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Fluffy Stuffed Strawberry French Toast

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An elevated breakfast treat with a creamy ricotta filling and fresh strawberries, perfect for leisurely weekends or impressing guests.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 thick slices brioche or challah bread (about 1-inch thick)
  • 1 cup (250g) ricotta cheese (small-curd preferred)
  • 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 tbsp powdered sugar
  • 4 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1 cup (240ml) whole milk or half-and-half (dairy-free milk optional)
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • Pinch of salt
  • Fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced (about 4-5 thin slices per bread slice)
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter (for cooking)
  • Optional toppings: maple syrup, powdered sugar, whipped cream, extra sliced strawberries

Instructions

  1. Prepare the creamy filling: In a medium bowl, mix ricotta cheese, softened cream cheese, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar. Blend until smooth and creamy, adding a splash of milk if necessary to adjust the consistency.
  2. Slice and stuff the bread: Using a paring knife, carefully cut a pocket into each bread slice, ensuring not to cut all the way through. Stuff each pocket with about 2 tablespoons of the creamy filling and a few strawberry slices. Press the bread gently to close.
  3. Make the custard batter: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk or half-and-half, granulated sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until fully combined.
  4. Soak the stuffed bread: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add butter, letting it coat the pan. Dip each stuffed slice into the custard batter for about 15-20 seconds per side. Be careful not to over-soak; you want to maintain the bread’s structure.
  5. Cook the French toast: Place the soaked slices on the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side until they are golden brown and slightly crispy, adding more butter between batches if necessary. The filling should warm up and become slightly melty.
  6. Serve immediately: Transfer the cooked French toast onto plates. Garnish with a dusting of powdered sugar, fresh strawberries, and a drizzle of maple syrup or a dollop of whipped cream.

Notes

For a refreshing twist, consider adding lemon zest to the filling or using flavored cream cheese.

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