Description
A forgiving and delicious breakfast recipe featuring thick-cut bread stuffed with a sweet cream cheese and strawberry filling, dipped in a rich custard, and cooked low-and-slow for a crispy exterior and gooey interior.
Ingredients
- Thick-cut bread (brioche or challah), about 1 inch wide
- Fresh strawberries, chopped into small pieces
- Full-fat block cream cheese, softened
- Large eggs, room temperature
- Whole milk
- Heavy cream
- Vanilla extract
- Ground cinnamon
- Sugar (for filling)
- Unsalted butter (for pan)
- Maple syrup (for serving)
Instructions
- Wash, dry thoroughly, and chop strawberries into small pieces.
- In a small bowl, mix softened cream cheese with a teaspoon of sugar and a dash of vanilla until smooth.
- Cut a pocket into the side of each bread slice, cutting about two-thirds of the way down without cutting all the way through.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture into the pocket, then add chopped strawberries. Press edges to seal; use a toothpick if necessary.
- In a wide bowl, whisk eggs, milk, heavy cream, vanilla, and cinnamon until uniform.
- Heat a skillet over medium-low heat and melt butter. Dip stuffed bread slices into the custard for 10 seconds per side.
- Place bread on the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until deep golden brown.
- Carefully flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes on medium-low heat until the center is warm and cheese is melted.
- Remove from pan and rest on a wire rack for 2 minutes before slicing diagonally and serving with syrup.
Notes
Ensure strawberries are completely dry to prevent soggy toast. Cook on medium-low heat to ensure the center melts without burning the exterior. If the outside browns too fast, reduce heat. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 2 days and reheated in a toaster oven or skillet.
- Prep Time: 17 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 slices
- Calories: 475
- Sugar: 18
- Sodium: 350
- Fat: 25
- Saturated Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 40
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 15
Keywords: french toast, stuffed french toast, strawberry breakfast, cream cheese filling, brioche toast, weekend breakfast, easy brunch