Are you ready to transform your morning meal into a sumptuous feast? This recipe for Stuffed French Toast with Strawberries and Cream Cheese is your ticket to a brunch that dazzles, making any morning feel like a special occasion. Perfect for leisurely weekends, special family gatherings, or even as a luxurious breakfast treat, this dish balances the richness of cream cheese with the fresh zing of strawberries, all wrapped in a golden-browned, buttery brioche.
Ingredients
For the Strawberries:
- 8 ounces strawberries, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the French Toast:
- 10-12 slices stale brioche, sliced 3/4-inch thick (alternatives: challah, Texas Toast, or thick-cut sturdy bread)
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup half and half (whole milk is a suitable substitute)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, divided
- 6 tablespoons butter, divided
Optional Toppings:
- Powdered sugar
- Fresh berries
- Syrup
- Whipped cream
Instructions
1. Prepare the Strawberries:
- Combine the sliced strawberries and sugar in a bowl. Let them macerate for about 10 minutes to release their juices.
2. Make the Cream Cheese Filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer to beat the cream cheese, sour cream, lemon juice, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Set aside.
3. Prepare the French Toast Mixture:
- In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs, half and half, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Keep this mixture near your cooking station.
4. Assemble the Sandwiches:
- Spread a generous layer of cream cheese filling on one side of each bread slice, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Layer some macerated strawberries over the cream cheese on one slice of bread.
- Top with another slice, cream cheese side down, to form a sandwich. Repeat for all the bread slices.
5. Cook the French Toast:
- Heat 2 tablespoons of butter and a teaspoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Dip each sandwich briefly into the egg mixture, letting the excess drip off, then place in the hot skillet.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy. Continue with remaining sandwiches, adding more butter and oil as needed.
6. Serve:
- Serve the French toast warm, garnished with additional powdered sugar, fresh berries, syrup, and whipped cream if desired.
Tips for Making the Best Stuffed French Toast
- Bread Choice: Opt for stale bread to prevent the sandwiches from becoming too soggy.
- Cream Cheese Filling: Allow the filling to reach room temperature for smoother spreading.
- Cooking: Ensure the skillet is hot before adding the sandwiches to achieve a crispy exterior.
- Bread Type: Brioche is recommended for its flavor and texture, enhancing the overall decadence of the dish.
This Stuffed French Toast recipe is not only delicious but also visually appealing, making it an excellent choice for those occasions where you want to impress and indulge. Enjoy crafting this delightful dish and watch as it becomes a new favorite at your breakfast table!