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This stuffed French toast recipe transforms a simple breakfast into a special treat. Cream cheese and fresh strawberries create a luscious filling that contrasts beautifully with crispy brioche bread. It’s perfect for leisurely weekend mornings or impressing guests with minimal effort.
I first made this on a slow weekend morning when I wanted something different, and now it’s a requested staple whenever we have brunch guests
Ingredients
- Cream cheese: provides a rich and creamy base for the filling, choose full fat for best texture
- Powdered sugar: sweetens the filling without any graininess, sift it to avoid lumps
- Diced strawberries: add freshness and a little tartness, look for ripe but firm berries so they don’t turn mushy
- Milk: thins the egg mixture allowing it to soak into the bread without becoming soggy, whole milk makes it richer
- Eggs: bind everything together and give the bread a custardy coating, large eggs work best
- Vanilla extract: boosts the overall sweetness and adds warmth, use pure vanilla if possible
- Cinnamon: lends a gentle spice that complements both strawberries and cream cheese
- Salt: enhances all the flavors, even in sweet dishes
- Brioche bread: the ideal choice because it is buttery and sturdy enough to hold the filling, day-old bread soaks up the custard nicely
- Butter: for frying, giving the toast a golden crust and added flavor
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling:
- Mix cream cheese, powdered sugar, and diced strawberries in a bowl until the mixture is smooth but has visible bits of strawberry for texture
- Make the Egg Mixture:
- Whisk milk, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt together in a large bowl until fully combined and slightly frothy
- Assemble Sandwiches:
- Spread a generous amount of cream cheese mixture on one side of six brioche slices, then top each with another slice of bread to form sandwiches pressed lightly to seal
- Cook the French Toast:
- Heat butter in a non-stick skillet over medium heat until melted and bubbling but not browned. Dip each sandwich in the egg mixture coating both sides, then place in the skillet. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side until the bread is golden brown and crisp
- Serve Immediately:
- Remove the cooked French toast from the pan. Plate and top with extra fresh strawberries and a drizzle of maple syrup or honey if you like. Serve warm
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My favorite part is definitely the strawberries in the filling which add so much freshness. I remember making this for my sister’s birthday breakfast and watching her face light up with every bite
Storage tips
Leftover stuffed French toast is best stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in a toaster oven to keep the edges somewhat crisp.
Ingredient substitutions
You can swap cream cheese with mascarpone for an even richer texture or use plain Greek yogurt mixed with a little honey for a lighter filling. If strawberries aren’t in season, blueberries or raspberries work beautifully too.
Serving suggestions
Serve this with a side of crispy bacon or sausage to add a savory contrast. A dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkling of powdered sugar adds a lovely touch when entertaining guests.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of bread works best for this dish?
Brioche bread is ideal for its rich, tender crumb that crisps nicely when fried, providing a perfect balance to the creamy filling.
- → Can I prepare the filling in advance?
Yes, mixing cream cheese, powdered sugar, and diced strawberries beforehand allows flavors to meld, making assembly quick and easy.
- → How do I prevent the bread from getting soggy?
Coating the sandwiches thoroughly in the egg mixture and frying over medium heat helps achieve a crisp exterior that holds the filling well.
- → What are good toppings to complement this dish?
Fresh strawberries and maple syrup enhance the flavors, adding sweetness and freshness without overpowering the filling.
- → Is there a way to make this dish less rich?
Using light cream cheese and monitoring butter amounts during frying can reduce richness while maintaining delicious flavor.