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Get ready for a yummy treat with Cannoli Stuffed French Toast! Soft bread is filled with sweet ricotta and chocolate chips, then cooked to golden perfection. It’s breakfast heaven!
Honestly, what could be better than French toast and cannoli combined? I love pouring syrup on top and pretending it’s healthy because, you know, there’s fruit in the chocolate chips! 😄
This dish is so easy to whip up! I simply mix the filling, stuff the bread, and toss it on the griddle. It’s like brunch but with a sweet twist that everyone will love!
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Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread: Thick bread like brioche or Texas toast is perfect for this recipe because it holds up well to soaking. If you can’t find them, try challah or even some hearty white sandwich bread. Avoid thin bread as it may fall apart.
Ricotta Cheese: This adds the creamy, delightful filling in your French toast. If you’re dairy-free, you might opt for a plant-based ricotta or a blend of tofu and almond milk for a similar texture. I find using full-fat ricotta enhances the flavor!
Powdered Sugar: Besides sweetening the ricotta, it also helps achieve a smooth texture. If you’re watching sugar intake, you could replace it with a sugar substitute or maple syrup. Just use a bit less to keep the consistency right.
Chocolate Chips: Mini chocolate chips add a special touch, but you could substitute them with chopped nuts for a different texture. If you prefer dark chocolate, feel free to use that instead for a rich flavor.
How Do You Make Sure the French Toast Stays Together When Cooking?
Ensuring your stuffed French toast holds together is key to a successful dish. Here are my tips:
- Seal the Edges: After spreading the ricotta filling, press the slices together gently, making sure the filling is contained.
- Soak Carefully: When dipping your sandwiches in the egg mixture, don’t let them soak too long. A few seconds on each side is enough for the bread to absorb the mixture without getting soggy.
- Cook at the Right Temperature: Make sure your skillet is preheated and the butter is melted. A medium heat is ideal for cooking them evenly without burning.
Cannoli Stuffed French Toast: A Sweet Morning Delight!
What You’ll Need:
For the Cannoli Filling:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus extra for dusting
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
For the French Toast:
- 8 slices of thick bread (brioche or Texas toast works great!)
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon butter (for cooking)
- Pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 15 minutes for prep and another 15 minutes for cooking. So, in about half an hour, you can have this delicious Cannoli Stuffed French Toast ready to impress your taste buds (and anyone who’s lucky enough to share it with you)!
Instructions:
Let’s dive right in! First up, grab a mixing bowl and add in your ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and mini chocolate chips. Mix everything together until it’s nice and smooth—this is going to be your delightful cannoli filling. Once that’s done, set it aside and let those flavors meld while we prep the bread.
Now, take four slices of your thick bread. Spread a generous scoop of that creamy cannoli filling on top of each slice. Then, place another piece of bread on top to create a sandwich. Press them gently to seal in all that yumminess!
Next, in a separate bowl, whisk together your eggs, milk, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until everything is well combined. This will be the luscious custard that makes our French toast perfectly sweet and spiced.
Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and add in your butter. Let it melt and coat the pan, ensuring it’s nice and non-stick for cooking your sandwiches.
Here comes the fun part! Take each stuffed sandwich and carefully dip it into the egg mixture. Let it soak for a few seconds on each side, allowing that bread to absorb all that delicious goodness. Be gentle so the filling doesn’t spill out!
Place the soaked sandwiches one by one into the hot skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they turn a beautiful golden brown and are cooked through. Your kitchen will smell heavenly by now!
Once they’re cooked, transfer your French toast to a plate and give it a dusting of extra powdered sugar for that perfect sweet touch. Feel free to garnish with more chocolate chips or a drizzle of chocolate syrup if you’re craving some extra indulgence.
Serve warm and enjoy the delightful satisfaction of your Cannoli Stuffed French Toast! It’s a breakfast treat that’s sure to make any morning feel extra special.
Can I Use Regular Bread Instead of Thick Bread?
Yes, you can use regular bread, but keep in mind that thicker slices hold up better to the soaking process and help prevent the filling from spilling out. If using regular bread, reduce the soaking time slightly to avoid overly soggy bread.
Can I Make the Cannoli Filling Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cannoli filling a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to make the French toast, let it sit for a few minutes at room temperature to soften before spreading it on the bread.
What Can I Substitute for Ricotta Cheese?
If you’re looking for a substitute for ricotta cheese, you can use mascarpone for a richer flavor, or cottage cheese (blended until smooth) for a lighter option. Just be sure to adjust the sweetness slightly if the substitute is sweeter than ricotta.
How Should I Store Leftover French Toast?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a toaster oven or skillet over low heat until warmed through, adding a sprinkle of powdered sugar to freshen up the taste before serving.
