An elevated breakfast treat with a creamy ricotta filling and fresh strawberries, perfect for leisurely weekends or impressing guests.
Author:topchoicerecipesgmail-com
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:30 minutes
Total Time:45 minutes
Yield:4 servings 1x
Category:Breakfast
Method:Cooking
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.