Do you find yourself getting into a rut with breakfast ideas? That sounds like a lead in to a great new kitchen appliance or prepared food but it is a question in earnest. For me it's the meal that sparks the least creativity, at least on a weekday before we all head out the door.
Personally I'm not a big cereal eater, I really prefer protein but often don't have the time to whip up an omelet or other longer prep/cook options. Lately I've been back to making more Smoothies and throwing in a tablespoon or two of chia seeds. They are packed with protein and fiber, have little taste and are very small so they don't add a weird texture to a smoothie in my opinion. Being summer and still quite warm in the morning, that's a great option to fill up, get a great dose of fruit and vegetables without a ton of calories as well (I always make mine with filtered water instead of juice or milk).
I have wanted to bust out of the breakfast rut and make something that is unexpected, seasonal and fun. I've started to make Strawberry Stuffed French Toast. It's easy to make and can be done with either gluten-free or regular bread. Quick and easy to prepare, with a heavenly end result; French Toast sandwiches filled with a cream cheese-strawberry jam mix, cooked to a golden brown on a griddle or skillet, topped with fresh strawberries and syrup.
If you aren't keen on regular French Toast, this bears a completely different set of flavors without being insanely sweet. The eggs deliver some protein and the strawberries some fresh fruit. If you are watching calories, you can use Neufchatel cheese which is the lower fat version of cream cheese. There is no sacrifice on flavor to make that swap, however it is about 1/3 less fat than regular cream cheese. Any milk can be used as well. Anyway you make it, I think you'll find it's a delicious breakfast option that feels special!
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Recipe
Strawberry Stuffed French Toast
Ingredients
- 8 ounces Cream Cheese (full fat, low fat or Neufchatel), softened
- ¼ cup Strawberry Jam (Note: preserves as a bit chunky for this recipe so stick to jam)
- ½ teaspoon Lemon Zest
- 8 slices of Bread (gluten-free or regular)
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 2 Large Eggs
- 1/3 cup Milk (any type; I used skim cow milk)
- 1 tablespoon Unsalted Butter
- 1 cup sliced fresh Strawberries
- Serve with Maple Syrup or a sprinkle of Powdered Sugar
Instructions
- In a small mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, strawberry jam and lemon zest. Stir to fully combine.
- In a second mixing bowl, combine the vanilla, eggs and milk. Whisk to fully incorporate and set aside. Pour into a pie pan or other flat bottomed bowl that would allow the bread to fully become coated.
- Melt the butter over medium-high heat on a griddle or large, heavy skillet.
- While the butter is melting, evenly divide the cream cheese-jam mixture, spreading it on four of the slices of bread. Place a second piece of bread on top.
- Place the sandwich in the egg-milk mixture to fully coat the bottom; turn over and repeat for the top. Place into the hot skillet or griddle. Cook until the bottom has become golden brown (about 2 minutes), flip over and repeat for the top. Remove from skillet.
- Slice in half, place on a serving plate and sprinkle ¼ cup of the sliced strawberries on top. Serve immediately with maple syrup or a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
Nutrition
Beth@FrugalFroggie says
I haven’t made french toast before. Definitely trying this recipe!!
Christie says
You had me at stuffed. Strawberries and french toast are a perfect combo. want to make for me for back-to-school on Monday? 🙂
Toni Dash says
Ha, ha Christie! Wish I could make and ship. It’s super easy and pretty quick; I’m sure you can do it….or are you going back to school? If so someone DOES need to make it for you!
sue|theviewfromgreatisland says
This is so creative, I think I would be in heaven if I woke up to this!
Catherine S says
This looks so yummy. I have never made french toast. I can’t wait to try this recipe this weekend.
Toni Dash says
Oh my, well if you’ve NEVER made it you are starting with a fantastic version of it. Please let me know what you think!
Cinny says
That looks absolutely delicious! Mmm…I could definitely eat that!
Tricia @ Saving room for dessert says
It’s been years since I’ve had french toast and have never had it stuffed! Just look what I’ve been missing! Love strawberries and cream cheese so this is a natural for me 🙂
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says
That is all kinds of amazing. I love strawberries, I love French toast, and I love anything stuffed with deliciousness. Yay!
Sabrina @ Dinner, then Dessert says
My husband loves strawberries and French Toast! I think he would love this combination!
Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
I am drooling over here. French toast is my favorite breakfast food!
Rachel Cooks says
Dreamy! I wish I was eating this for breakfast right now.