Ingredients
- 8 slices of thick-cut bread (like brioche or challah)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup shelled pistachios, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, for frying
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- Maple syrup or honey, for serving (optional)
Substitutions are always welcome in my kitchen. If pistachios aren’t your thing, crushed almonds or even pecans work beautifully. And for those seeking a dairy-free option, almond milk is a delightful alternative that I’ve used many times.
Instructions
- Start by slicing your bread into thick, even sticks. I find that using slightly stale bread yields the best results as it soaks up the egg mixture without becoming soggy.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
- Place the chopped pistachios and sugar in a shallow dish and mix well.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a tablespoon of butter, letting it melt and coat the pan.
- Dip each bread stick into the egg mixture, allowing it to soak for a few seconds, then roll in the pistachio-sugar mixture to coat evenly.
- Fry the sticks in the skillet, cooking for 2-3 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown and crispy.
- Transfer the cooked sticks to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess butter.
- Repeat with the remaining bread sticks, adding more butter to the pan as needed.
One of my personal tips is to keep the cooked sticks warm in a low oven (around 200°F) while you finish frying the rest. This keeps them crispy and ready to serve all at once.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International