If you’re looking for a luxurious, mouth-watering breakfast or brunch option, look no further than Stuffed French Toast. This recipe takes classic French toast to a whole new level, with its rich, creamy filling and perfectly cooked, golden-brown exterior. Get ready to impress your taste buds and your guests!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultimate Indulgence: Every bite is a delightful blend of creamy, sweet, and fruity flavors.
- Easy to Customize: With endless filling and topping options, you can tailor the dish to suit your taste preferences.
- Perfect for Impressing: Whether you’re hosting brunch or serving a special breakfast, this recipe is sure to wow your guests.
- Simple Ingredients: You likely have most of these kitchen staples on hand already!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how a few simple ingredients can create such a decadent dish. Each component plays a crucial role in bringing out the rich flavor and texture of the Stuffed French Toast.
- Brioche Bread: The soft and buttery texture of brioche is perfect for soaking up the custard.
- Cream Cheese: This makes the filling creamy and tangy, complementing the sweet elements.
- Fresh Berries: Adds a natural sweetness and a pop of color. Feel free to use your favorite berries.
- Eggs & Milk: Essential for creating the custard that gives the toast its plush texture.
- Cinnamon & Vanilla: Infuses warmth and aroma that elevate the taste of the toast.
- Honey: Offers a subtle sweetness that complements the cream cheese and berries.
Variations
Don’t be afraid to get creative with your Stuffed French Toast! It’s incredibly versatile and can be adapted easily for different flavors, diet preferences, or whatever you have on hand.
- Berry Swap: Substitute strawberries with blueberries or raspberries for a different twist.
- Bread Alternatives: Use Challah or Japanese milk bread if brioche isn’t available to you.
- Lighter Filling: For a lower-calorie option, use whipped cream cheese.
- Nutrient Boost: Add some crushed nuts or seeds for a bit of protein and crunch.
How to Make Stuffed French Toast
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
Start by making the delicious filling. Use an electric mixer to beat the softened cream cheese with heavy cream and honey until fluffy. Once that’s set, gently fold in the diced strawberries. If you need it a bit thinner, just drizzle in a little more cream until you reach the desired consistency.
Step 2: Make the Custard
Next, move on to the custard. In a large baking dish, whisk together the eggs, milk, and heavy cream. Add in honey, a pinch of cinnamon, vanilla extract, and a touch of salt. Mix until everything is well combined and creamy.
Step 3: Stuff and Soak the Bread
Cut the brioche loaf into thick, luxurious slices. Carefully create pockets in each slice, then fill them generously with the strawberry cream cheese mixture. Be gentle but ample with your filling to maximize each bite! Soak the stuffed slices in your prepared custard, letting them sit for a few minutes on each side to absorb all that flavor.
Step 4: Cook to Golden Perfection
It’s time to cook up these delights! Heat some butter on a flat griddle over medium heat. Cook each slice until both sides are golden brown and the center is warm. To prevent the insides from being undercooked, maintain a steady medium heat.
Pro Tips for Making Stuffed French Toast
- Creamy Consistency: If your filling is too thick, just add a bit more heavy cream for that perfect spreadable texture.
- Custard Absorption: Allow each slice enough time in the custard to ensure a moist, flavorful bite every time.
- Griddle Maintenance: Keep the heat consistent to avoid burning the outsides before the insides are properly heated.
- Elegant Filling: Be careful not to overfill the pockets to prevent any tearing or spilling during cooking.
How to Serve Stuffed French Toast
Garnishes
Top your Stuffed French Toast with a cascade of fresh berries and a dusting of powdered sugar for a truly irresistible presentation. A dollop of whipped cream can add a fun flair.
Side Dishes
Pair this dish with crispy bacon or a fresh fruit salad for a balanced and colorful brunch spread. The salty, savory flavor of bacon complements the sweet toast beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, cut the French toast into strips and stack them elegantly on a plate. Arrange a variety of topping options and let everyone create their unique masterpiece!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Stuffed French Toast in an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to two days, preserving its delightful flavors.
Freezing
While freezing is generally not recommended due to potential sogginess, if you must, wrap each piece well and consume within two weeks for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the toast in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or microwave for a few seconds until warm. Keep an eye out to prevent over-drying.
FAQs
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Can I use a different type of bread?
Yes, Challah or a thick-cut white bread can work nicely if brioche isn’t available. Just make sure it’s thick enough to hold the filling.
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Is it possible to make a gluten-free version?
Absolutely, just use your favorite gluten-free bread and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
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How do I prevent the bread from tearing?
Be gentle when cutting and filling the bread slices. Make sure the filling is not too thick, which can cause ripping.
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Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prepare the filling and custard ahead. Just assemble and cook the toast when you’re ready to serve for the best texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
Stuffed French Toast is a truly indulgent treat that’s sure to become a new favorite in your home. Packed with flavor and fun to make, it’s a fantastic way to elevate any morning meal. So, gather your ingredients and try it out; your family and friends will thank you!
Print
Stuffed French Toast Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Stuffed French Toast recipe features slices of brioche bread filled with a sweet and creamy strawberry cream cheese mixture, then soaked in a rich custard, and cooked to golden perfection. Topped with fresh berries and drizzled with maple syrup, it’s a decadent breakfast that combines indulgence with fruitiness, perfect for a special weekend brunch or holiday breakfast.
Ingredients
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
8 ounces cream cheese, softened at room temperature
¼ cup heavy cream
¼ cup honey
1 cup small-diced fresh strawberries
For the Custard:
4 large eggs
1 cup whole milk
½ cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon honey or granulated sugar
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon kosher salt
Other:
1 large loaf brioche bread (unsliced)
Unsalted butter for the griddle
Fresh berries for toppings
Maple syrup for drizzling
Instructions
- Make the Cream Cheese Filling: Using an electric mixer, beat the softened cream cheese with the ¼ cup of heavy cream and ¼ cup of honey on medium-high speed until light and fluffy. Then, fold in the diced strawberries with a spoon or rubber spatula. Set aside. If mixture is too thick, add more cream, or add more honey to taste.
- Prepare the Custard: In a baking pan, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, honey or sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt until very well combined. Set aside.
- Prepare the Bread: Using a serrated knife, cut the brioche into 1.5-inch thick slices, about 6 slices. Carefully cut pockets along the top edge of each slice without cutting all the way through. Fill each pocket with the strawberry cream cheese filling, being careful not to overstuff to prevent tearing.
- Soak the Bread: Place the stuffed bread slices in the custard mixture, soaking for about 3 to 5 minutes per side until the custard is absorbed. You may need to divide the slices into two pans to fit all slices.
- Cook the French Toast: Heat a flat griddle or skillet over medium heat and add some butter. Cook each slice for approximately 5 minutes per side until golden brown and the center is warm. Adjust the heat as needed to prevent burning.
- Serve: Serve immediately topped with fresh berries, drizzle with maple syrup, and enjoy the indulgent flavors!
Notes
- If using pre-sliced brioche, use less filling and reduce soaking time to avoid sogginess.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave for a few seconds or bake at 350°F for 10 minutes.
- French toast does not freeze well, as it becomes soggy when thawed.
- Feel free to substitute strawberries with any fresh berries like blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries.
- Challah or Japanese milk bread can be used in place of brioche for a different texture and flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (about 150g)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
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