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Stuffed Brioche French Toast with Orange Marmalade Recipe
Stuffed brioche French toast with orange marmalade is an indulgent, elegant breakfast dish that combines the rich buttery flavors of brioche with the tangy sweetness of orange marmalade. It’s perfect for a special weekend breakfast, brunch gathering, or anytime you want to elevate your morning meal. This recipe offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors, making it a must-try for anyone who loves French toast with a twist.
Ingredients:
To make this luxurious dish, you will need the following ingredients:
For the French Toast:
- 8 thick slices of brioche bread
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 pinch of salt
- Butter for frying
For the Stuffing:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp orange zest
For the Orange Marmalade Topping:
- 1/2 cup orange marmalade
- 2 tbsp water
- Fresh orange slices (optional garnish)
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
- In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and orange zest. Use a hand mixer or whisk until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Spread this mixture on four of the brioche slices, then place the other four slices on top to create a sandwich.
Step 2: Prepare the Custard Mixture
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Make sure everything is well combined to create a smooth custard for dipping the brioche.
Step 3: Dip the Brioche Sandwiches
- Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat, and add a tablespoon of butter.
- Dip each brioche sandwich into the custard mixture, allowing both sides to soak briefly, but don’t let the bread get too soggy.
- Once dipped, place the sandwich onto the heated skillet.
Step 4: Cook the French Toast
- Cook each sandwich for 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown and crispy.
- Add more butter to the skillet as needed for each new batch to ensure a golden, buttery crust.
Step 5: Prepare the Orange Marmalade Topping
- In a small saucepan, heat the orange marmalade with 2 tablespoons of water over low heat until it becomes syrupy. Stir occasionally to ensure it doesn’t stick to the pan.
Step 6: Serve
- Once the stuffed French toast is cooked, place it on a serving plate.
- Drizzle the warm orange marmalade over the top, and if desired, add a sprinkle of powdered sugar and a few fresh orange slices for garnish.
- Serve immediately for best results, while the toast is warm and the marmalade is perfectly gooey.
Tips for the Perfect Stuffed Brioche French Toast
- Use Fresh Brioche: The soft, buttery texture of brioche makes it the perfect bread for this recipe. Be sure to use thick slices, as they hold up better when stuffed and cooked.
- Don’t Over-Soak: While it’s important to soak the bread in the custard mixture, avoid oversaturating the slices. This prevents them from becoming too soggy and difficult to cook evenly.
- Flavor Variations: You can easily switch up the flavor by using different jams or marmalades. Apricot or raspberry jam can add a new twist if orange isn’t your preference.
- Add Nuts for Crunch: For added texture, sprinkle crushed almonds or pecans over the cream cheese mixture before closing the brioche sandwiches. The nuts will add a satisfying crunch to the soft, creamy center.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
This recipe isn’t just a traditional French toast. The combination of creamy stuffing with the citrusy burst of orange marmalade creates a gourmet-level dish that balances richness with brightness. Brioche, with its pillowy softness and slight sweetness, elevates the meal into a truly indulgent experience. It’s a dish that looks stunning on the plate and tastes even better.
Whether you’re hosting brunch or treating yourself, stuffed brioche French toast with orange marmalade will impress anyone lucky enough to try it.
FAQs
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
- You can prepare the stuffed brioche sandwiches in advance and refrigerate them. When ready to serve, simply dip them in the custard mixture and fry them fresh.
- What if I don’t have brioche?
- If brioche isn’t available, you can substitute with challah or thick slices of white bread, though brioche gives the best texture and flavor.
- Can I use store-bought orange marmalade?
- Yes, store-bought marmalade works great in this recipe. However, homemade marmalade can add a special touch if you have the time to make it.
- Can I make this without the cream cheese filling?
- Absolutely! While the cream cheese adds a creamy texture, you can skip it if you prefer traditional French toast with a marmalade topping.
- What can I serve with this dish?
- This French toast pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or a side of crispy bacon to balance the sweetness.
- Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
- Yes, simply substitute the brioche with a gluten-free bread option.
- Is there a way to make it dairy-free?
- You can make this recipe dairy-free by using a plant-based milk (like almond or oat milk) and a dairy-free cream cheese substitute.
- How do I prevent the French toast from sticking to the pan?
- Always use butter or oil in the skillet, and make sure the pan is properly heated before placing the bread. A non-stick pan can also help.
- What other fillings can I use besides cream cheese?
- Nutella, peanut butter, or mascarpone are excellent alternatives to cream cheese if you want to experiment with different flavors.
- Can I make this recipe healthier?
- To lighten up the dish, you can use low-fat cream cheese, reduce the sugar, or use whole grain bread instead of brioche.
Final Thoughts
Stuffed brioche French toast with orange marmalade is a breakfast lover’s dream. It’s easy enough to make for family and friends, yet sophisticated enough for special occasions. The creamy filling, citrusy marmalade, and buttery brioche will keep everyone coming back for more. Serve it up, enjoy, and bask in the compliments!
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