Description
A luxurious breakfast featuring thick brioche bread stuffed with a rich ricotta and cream cheese filling, fresh strawberries, and dipped in a cinnamon custard for a crispy, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 slices brioche or challah bread (1-inch thick)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 cup full-fat ricotta cheese
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine ricotta cheese, cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Using a sharp knife, cut a pocket into the side of each bread slice, about two-thirds of the way through, being careful not to cut all the way through.
- Spoon 2-3 tablespoons of the ricotta mixture into each pocket, then place 3-4 slices of fresh strawberry on top. Press the bread closed gently.
- In a wide, shallow dish, whisk together eggs, milk, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until uniform.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add half the butter. Dip one stuffed slice into the egg mixture for 10-15 seconds per side, ensuring it is coated but not saturated.
- Place the soaked slice into the hot pan and cook on medium-low heat for 4-5 minutes until golden brown and crisp.
- Carefully flip the toast, add more butter if needed, and cook the second side for 4-5 minutes until equally golden. Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Repeat the process with remaining slices.
- Plate the toast, top with extra fresh strawberries, drizzle with maple syrup, and serve immediately.
Notes
Use day-old bread for better custard absorption. If using fresh bread, chill it briefly to make stuffing easier. Cook on medium-low heat to prevent burning. For leftovers, reheat in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F to maintain crispness. Uncooked stuffed slices can be frozen for later use.
- Prep Time: 12 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 slices per serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 20
- Sodium: 350
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 18
Keywords: french toast, stuffed french toast, strawberry breakfast, ricotta filling, brioche toast, brunch recipe, creamy french toast