My Strawberry Stuffed French Toast features whole grain bread stuffed with a creamy mixture of fresh strawberries, ricotta and Neufchâtel cheese. It’s a delicious and nutritious family-friendly dish that will make you feel like you’re indulging in a decadent treat!
I’m always looking for healthy and delicious breakfast ideas. On workdays, I’m usually rushing out the door in the morning and prefer portable breakfasts to take on the go like my make-ahead breakfast burritos or blueberry French toast muffins. But when the weekend rolls around, there's nothing I enjoy more than a relaxed brunch with my loved ones, savoring dishes like my crockpot French toast casserole, strawberry oatmeal blender pancakes or blueberry lemon Dutch baby.
If you're looking for a breakfast dish that offers a balance of wholesome ingredients and indulgent flavors, look no further than my mouthwatering strawberry stuffed French toast. Whether it's a hectic weekday morning or a leisurely weekend brunch, this dish brings together the best of both worlds, offering a delicious treat that's both satisfying and nutritious.
This strawberry stuffed French toast is a fun twist on a classic breakfast dish, featuring a sweet cream cheese and ricotta filling, fresh strawberries, and a hint of maple syrup for an irresistible flavor combination. It's perfect for special occasions like Mother’s Day, Valentine’s Day, a bridal brunch, or any day when you want to treat yourself or your loved ones.
Why You'll Love This Dish
- Simple Recipe- this recipe is easy to make and uses simple ingredients
- Delicious- thick slices of French toast stuffed with a creamy strawberry filling, topped with fresh berries- yum!
- Nutritious- with a combination of complex carbs, protein, and fiber, this breakfast will fill you up and give you energy for the day
- Impressive- a great brunch recipe to serve for a special occasion like Mother's Day, Valentine's Day, or bridal brunch
- Kid-friendly- both kids and adults will love this dish
Healthier French Toast
This strawberry stuffed French toast recipe is a lightened up twist on classic stuffed French toast that will satisfy your cravings without compromising on nutrition or flavor. Here's how I lightened up the dish:
- Whole Wheat Bread: By using whole wheat bread instead of white bread, this recipe incorporates nutritious whole grains, offering fiber and essential nutrients for a healthier option.
- Neufchâtel Cheese: Instead of regular cream cheese, I use Neufchâtel cheese, which boasts the same delicious flavor but with fewer calories and less fat. Look for it in the grocery store next to regular cream cheese, sometimes labeled as "â…“ less fat" cream cheese.
- Ricotta Cheese: Combined with Neufchâtel cheese, ricotta not only enhances the richness and creaminess of the filling but also adds a protein boost to the dish, making it more satisfying and nutritious.
- Packed with Strawberries: I stuff the French toast with slices of strawberries and also pile extra strawberries on top of the dish. Strawberries add natural sweetness and a boost of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
- Lightly Sweetened: A touch of pure maple syrup in the filling provides a hint of sweetness without excessive added sugars. Serve with additional maple syrup and powdered sugar on the side for those craving extra sweetness.
- Milk in the custard: Many French toast recipes call for heavy cream to make the egg custard but I use milk. Whole milk or 2% milk will give enough richness without the extra calories and fat.
Doctors Tip
- Protein is essential for maintaining muscle mass, supporting your weight management goals, and providing long-lasting energy. By incorporating protein-rich foods into your breakfast and other meals, you can fend off hunger cravings and stay focused until your next meal.
- Want to learn more about the importance of adding protein to your meals? Read my post 30+ healthy high protein lunch ideas.
Ingredients
Ingredient notes and substitutions. See recipe card at the end of the post for full recipe details.
- Whole wheat bread- I like to use whole grain bread to incorporate nutritious whole grains into the dish. If my bakery has a nice fresh loaf of bread, I'll go for that. Otherwise, you can use regular sliced bread. For classic French toast, you can use brioche bread, French bread or sourdough.
- Neufchâtel cheese- sometimes referred to as "light cream cheese," this French cheese is similar to cream cheese but has a slightly tangier flavor and a lower fat content, making it a lighter alternative.
- Ricotta cheese- ricotta adds creaminess to the filling that makes it taste like cannoli filling. It also adds a boost of protein.
- Vanilla extract- adds tons of flavor to the egg custard
- Maple syrup- I add a small amount of pure maple syrup to the filling to lightly sweeten it. You can substitute honey or agave nectar.
- Strawberries- I use fresh strawberries in the filling and also to top the French toast; you can substitute other berries like blueberries or blackberries
- Eggs- form the base of the custard mixture that the bread gets soaked in
- Milk- you can use any type of milk including plant-based milk. I typically use 2% milk. The higher the milk fat, the richer the custard will be.
- Cinnamon- adds classic French toast flavor
How To Make Strawberry Stuffed French Toast Step-By-Step
See recipe card at the end of the post for full recipe details.
- Step 1- Mix the ricotta cheese, softened cream cheese, and maple syrup together in a small bowl.
- Step 2- Spread some of the strawberry cream cheese filling on each slice of bread. I like to use an offset spatula for this. Arrange strawberry slices on the surface of 4 slices of bread. Top them with the other 4 slices of bread, forming 4 sandwiches.
- Step 3- Whisk the eggs, milk, vanilla, and cinnamon together in a shallow dish or bowl. Dip each sandwich into the egg mixture for a few seconds on each side.
- Step 4- Heat a griddle or large skillet like a cast iron skillet over medium heat and brush with a small amount of oil, butter or cooking spray. Place the French toast on the griddle and cook 3-4 minutes until golden brown, then flip and cook another 2-3 minutes on the second side. Serve with fresh strawberries and a little maple syrup and/or powdered sugar.
Chef's Tips
- Use room temperature Neufchatel cheese so that it's easier to mix
- Ideally, the bread you use should be slightly stale. A drier bread will soak up the custard better. You can leave the bread out with the wrapper open the day before cooking to dry it out.
- For more strawberry flavor, you can add a spoonful or two of strawberry preserves or jam to the filling
- You can experiment with different fruit fillings such as blueberries, raspberries, blackberries or sliced bananas.
- For an added boost of protein, you can top your French toast with some Greek yogurt, peanut or almond butter or chia seeds. You can also stir protein powder into the egg mixture.
What To Serve With French Toast
Serve this strawberry stuffed French toast with maple syrup or powdered sugar to drizzle on top. You can also add your favorite toppings like fresh fruit, chopped nuts, shredded coconut, lemon zest or chocolate chips.
You can pair the French toast with other dishes on the side for a full breakfast or brunch spread. Some options are:
- Crispy bacon or breakfast sausage
- Fresh fruit salad
- Whipped cream or Greek yogurt
- A side of scrambled eggs for an added protein boost
- A refreshing smoothie like my tropical pineapple banana smoothie or immunity-boosting orange strawberry smoothie
Recipe FAQs
The best bread for French toast is one that is thick and sturdy like brioche, challah, or Texas toast. These types of bread absorb the egg mixture well and hold their shape during cooking, resulting in a rich and satisfying texture.
Ideally, the bread for French toast should be slightly stale because a drier bread will soak up the custard better. Bread can be left out with the wrapper open the day before cooking. If the bread is fresh from the bag, the finished dish may be soggy.
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Recipe
Strawberry Stuffed French Toast
Equipment
Ingredients
- ½ cup part skim ricotta cheese
- 2 ounces Neufchâtel cheese, at room temperature
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
- 8 slices whole grain bread
- 1 cup sliced strawberries plus extra for garnish
- 2 large eggs
- 1 egg white
- ½ cup milk, any type (I used 2%)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 pinch kosher salt
- Oil or butter, for the griddle
- Optional: maple syrup and/or powdered sugar for serving
Instructions
- Mix the ricotta cheese, Neufchâtel cheese, and maple syrup together in a bowl until smooth.
- Spread equal amounts of the filling on each slice of bread. Arrange strawberry slices on top of the filling on 4 of the slices of bread. Top them with the remaining 4 slices of bread, forming 4 sandwiches.
- Whisk the eggs, egg white, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt together in a shallow dish or bowl.
- Heat a griddle or large skillet over medium heat and brush with a small amount of oil or butter. Dip each sandwich into the egg mixture for a few seconds on each side and then place them on the griddle. Cook 3–4 minutes until golden brown, then flip and cook another 2-3 minutes on the second side.
- Transfer the sandwiches to a cutting board and let them cool slightly. Then, cut them in half. Serve French toast with fresh strawberries on top and a little maple syrup and/or powdered sugar.
Notes
- Use room temperature Neufchatel cheese so that it's easier to mix
- Ideally, the bread you use should be slightly stale. A drier bread will soak up the custard better. You can leave the bread out with the wrapper open the day before cooking to dry it out.
- For more strawberry flavor, you can add a spoonful or two of strawberry preserves or jam to the filling
- You can experiment with different fruit fillings such as blueberries, raspberries, blackberries or sliced bananas.
- For an added boost of protein, you can top your French toast with some Greek yogurt, peanut or almond butter or chia seeds. You can also stir protein powder into the egg mixture.
Cailee says
YUM!! This looks amazing! What a fun way to do breakfast! I love it! Also, I just made a peanut butter sammie and added strawberries and banana in the middle!! Such a game changer! SO good! Thanks for sharing!
Xoxo Cailee!
sonaliruder says
Thanks, Cailee! Peanut butter, strawberries and banana sounds like a delicious combination! Perhaps I'll use it the next time I make stuffed French toast 🙂
Ben Maclain says
I've seen these toasts on Instagram, and I really am impressed. These look fabulous. Unfortunately I don't know the second kind of cheese (I assume it resembles cream cheese), but together with ricotta and strawberries, that's such a delicious festive treat! Well done, Sonali!
sonaliruder says
Thanks so much Ben! Yes, the Neufchâtel cheese is like reduced fat cream cheese. It adds a nice creaminess to the filling.
Julie Wunder says
This has my name all over it! You really made some healthy swaps here and it looks amazing. Hope to give it a try this weekend- we are just getting fresh Florida strawberries in the store 🙂
sonaliruder says
Thanks Julie, I hope you give it a try! I love when beautiful fresh strawberries start showing up at the market (although living in Florida, I'm a little bit spoiled)!
Alisa says
This is such a unique idea and I can only imagine how amazing these flavors must taste together - such a great breakfast!
sonaliruder says
Thanks so much, Alisa!
EA-The Spicy RD says
I want a do-over for breakfast today! This looks absolutely amazing!!!
sonaliruder says
Haha, that's awesome EA! Maybe you can try it tomorrow 🙂
gretchen | kumquat says
my son had stuffed french toast (gluten-free even!) out at a restaurant on sunday for his birthday brunch. it was our first taste and we are hooked! so glad to see yours... i know he'll be asking for it at home now!!
sonaliruder says
That's great, Gretchen- your son has good taste! Stuffed French toast is always a treat 🙂
Alanna says
This French toast is stunning!! It also has spring written all over it 🙂 Thanks for giving me a new craving!!
sonaliruder says
Thanks so much Alanna!
Elizabeth Shaw says
How creative! I would expect nothing less from the Foodie Physician herself! Nice work Sonali!
sonaliruder says
Awww, thanks Elizabeth!
Diane Boyd says
Can't pin this stufed French toast fast enough!
sonaliruder says
Thanks for stopping by, Diane!
Big Rigs 'n Lil' Cookies says
This would be a wonderful Sunday breakfast! You have been a great inspiration at getting more fruit in my diet, and this will be another great way.
sonaliruder says
Thanks so much! Yes, this is definitely an easy way to incorporate more fruit into your diet. You can even do a mixture of fruit- strawberries and bananas would be delicious or blueberries and peaches.
Marissa says
Yum! You broke WAY out of breakfast boredom - this looks like a breakfast that would have me springing out of bed in the morning!
sonaliruder says
Haha, that's awesome! Thanks Marissa 🙂
Kristy Sayer @ Southern In Law says
This looks amaaazing! I loveee stuffed french toast recipes as they're so much more delicious than regular ol' french toast!
sonaliruder says
Thanks, Kristy! I love stuffed French toast too and the great thing is that you can customize it and use your favorite ingredients.
Rachel Norman says
This looks like the perfect weekend breakfast! Indulgent but healthy!
sonaliruder says
Thanks, Rachel! It's perfect for Sunday brunch.
Rebecca Pytell says
Such a fun recipe!! I just love anything strawberry!
sonaliruder says
Me too! Thanks!
Jessica Levinson says
So yummy and pretty too! Delicious and nutritious (or as I like to say, Nutritioulicious) indeed! Can't wait to make this for my girls!
sonaliruder says
Definitely nutritioulicious! I hope your girls like it- Sienna did!
Lauren Grant says
Gorgeous!! Oh my gosh, this looks so tasty! I will be trying this soon.
sonaliruder says
Thanks, Lauren!
Agness Walewinder says
I have not had strawberries for some time because it's not a season here in the Netherlands. I simply can't wait for summer to start adding them to my breakfasts! 🙂
sonaliruder says
Thanks for stopping by Agness! Maybe you can try the recipe with whatever fruit is currently in season 🙂
Kimberly Hoban says
I need to make this ASAP!!! I love the flavor combo!
sonaliruder says
Thanks Kim! Enjoy 🙂
Julie @RDelicious Kitchen says
Yum! I love the ricotta/cream cheese mixture. Perfect recipe for brunch!
sonaliruder says
Thanks Julie!
Farrah says
I remember seeing the recipe for your Berry & Ricotta Stuffed French Toast in your book, and ahhh....I still need to make it! *-* You have so many delicious-lookin' breakfast recipes on your blog! :D! I neeeddd to make these! *-*
sonaliruder says
Stuffed French Toast is my jam 🙂 Thanks Farrah, let me know if you try any of them out!