Stuffed French Toast For Family Gatherings
10/03/2024
Make a weekend breakfast extra special with this stuffed French toast recipe featuring oranges and fresh pecans, which are abundant this time of year. The whole family can participate in the preparation the night before, from beating eggs to spooning the cream cheese mixture into pockets in the French bread. When you wake up in the morning, just pop the dish in the oven, heat up the simple and mouthwatering pecan maple syrup topping, and enjoy leisurely family time around the table.
EASY OVERNIGHT STUFFED FRENCH TOAST
Makes 5-6 two-slice servings.
1 8-ounce package low fat or regular cream cheese, room temperature
¾ cup chopped pecans
1/3 cup sugar
2 tablespoons orange zest from a fresh orange
1 large loaf French bread (day-old bread with a soft crust works best)
6 eggs, beaten
¾ cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Maple syrup for Pecan Maple Syrup (recipe follows)
First, read through the steps and choose appropriate jobs for every family member. Let’s begin!
To assemble:
Blend the cream cheese, ½ cup of the pecans, the sugar and orange zest in a medium bowl.
An adult or older child should cut the loaf into about ten to twelve 1-inch slices. Then cut an opening in one crust side of each slice, two-thirds the way down, to form a pocket. Tuck a spoonful of the cream cheese mixture into each pocket and press to close. Arrange in two rows in a 9-inch-by-13 inch well greased baking pan.
Combine the beaten eggs, milk and vanilla in a medium bowl. Pour over the bread, making sure it is soaked with egg mixture. Cover with aluminum foil and refrigerate overnight.
To bake and serve:
In the morning, preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Remove foil, turn each stuffed slice over to absorb any remaining liquid and bake for 45 minutes until lightly golden. Serve warm Pecan Maple Syrup (below) drizzled over individual servings.
Pecan Maple Syrup: Heat over low heat desired amount of maple syrup with the remaining chopped pecans.
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