Introduction

Stuffed French Toast is a delightful twist on a classic breakfast favorite. Layers of creamy cheese and sweet jam are sandwiched between slices of sturdy bread, soaked in a rich custard, and baked to golden perfection. It’s an easy way to impress family or guests with a comforting and elegant morning treat.

A stack of three thick slices of golden toasted bread with visible raisins or dried fruit throughout, layered with melted creamy cheese and bright orange melted cheddar cheese. The toast is drizzled with sticky honey that glistens and drips down the sides onto the white plate below, scattered with small pieces of chopped nuts. The bread slices show a crispy, slightly browned edge and soft, fluffy interior with raisins peeking through. The background is softly blurred with a white marbled texture surface visible beneath the plate, creating a warm and inviting feel. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

5 large eggs

1 cup (227g) half-and-half

1/4 cup (78g) maple syrup

1/2 teaspoon table salt

1 teaspoon King Arthur Pure Vanilla Extract

8 slices sturdy bread, or Rum-Raisin Bread

Half an 8-ounce package (113g) cream cheese, at room temperature

1/2 cup (170g) jam, preserves, or marmalade of your choice

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Generously butter a parchment-lined 9″ x 13″ baking pan.

Step 2: To make the custard, whisk together the eggs, half-and-half, maple syrup, salt, and vanilla extract in an 8″ round pan.

Step 3: To assemble the sandwiches, spread 2 tablespoons of cream cheese on one slice of bread. Spread 2 tablespoons of your chosen jam evenly over the cream cheese. Top with another slice of bread, pressing gently to seal.

Step 4: Dip the sandwich into the custard mixture and let it soak for at least 1 minute before flipping to soak the other side. Drain well and transfer the soaked sandwich to the prepared baking pan.

Step 5: Repeat the process with the remaining sandwiches, soaking one while assembling the next for efficiency, until all are in the pan.

Step 6: Bake the stuffed French toast for 25 minutes. Remove from the oven, butter the tops of the sandwiches, then carefully flip each one over. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes.

Step 7: To serve, cut the sandwiches into quarters and arrange on a warm serving dish. Serve with warm syrup or fruit sauce as desired.

Tips & Variations

Use sturdy bread like brioche, challah, or your favorite dense loaf to prevent sogginess.

Swap cream cheese for mascarpone or ricotta for a different creamy texture.

Try different jams or marmalades such as strawberry, apricot, or blackberry to vary the flavor.

For a richer custard, substitute half-and-half with heavy cream.

FAQs

Can I prepare stuffed French toast ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the sandwiches and soak them in custard the night before. Keep them covered in the refrigerator and bake fresh in the morning.

What bread works best for stuffed French toast?

Sturdy breads such as brioche, challah, or dense white bread work best to hold the filling and soak up the custard without falling apart.

Dessert

Stuffed French Toast Recipe