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This indulgent breakfast treat transforms classic French toast into a decadent dessert-inspired experience. The crispy golden exterior gives way to warm, gooey cream cheese and sweet strawberries, creating the perfect balance of textures and flavors in every bite.
I first made these sandwiches for my daughter's birthday breakfast, and they've become our special weekend tradition whenever fresh strawberries are in season. The combination of warm brioche, tangy cream cheese, and sweet berries never fails to start our day with smiles.
Ingredients
- Brioche or challah bread slices: Create the perfect base with their buttery, slightly sweet flavor that crisps beautifully when fried
- Cream cheese: Provides that signature cheesecake tang and creates a luscious filling when sweetened
- Powdered sugar: Adds just enough sweetness without becoming grainy in the filling
- Fresh strawberries: Deliver juicy pops of flavor and that essential fresh fruit element
- Strawberry jam: Intensifies the berry flavor and adds a glossy sweetness throughout
- Large eggs: Create that classic French toast exterior that turns golden and crispy
- Milk: Helps thin the egg mixture for proper bread coating
- Butter: For frying adds rich flavor and helps achieve that perfect golden crust
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the filling:
- Beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar until completely smooth, making sure there are no lumps. The mixture should be easily spreadable but not runny. This usually takes about 2 minutes of vigorous stirring.
- Assemble the sandwiches:
- Spread a generous layer of the cream cheese mixture on four bread slices, making sure to reach all the way to the edges. Arrange strawberry slices in a single layer over the cream cheese, then dollop strawberry jam evenly over the berries. Press the remaining bread slices firmly on top to seal.
- Create the custard coating:
- Whisk eggs and milk together in a wide, shallow dish until completely combined. The mixture should be a uniform pale yellow color without streaks of egg white visible.
- Dip and coat:
- Working with one sandwich at a time, place it in the egg mixture and let it soak for 5 seconds per side. Use your fingers to press gently, ensuring the bread absorbs the egg mixture without becoming soggy.
- Golden frying:
- Heat your skillet to medium heat then add butter. Wait until the butter melts completely and begins to foam slightly. Place the sandwiches in the pan without overcrowding and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side until deeply golden and crisp. The cream cheese inside should be warm and slightly melty.
- Rest and serve:
- Let the sandwiches rest for 1 minute on paper towels to absorb excess butter. Dust generously with powdered sugar while still warm and serve immediately for the perfect contrast between crisp exterior and creamy interior.
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The strawberry jam is truly the secret ingredient here. I discovered that using a good quality jam intensifies the berry flavor and creates pockets of sweetness throughout the sandwich. My grandmother always made strawberry jam each summer, and using her recipe in these sandwiches brings back wonderful memories of breakfast at her farmhouse.
Make Ahead Options
These sandwiches can be assembled the night before without the egg coating. Simply wrap them individually in plastic wrap and refrigerate. In the morning, dip in the egg mixture and fry as directed. This makes them perfect for holiday breakfasts when you want something special without the morning rush.
Seasonal Variations
While strawberries create the classic cheesecake flavor, these sandwiches are incredibly versatile. In summer, try fresh blueberries with lemon zest added to the cream cheese. Fall calls for thinly sliced apples with cinnamon and caramel drizzle. Winter is perfect for orange segments with a touch of chocolate spread mixed into the cream cheese base.
Serving Suggestions
These sandwiches shine as the centerpiece of a brunch spread. Serve them alongside a fresh fruit salad to balance the richness. For an extra special touch, offer maple syrup or honey for drizzling. A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream turns this breakfast into a legitimate dessert option as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What type of bread works best for this?
Brioche or challah bread is ideal for its softness and slightly sweet flavor, enhancing the overall taste.
- → Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, but thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture that could make the sandwiches soggy.
- → What’s the purpose of the egg mixture?
The egg mixture helps create a crisp, golden exterior while sealing in the creamy filling.
- → How do I prevent the filling from leaking?
Be careful not to overstuff the sandwiches and ensure the edges are pressed down well before frying.
- → Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, use a dairy-free cream cheese substitute and almond or oat milk for the egg mixture.