Stuffed French Toast Recipe
Ingredients and Preparation
A delightful morning begins with the right ingredients. For our Stuffed French Toast, gather 12 slices of brioche bread, 8 ounces of whipped cream cheese, 1 cup of milk, 4 eggs, ¼ cup of chopped pecans, plus extra for garnish, ½ teaspoon of cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon of vanilla extract, 3 tablespoons of butter, and optionally, sliced bananas for serving. These ingredients, when combined thoughtfully, promise a breakfast treat that is both indulgent and satisfying.
Start by whisking together the milk, eggs, cinnamon, and vanilla extract in a medium-sized bowl until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This step ensures that each slice of bread is enveloped in a rich, flavorful custard. In a separate small bowl, gently mix the whipped cream cheese with the chopped pecans. The pecans add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to the creamy cheese, making each bite of the French toast a textural delight.
Making the Cream Cheese Filling
Creating the perfect cream cheese filling is a key element of this recipe. Begin by folding the whipped cream cheese and chopped pecans together. This combination creates a rich and nutty spread that will melt beautifully within the toasted brioche. Ensure that the mixture is well blended so that each bite has an even distribution of cream cheese and pecans.
Spread this creamy mixture evenly onto six slices of brioche bread. It is essential to cover the bread uniformly to avoid any dry spots. The remaining slices of brioche are then placed on top, forming sandwiches with the luscious cream cheese mixture nestled in the middle.
Assembling the French Toast Sandwiches
To create these decadent sandwiches, take the prepared slices of brioche with the cream cheese spread and cover them with the remaining slices, pressing gently to seal. The result should be six perfectly assembled sandwiches ready to be transformed into golden-brown French toast.
Next, dip each sandwich into the egg mixture, ensuring both sides are well coated. Let the bread soak for 15-30 seconds on each side. This step is crucial as it allows the brioche to absorb the custard, which results in a rich and flavorful toast once cooked.
Cooking the Stuffed French Toast
Heat a griddle over medium heat and melt the butter in a frying pan. The butter adds a delicious richness and helps achieve a beautiful golden crust on the French toast. Place the soaked sandwiches onto the heated griddle, cooking each side for 3 to 4 minutes until they are golden brown and crispy. The key here is to cook them slowly enough to allow the center to heat through without burning the exterior.
Recipe Tips & Frequently Asked Questions
- Tips for Perfect French Toast:
- Use stale bread to better absorb the custard.
- Ensure even soaking to avoid dry spots.
- Cook on medium heat to achieve a golden crust while ensuring the inside is heated through.
- Variations and Add-Ins:
- Substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds for a different flavor.
- Add fresh berries to the cream cheese mixture for a fruity twist.
- Use flavored whipped cream cheese for an extra burst of flavor.
- Ideal Pairings:
- Serve with crispy bacon or sausage for a hearty breakfast.
- Pair with a fresh fruit salad to balance the richness of the French toast.
- Enjoy with a cup of hot coffee or freshly squeezed orange juice.
- Garnishing Suggestions:
- Top with sliced bananas and a sprinkle of extra chopped pecans.
- Drizzle with warm maple syrup or honey.
- Add a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant touch.
- Common Questions and Answers:
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, assemble the sandwiches and soak them in the custard, then refrigerate overnight. Cook them fresh in the morning.
- What type of bread works best? Brioche is ideal due to its rich and tender crumb, but challah or thick-sliced white bread can also be used.
- Can I freeze stuffed French toast? Yes, freeze cooked French toast on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat in the oven or toaster.
- Troubleshooting Tips:
- Why is my French toast soggy? Ensure your bread is not too fresh and cook on medium heat to prevent a soggy texture.
- How do I prevent the filling from leaking? Seal the edges of the sandwiches well and avoid overfilling.
- What if my toast is too dry? Make sure to soak the bread long enough in the custard mixture.
By following these detailed steps and tips, you’ll create a delicious and impressive breakfast treat that is sure to please any crowd. Enjoy your homemade stuffed French toast with your favorite toppings and sides!
Ingredients
- 12 slices brioche bread
- 8 ounces whipped cream cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 4 eggs
- ¼ cup chopped pecans, plus extra for garnish
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons butter, as needed
- Sliced bananas for serving (optional)
Instructions
Start by whisking together the milk, eggs, cinnamon, and vanilla extract in a medium-sized bowl until well combined.
In a separate small bowl, gently mix the whipped cream cheese with the chopped pecans until fully incorporated.
Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly onto six slices of brioche bread. Place the remaining slices of bread on top, creating sandwiches with the cream cheese filling in the middle.
Heat a griddle over medium heat and melt the butter in a frying pan.
Dip each sandwich into the egg mixture, allowing both sides to soak for 15-30 seconds to ensure the bread absorbs the mixture.
Place the soaked sandwiches onto the heated griddle. Cook each side for 3 to 4 minutes, or until they are a golden brown color.
Serve the stuffed French toast warm, optionally garnished with sliced bananas and additional chopped pecans. Drizzle with maple syrup if desired.
Stuffed French Toast Recipe
Ingredients
- 12 slices brioche bread
- 8 ounces whipped cream cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 4 eggs
- ¼ cup chopped pecans plus extra for garnish
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons butter as needed
- Sliced bananas for serving optional
Instructions
- Start by whisking together the milk, eggs, cinnamon, and vanilla extract in a medium-sized bowl until well combined.
- In a separate small bowl, gently mix the whipped cream cheese with the chopped pecans until fully incorporated.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly onto six slices of brioche bread. Place the remaining slices of bread on top, creating sandwiches with the cream cheese filling in the middle.
- Heat a griddle over medium heat and melt the butter in a frying pan.
- Dip each sandwich into the egg mixture, allowing both sides to soak for 15-30 seconds to ensure the bread absorbs the mixture.
- Place the soaked sandwiches onto the heated griddle. Cook each side for 3 to 4 minutes, or until they are a golden brown color.
- Serve the stuffed French toast warm, optionally garnished with sliced bananas and additional chopped pecans. Drizzle with maple syrup if desired.
Notes
- Use any milk of choice.
- You can leave out the eggs if you want to make this vegan, or sub with flax eggs.