Stuffed Brioche French Toast with Orange Marmalade:

Breakfast classic French toast is comforting in texture, and indulgently rich in flavors. Add a filled stuffing, a vibrant citrus element, and some sweetness, and it becomes a very unique dish. This Stuffed Brioche French Toast with Orange Marmalade elevates the simple French toast to a new level. Brioche decadence combined with the bright zest of orange marmalade is a wonderful thing. This dish is great for weekend brunch, special occasions, or just when comfort food feels right-creamy, tangy, and sweet flavors harmonize.

Ingredients:

For the French Toast:

• 8 slices of brioche bread (more ideally a day old for better sopping)
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk, or half-and-half for extra richness
• tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• Pinch of salt
• 1 tbsp butter to cook with

Filling:

• 1/2 cup orange marmalade with high fruit content preferred
• 8 oz softened cream cheese
• 1 tbsp powdered sugar
• 1 tsp orange zest (optional and add a bit of that zing)
• Toppings (Optional but recommended)
• Powdered sugar
• Fresh berries, strawberry, raspberry, blueberry.
• Maple syrup
• Optional: Whipped cream, or mascarpone.
• Some extra orange zest for garnish

Instructions:

Step 1: Make the Filling

Start with the creamy orange filling. Place the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and orange marmalade in a medium bowl. Combine until smooth and well mixed. If you want a bit more citrus depth to be added, add one teaspoon of freshly grated orange zest to the mixture. The orange filling will be irresistible because it will stand out, and it’ll add an overall flavor profile to your French toast. Put this mixture aside.

Step 2: Assemble the Custard French Toast

In a large, shallow bowl, whisk together eggs, whole milk (or half-and-half for an especially rich texture), pure vanilla extract, cinnamon, sugar, and a pinch of salt. The eggs just need to be incorporated into the milk; you want this mixture to be smooth. The cinnamon and vanilla will have your custard giving off a comforting, appetizing aroma.

Step 3: Build your Stuffed French Toast

Using a serrated knife, slice the brioche bread very carefully to 1 to 1.5 inches thick. Your brioche has to not be too fresh; it will absorb the custard too fast. A little stale brioche works better.

Spread about 2 tablespoons of the orange marmalade cream cheese mixture onto one slice of brioche. Top with another slice of brioche to make a sandwich. Press it lightly so the filling doesn’t spread too much. Repeat this with the rest of the slices of brioche, stuffing sandwiches with creamy filling.

Step 4: Cook the French Toast

Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet or griddle over medium. Once melted, continue sizzling butter and submerge one stuffed brioche sandwich in the custard mixture to ensure it is well coated with custard but not dripping with it. Put the dipped sandwich in the hot skillet carefully. Cook French toast for 3-4 minutes on each side until it is golden brown and crispy. Repeat with other stuffed sandwiches by adding more butter to the skillet if they start sticking as you continue browning.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Serve all the stuffed French toast hot, dust with powdered sugar for some sweetness, and top it with fresh berries or your favorite fruits. You could also add a drizzle of maple syrup to balance out the richness of the cream cheese filling. An extra touch of richness can be added on top by dolloping with whipped cream or mascarpone. Add a touch more orange zest as a garnish with an added citrus perfume.

Stuffed Brioche French Toast Tips for Perfection:

• Use stale brioche: Fresh brioche becomes too soggy if dipped in custard. Let the brioche sit at room temperature for a few hours, or lightly toast slices before assembling.
• Customize the filling: If you don’t enjoy orange marmalade, use other fruit preserves or even fresh fruits like smashed strawberries or blueberries.
• Add spices: Mix in some nutmeg or cardamom to add depth to the custard mixture.
  Make ahead: Make the cream cheese filling a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator, so you just have to assemble everything together in the morning.

Five FAQs on Stuffed Brioche French Toast with Orange Marmalade:

1. Can any bread be used to make this recipe?

Yes, while brioche provides a rich buttery flavor and a soft, fluffy texture perfect with French toast you can substitute with another type of bread. Challah is another great option, if you want something a little lighter maybe whole grain or sourdough would work, but it’s going to be a little different in flavor and texture. Just make sure it is something that has the ability to absorb custard without falling apart.

2. Can I use orange marmalade?

Absolutely! Orange marmalade gives this dish a citrusy zing, but you can substitute it with other fruit preserves or fruits because raspberry, strawberry, apricot, and even fig preserves would work beautifully. But keep in mind that the flavor of the preserve will determine the overall profile of the stuffed French toast, so pick one that resonates with you. Use a combination of two different kinds of preserves for an interesting twist.

3. Can I make this recipe dairy-free or vegan?

Substitutions to make this recipe dairy-free or vegan are as follows:

• Brioche: Look for a dairy-free brioche or substitute this with another bread suitable for a vegan diet, such as challah.
• For the custard: Replace the eggs with a flaxseed or chia egg substitute (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water, left to sit for 5 minutes) and use plant-based milk such as almond, soy, or oat milk. Add a touch of turmeric or black salt for that “eggy” flavor.

4. How can I store leftovers of this dish?

In case you’re lucky enough to get leftovers, it can be refrigerated in a closed container for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the French toast in a toaster oven or on a griddle set to medium heat to warm through and crisp back up. This should not be microwave reheated, as it would end up soggy.

5. Can I freeze this stuffed French toast?

Yes! You can freeze this dish! After making the French toast, let it cool completely. Line the slices up in a single layer on a baking sheet and put it in the freezer. Once frozen, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. To reheat, just place in a toaster oven or cook on a griddle as you would fresh French toast. Freezing and reheating do slightly change the texture, but it is still very yummy!

Conclusion:

Brioche French Toast Stuffed with Orange Marmalade is a decadent breakfast or brunch dish that layers the brioche sweetness, the zesty brightness of orange marmalade, and the creamy texture of cream cheese. It is easily something to be devoured during a special occasion, but it’s just as viable for those lazy Sunday morning bouts of hunger. Follow these simple steps and incorporate some of the tips and variations and you’ll create a customized version of this French toast to your heart’s delight. So go ahead, treat yourself to this rich, indulgent breakfast experience that’s as beautiful as it is delicious: