai Matcha French Toast Sticks
Perfect Pairings for Chai Matcha French Toast Sticks
These Chai Matcha French Toast Sticks are a breakfast (or brunch) showstopper, serving up 24 delightful sticks that are perfect for sharing with friends and family. Pair them with a pot of fragrant chai tea, a fresh fruit salad, or a drizzle of warm maple syrup for a truly indulgent experience. You can also serve them alongside crispy bacon or sausage for a heartier meal.
For a special occasion, consider setting up a Chai Matcha French Toast Sticks bar, where your guests can customize their sticks with an array of toppings and sauces. Think whipped cream, toasted coconut, crushed nuts, or a decadent caramel drizzle.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftover Chai Matcha French Toast Sticks can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them on a baking sheet in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes, or until they’re warmed through and crispy.
For longer-term storage, you can also freeze the cooked sticks. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months in the freezer. To reheat, bake the frozen sticks at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
If you want to get a head start on your Chai Matcha French Toast Sticks, you can prepare the custard mixture and cut the bread sticks up to 1 day in advance. Store the custard in the refrigerator and the bread sticks at room temperature until you’re ready to assemble and fry.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Chai Matcha French Toast Sticks
Creative Chai Matcha French Toast Sticks Variations
- Swap the bread for brioche or challah for an even richer, more indulgent French toast.
- Try using different spice blends, like pumpkin pie spice or apple pie spice, for a seasonal twist.
- Add a sprinkle of chopped toasted nuts, such as almonds or pecans, for a delightful crunch.
- Drizzle the finished sticks with a decadent white chocolate or caramel sauce.
- For a festive touch, top the Chai Matcha French Toast Sticks with a dusting of powdered sugar and a few fresh berries.
Making Chai Matcha French Toast Sticks Diet-Friendly
To make these Chai Matcha French Toast Sticks gluten-free, simply use your favorite gluten-free bread. For a vegan version, substitute the eggs and milk with plant-based alternatives, such as a flax or chia egg and unsweetened almond or oat milk.
If you’re watching your carb intake, you can use low-carb or keto-friendly bread, or even try substituting the bread with thinly sliced zucchini or eggplant. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
No matter which dietary restrictions you’re working with, these Chai Matcha French Toast Sticks can be easily adapted to suit your needs without sacrificing any of the amazing flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of bread for this recipe?
A: Absolutely! While the recipe calls for regular sliced bread, you can experiment with different types, such as sourdough, brioche, or challah, to achieve different textures and flavors.
Q: How long does it take to make these Chai Matcha French Toast Sticks?
A: The total time for this recipe is 25 minutes, with 10 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of cook time.
Q: Can I make the Chai Matcha French Toast Sticks ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the custard mixture and cut the bread sticks up to 1 day in advance. Store the custard in the refrigerator and the bread sticks at room temperature until you’re ready to assemble and fry.
Q: How many servings does this recipe make?
A: This recipe yields 24 Chai Matcha French Toast Sticks, which can serve a group or provide leftovers for a few days.
Q: What if my French toast sticks aren’t crisping up?
A: Make sure you’re frying the sticks in enough butter or oil, and that the pan or griddle is hot enough. You can also try letting the coated sticks sit for 5-10 minutes before frying to allow the custard to fully soak in.
Chai Matcha French Toast Sticks
- Total Time: 25
- Yield: 24 French toast sticks
Description
Indulge in the perfect blend of chai and matcha with these divine Chai Matcha French Toast Sticks – a quick, comforting, and delicious breakfast or snack.
Ingredients
– 8 slices of bread, cut into 1-inch thick sticks
– 3 eggs
– 1 cup milk
– 2 tablespoons matcha powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
– 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
– Butter or oil for frying
Instructions
1. In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, matcha powder, cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger until well combined.
2. Dip the bread sticks into the matcha batter, coating them evenly on all sides.
3. In a large skillet, melt a small amount of butter or heat oil over medium heat.
4. Fry the battered bread sticks in batches for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown.
5. Transfer the cooked French toast sticks to a paper towel-lined plate.
6. Drizzle with honey (if using) and serve warm.
Notes
For a creamier texture, substitute half-and-half or heavy cream for some of the milk. Experiment with different spice blends or add a touch of vanilla extract for even more flavor.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Tarts, Toasts & Flatbreads
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
These Chai Matcha French Toast Sticks are a true breakfast (or brunch) masterpiece that will transport your taste buds to a cozy, sophisticated café. With their vibrant green color, warm spices, and irresistible crispy-yet-custardy texture, they’re sure to become a new family favorite.
So what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, put on your chef’s hat, and get ready to whip up a batch of these incredible Chai Matcha French Toast Sticks. I promise, your loved ones will be begging you for the recipe. Let me know how they turn out and share your creations with me – I can’t wait to see them!
