Turn leftover Uncrustable crusts into a quick, cozy breakfast with this french toast hack! It’s ready in minutes, uses simple ingredients, and is perfect for toddlers or busy mornings when you want something warm and satisfying—without turning on the stove.
It’s also a smart way to cut back on food waste while still serving up something that feels special! Whether you’ve got crusts piling up in the freezer or just a picky eater who won’t touch the ends of their sandwich, this recipe turns those scraps into a warm, cinnamon-spiced meal your toddler will actually eat—and maybe even ask for again.
P.S. French toast is also a great way to offer eggs to your selective eater! Since the egg is whisked right into the batter, the texture is soft and familiar—not overly “eggy,” which can be a turn-off for some toddlers. It’s a gentle, low-pressure way to serve up an iron-rich food in a cozy, toddler-approved format—especially when it’s warm, sweet, and served in a fun mug or cut into easy-to-pick-up bites!
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Ingredients
- leftover Uncrustable crusts or any bread, cubed
- egg
- milk
- cinnamon
- vanilla extract
- maple syrup or honey (optional for topping)
- optional toppings: berries, nut butter, yogurt, or hemp hearts
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
- Step 1: Lightly grease a oven-safe mug or small bowl. Cut or tear uncrustable crusts, and place into the mug.
- Step 2: In a separate bowl, whisk together egg, milk, cinnamon, and vanilla.
- Step 3: Pour the mixture over the crusts, stir and pressing down slightly to soak the bread.
- Step 4: Place in the preheated air fryer, and cook at 350°F for 6–10 minutes (mine were done at 8 minutes on 350°F), or until set and golden on top. If wanting to use microwave – cook on high for 1½ to 2 minutes, or until the egg is set and the bread is fluffy. Let cool for a minute. Add your favorite toppings and serve!
Hint: This recipe works best with slightly stale bread or crusts—they soak up the custard without getting soggy. If your crusts are super fresh, let them sit out for a few minutes before starting.
Substitutions
- milk → use any kind—cow’s milk, almond, oat, soy, etc.
- egg → sub with 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 2½ tablespoon water if egg-free is needed
- bread crusts → works with white, wheat, or gluten-free bread crusts—just make sure they’re slightly dry/stale for best texture
- sweetener → skip it entirely for little ones under 2, or use mashed banana instead of maple syrup for natural sweetness
Variations
You can totally get creative on how you want to flavor these! Or just keep them like the OG version!
- banana bread style – stir in a tablespoon of mashed banana and a dash of nutmeg for cozy banana bread vibes
- mini chocolate chip treat – add a few mini chocolate chips before air frying for a sweet surprise toddlers will love
- berry boost – toss in a few blueberries or chopped strawberries for a fruity twist.
- PB&J french toast – spread a thin layer of peanut butter and jelly between the crusts before soaking
- apple cinnamon – add a spoonful of finely diced apples and an extra sprinkle of cinnamon for fall flavor
- sprinkle surprise – stir in a few naturally colored sprinkles (mixed with hemp hearts + chia seeds for added nutrients) for a fun “birthday breakfast” feel!
Equipment
You will need a knife + cutting board and oven-safe dishe for the air fryer or oven.
Storage
Best fresh, but leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated for 15–20 seconds in the microwave or air fryer at 300°F for about 3–4 minutes.
Not ideal for freezing, but easy enough to prep daily!
Tiff’s Tip
Let your toddler add their own toppings to get them involved—and excited to eat it! Try mashing in some banana before air frying or stir in a few mini chocolate chips for a more “dessert-for-breakfast” vibe. You can even stick a popsicle stick in the pieces for some novelty!
FAQ
Yes! Bake at 350°F for 12–15 minutes until golden and cooked through. These would be great as muffins!
Absolutely—use any non-dairy milk you like (almond, oat, soy, etc.).
You can soak the crusts in the custard ahead of time and refrigerate the mug overnight—then just air fry in the morning!
Yes—just skip the added sweetener and chop the cooked French toast into soft strips or chunks.
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Pairing
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Recipe
Easy Uncrustable French Toast Hack
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup cubed bread pieces about 1–1½ slices’ or 1 uncrustable worth
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoon milk of choice dairy or non-dairy
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 –2 teaspoon maple syrup or mashed banana optional for added sweetness
optional toppings
- fruit, Greek yogurt, nut butter, hemp hearts "sprinkles," or mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Lightly spray a small oven-safe mug or ramekin with oil.
- In a bowl (or directly in the mug), whisk together the egg, milk, cinnamon, vanilla, and optional sweetener.
- Stir in your cut-up bread crusts and gently mix to coat. Optional to let sit for 1–2 minutes to soak.
- Place in your air fryer at 350°F and cook for 6–10 minutes (mine took 8 minutes), or until set and golden on top.
- Let cool slightly, then top with fruit, yogurt, or a drizzle of nut butter and serve!
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