Are you dreaming of a lazy weekend morning filled with the irresistible aroma of warm, sweet, and utterly decadent French toast? Then look no further! This Stuffed Baked French Toast recipe is the perfect way to elevate your brunch game. It’s surprisingly easy to make, impressive to serve, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser, whether you're feeding a family or hosting a delightful gathering. This recipe offers a delicious twist on a classic breakfast favorite, turning simple French toast into a truly memorable experience. Prepare for a symphony of flavors and textures in every bite!
Ingredients:
-
For the French Toast:
- 1 loaf (1 pound) challah bread, brioche, or Texas toast, cut into 1-inch thick slices
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup milk (whole milk recommended for richness)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
-
For the Filling:
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup fresh blueberries (or raspberries, strawberries, or a mix)
-
For the Topping:
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- Maple syrup (optional, for serving)
- Fresh berries (optional, for serving)
Instructions:
Get Started:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. This ensures your baked French toast slides out easily.
Prepare the Filling:
- In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in the blueberries (or your chosen fruit).
Assemble the French Toast:
- Spread a thin layer of the cream cheese filling onto each slice of bread. Top with another slice of bread to create a sandwich.
- Arrange the stuffed bread slices in the prepared baking dish.
Make the Custard:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined. This creates a lovely custard that will soak into the bread beautifully.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the stuffed bread slices in the baking dish, ensuring all pieces are coated. Let it sit for about 10 minutes to allow the bread to absorb the custard.
Bake and Serve:
- Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the French toast.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and set. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
- Let it cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar. Serve warm with maple syrup and fresh berries, if desired.
Tips for the Best Stuffed Baked French Toast:
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the custard.
- Don't overcrowd the baking dish; ensure the bread slices have space to bake evenly.
- If you prefer a crispier crust, broil the French toast for the last minute or two of baking. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the microwave or oven.
Variations:
- Chocolate Lovers Delight: Add chocolate chips or chopped chocolate to the cream cheese filling.
- Apple Cinnamon Swirl: Use thinly sliced apples and a generous sprinkle of cinnamon in the filling.
- Savory Stuffed French Toast: Skip the sweet filling and use a savory mixture like sauteed spinach and feta cheese.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Fat: Approximately 18-22g
- Protein: Approximately 10-12g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 40-45g
This recipe is perfect for a special occasion or a simple weekend treat. Enjoy every delicious bite of this easy, healthy, and homemade masterpiece! This quick dinner idea (or brunch!) is sure to become one of your best recipes!