Stuffed French Toast Recipe

Bread: Thick slices are ideal for holding the filling and soaking up the egg mixture.

Cream cheese: Softened to blend smoothly with sugar and spread easily on bread.

Strawberries: Fresh and sliced, adding a juicy, sweet-tart flavor to the filling.

Sugar: Used to sweeten the cream cheese mixture.

Eggs: Beaten to create the custard-like mixture for dipping the sandwiches.

Milk: Combined with eggs to form the base of the dipping mixture.

Vanilla extract: Adds a sweet, aromatic flavor to the egg mixture.

Cinnamon: Provides a warm, spicy note to the dish.

Butter: Used for cooking the sandwiches to a golden brown.

When preparing stuffed French toast, ensure that the cream cheese is thoroughly softened before mixing it with the sugar. This will help create a smooth and spreadable filling. For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a hint of lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture. When dipping the sandwiches into the egg mixture, allow them to soak briefly to absorb the flavors without becoming too soggy. Use a non-stick skillet and control the heat to achieve a perfectly golden brown crust. If you prefer a richer taste, substitute half of the milk with half-and-half or heavy cream.

• thick slices bread - Substitute with brioche: Brioche is rich and slightly sweet, making it an excellent choice for stuffed French toast.

• thick slices bread - Substitute with challah: Challah has a soft texture and absorbs the egg mixture well, providing a similar result.

• softened cream cheese - Substitute with mascarpone: Mascarpone is creamy and slightly sweet, offering a similar texture and flavor profile.

• softened cream cheese - Substitute with ricotta: Ricotta is lighter and adds a subtle creaminess, which works well in stuffed French toast.

• sliced strawberries - Substitute with blueberries: Blueberries provide a burst of sweetness and a different texture, complementing the cream cheese filling.

• sliced strawberries - Substitute with bananas: Bananas add a creamy texture and natural sweetness, pairing well with the cream cheese.

• sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey adds a natural sweetness and a hint of floral flavor, enhancing the overall taste.

• sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup provides a rich, caramel-like sweetness that complements the cinnamon.

• beaten eggs - Substitute with egg substitute: An egg substitute can be used for those who prefer a plant-based option, maintaining the custard-like texture.

• milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk is a dairy-free alternative that adds a nutty flavor without altering the texture.

• milk - Substitute with oat milk: Oat milk is creamy and neutral, making it a suitable replacement for milk.

• vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract provides a nutty, aromatic flavor that enhances the stuffed French toast.

• cinnamon - Substitute with nutmeg: Nutmeg offers a warm, spicy flavor that pairs well with the sweet filling.

• butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil is a plant-based alternative that adds a subtle coconut flavor and works well for cooking.

• butter - Substitute with ghee: Ghee has a rich, nutty flavor and a high smoke point, making it ideal for cooking stuffed French toast.

• Allow the stuffed French toast to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the bread soggy.

• Wrap each sandwich individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This ensures they remain fresh and prevents them from sticking together.

• Place the wrapped sandwiches in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. This helps maintain their flavor and texture.

• Store the container or bag in the refrigerator if you plan to enjoy them within 2-3 days. For longer storage, place them in the freezer.

• If freezing, label the container with the date to keep track of freshness. Stuffed French toast can be frozen for up to 2 months.

• When ready to enjoy, thaw frozen sandwiches in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing helps retain their texture.

• Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, use a toaster oven for a crispier finish.

• For a quick option, microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, though this may result in a softer texture.

• Serve with your favorite toppings like syrup, powdered sugar, or extra sliced strawberries to enhance the flavors.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the stuffed French toast on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out. Bake for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through. This method ensures the bread remains crispy while the cream cheese filling stays creamy.

• For a quick fix, use a toaster oven. Set it to medium heat and place the French toast directly on the rack. Toast for about 5-7 minutes, checking occasionally to ensure it doesn't overcook. This method is perfect for maintaining the original texture and flavor.

• If you're in a hurry, the microwave can be your friend. Place the stuffed French toast on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for about 1-2 minutes. This method is fast but may result in a softer texture.

• For a stovetop approach, melt a small amount of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Place the French toast in the skillet and cover it with a lid. Heat for about 3-4 minutes on each side, ensuring it warms evenly. This method helps retain the crispy exterior while reheating the inside thoroughly.

• If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the stuffed French toast in the basket and heat for about 5 minutes. This method is excellent for achieving a crispy texture similar to when it was first cooked.

• Mixing bowl: Used to combine the cream cheese and sugar until smooth, and also to whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon.

• Spatula: Helpful for spreading the cream cheese mixture evenly on the bread slices.

• Knife: Used to slice the strawberries.

• Whisk: Used to mix the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon together.

• Skillet: Used to cook the stuffed French toast sandwiches until golden brown.

• Stove: Provides the heat source for cooking the sandwiches in the skillet.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure the milk and strawberries.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure the sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon.

• Plate: Used to hold the sandwiches after they are cooked and before serving.

• Butter knife: Used to spread butter in the skillet before cooking the sandwiches.