Stuffed French toast is a rich, filling and satisfying treat to have anytime of day. I am a big fan of eating “breakfast for dinner” – and this is one of my favorites. You can stuff the toast with whatever you would like – peaches, bananas, berries, apples, or even a savory filling like low-fat cheese and turkey sausage! Pear-Stuffed French Toast is much more easy to make than you may think, given it’s impressive appearance. Experiment with new fillings and toppings, and it’s sure to become one of your new favorite breakfasts.
Pear-Stuffed French Toast
Equipment
- 1 large nonstick skillet
- 1 bowl
- 1 shallow bowl
Ingredients
- 8 slices whole wheat or whole grain bread (about 1 1/2-inches thick each)
- 4 teaspoons canola oil
- 2 teaspoons butter
- 3 cups slightly firm ripe pears, diced into large chunks
- 4 tablespoons light cream cheese
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 2 whole eggs plus 4 additional egg whites
- Chopped nuts for garnish and additional cinnamon (or powdered sugar) for dusting (both optional)
Instructions
- Heat the oil and butter in a large nonstick skillet for about 1 minute, then add the pears and 1 teaspoon of the cinnamon.
- Cook the pears for 1-2 minutes, then remove the skillet from the heat and stir the cream cheese into the warm pears until the cream cheese melts completely. Spoon the mixture into a bowl and set aside.
- Spoon 2 tablespoons of the pear mixture onto 4 of the bread slices, top each with another slice of bread, and set aside.
- Whisk together the egg, egg whites, and remaining teaspoon of cinnamon in a shallow bowl. Heat a nonstick griddle (or skillet, or frying pan) over medium heat, and let it heat up for 1 minute. Lightly spray the pan with cooking spray.Take 1 stuffed “sandwich” and dip both sides and each edge into the egg mixture to coat it well.
- Place the stuffed toast in the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes; Carefully flip the “sandwich” over, and cook for another 1-2 minutes on the other side. Once the toast is golden brown, remove it from heat. (You can keep it warm in a 200 degree oven while you make the rest of the french toast.)
- Serve with maple syrup, a dollop of light whipped cream, additional fresh fruit topping, cinnamon, powdered sugar, or chopped nuts (if desired).
Video
Notes
Alternative Method: Oven-Baked Pear-Stuffed French Toast
If you prefer to use your oven instead of stovetop cooking, here’s an alternative method for preparing Pear-Stuffed French Toast:
Ingredients:
- 8 slices of thick brioche or challah bread
- 2 ripe but firm pears, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- Maple syrup, for serving
- Whipped cream and fresh berries, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and a pinch of salt until well combined.
- Dip each slice of bread into the egg mixture, allowing it to soak for a few seconds on each side. Place the soaked bread slices in the greased baking dish, overlapping them slightly.
- Arrange the thinly sliced pears over the bread slices, ensuring an even distribution.
- Pour any remaining egg mixture over the bread and pears, making sure to coat everything evenly.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the French toast is golden brown and the custard is set.
- Once baked, remove the Pear-Stuffed French Toast from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
- Dust with powdered sugar and serve warm with maple syrup. You can also garnish with whipped cream and fresh berries for an extra touch of indulgence.
With this oven-baked method, you’ll achieve a slightly different texture compared to the stovetop version. The oven allows for a more even cooking process, resulting in a fluffy and custardy center with a crispy top. Enjoy this delectable Pear-Stuffed French Toast as a delightful breakfast or brunch treat!
Cooking Tips
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- Use stale bread: To achieve a perfect texture, use slightly stale bread. It will absorb the custard without becoming too soggy.
- Soak the bread adequately: Ensure that each slice of bread is fully soaked in the custard mixture but not overly saturated. This will result in a moist and custardy center with a crispy exterior.
- Cook over medium heat: Cooking the stuffed French toast over medium heat allows for even browning without burning the exterior. This ensures a golden crust and a thoroughly cooked filling.
- Preheat the pan: Before adding the stuffed French toast, preheat the pan over medium heat. This helps to prevent sticking and promotes an even cooking process.
- Let it rest: After cooking, let the Pear-Stuffed French Toast rest for a couple of minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and ensures a more enjoyable eating experience.
Adding Toppings For Flavourful Enhancements
- Recommend sides, garnishes, or beverages: Serve the Pear-Stuffed French Toast with a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of maple syrup, and a dollop of whipped cream. Fresh berries, such as raspberries or blueberries, make a delightful addition. For a savory twist, consider serving it with a side of crispy bacon or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Suggest different ways to serve: Get creative with your serving options. Cut the stuffed French toast into triangles or sticks for a fun finger food brunch. Stack the slices and top them with sliced bananas and a sprinkle of chopped nuts for an elegant presentation. You can even transform it into a dessert by serving it with a scoop of cinnamon or caramel ice cream.
FAQs
Can I prepare the Pear-Stuffed French Toast in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the filling and assemble the stuffed French toast the night before. Store it in the refrigerator, covered, and cook it in the morning. This makes it perfect for hassle-free brunches.
How do I store leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, allow them to cool completely before refrigerating them in an airtight container. Reheat in a toaster or oven to regain the crispness.
Can I use a different type of fruit for the filling?
While pears are the star of this recipe, you can certainly experiment with other fruits like apples or berries. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the filling is cooked through.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the bread with gluten-free bread of your choice. Ensure that the bread is thick enough to hold the filling and custard.
Can I freeze the Pear-Stuffed French Toast?
It is not recommended to freeze the assembled stuffed French toast as the texture may be affected. However, you can freeze the cooked slices individually. Reheat them in a toaster or oven to restore their deliciousness.
Treat your taste buds to an unforgettable breakfast experience with our Pear-Stuffed French Toast. Discover the secrets to creating this delectable morning masterpiece and be sure to share the recipe with your loved ones. Don’t miss out on future culinary inspiration—subscribe to our blog today!