This Berry Stuffed French Toast takes just minutes to assemble, it feeds a crowd, and is a perfect brunch to serve on Valentine's Day (it's on a Sunday this year). Thick slices of bread are filled with mixed berry jam and whipped cream cheese, drowned in egg batter, baked, and topped with fresh berries and maple syrup. It's the type of meal that fills your belly and lifts your spirits, reminding you that Chicago's winter will indeed end.
Recipes like this are my secret weapon, because they make entertaining almost effortless. Make this the next time you have houseguests, everyone loves French Toast, and the quick prep time means you can spend your time with your guests and not in the kitchen.
You could easily cut this recipe in half if you want to make Valentine's Day breakfast for two. Instead of using a large casserole dish, you could make individual French Toasts in ramekins. I served this Berry Stuffed French Toast at a small brunch, and I rounded out the meal with mimosas, muffins, and of course, bacon.
And in case you are looking for something fun to do after brunch on Valentine's Day, I gathered up some ideas for you here.
Ingredients
- a loaf of White Italian Bread
- 8 ounces Whipped Cream Cheese
- 1 jar Mixed Berry Jam
- 6 large Eggs
- 1 cup 2% Milk
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla
- 2 tablespoons Butter
- Blackberries Blueberries, and Raspberries for garnish
- Maple Syrup
Instructions
- First butter the bottom and sides of a casserole dish. Heat your oven to 375 degrees.
- Then cut the loaf of bread into slices one inch thick. You may need to slice the ends of the slices of bread off so that the bread will fit neatly into the casserole dish. Save any bread scraps, these will come in handy later.
- Spread the cream cheese and jam on the bread creating sandwiches and arrange them in the casserole dish.
- Next, in a medium size bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, and vanilla together.
- Pour the egg mixture over the bread, completely submerging the bread. Lightly press down on the bread until it absorbs the egg mixture if the bread starts floating. Add the scraps of bread to fill any space in the dish.
- Bake at 375 degrees for 40 minutes. Then brush the top with melted butter, and increase the heat to low broil. This will beautifully brown the top of the French Toast within a couple of minutes.
- Serve garnished with blackberries, blueberries, and raspberries and topped with maple syrup.
