Why Make This Recipe
If you love the sweet, creamy taste of cannoli and the comforting satisfaction of French toast, then Cannoli Stuffed French Toast is the perfect dish for you. This delicious recipe combines the richness of cannoli filling with the warm, fluffy goodness of French toast. It’s a delightful breakfast or brunch option that will impress your family and friends. Plus, it’s easy to make and can be enjoyed any day of the week!
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. You can enjoy it for a special occasion or simply as a treat on the weekend. With a few basic ingredients, you can create a dish that is both indulgent and delightful. The creamy ricotta filling, paired with the crisp exterior of the French toast, makes for a winning combination that is hard to resist.
How to Make Cannoli Stuffed French Toast
Making Cannoli Stuffed French Toast is a straightforward process. With just a few steps, you’ll have a delicious and visually appealing dish ready to serve.
Ingredients:
- 4 slices of thick bread (like challah or brioche)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- Butter or oil for cooking
- Optional toppings: whipped cream, extra chocolate chips, powdered sugar
Directions:
Prepare the Ricotta Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and mini chocolate chips. Mix until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This filling is the star of the show, so take your time to ensure everything is well combined.
Assemble the Sandwiches: Take two slices of bread and spread a generous amount of the ricotta mixture on each slice. Then, place the remaining slices of bread on top to form sandwiches. Press down slightly to help the filling adhere to the bread.
Make the Egg Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and cinnamon until well combined. This mixture will give your French toast that delicious custardy texture.
Heat the Skillet: Place a skillet over medium heat and add a tablespoon of butter or oil. Allow it to heat up until the butter is melted and bubbly, or the oil is shimmering.
Coat the Sandwiches: Dip each sandwich into the egg mixture, making sure both sides are well coated. Allow any excess egg mixture to drip off before placing the sandwich in the skillet.
Cook Until Golden: Carefully place the coated sandwiches in the skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t burn. You may need to adjust the heat to prevent excessive browning.
Serve Warm: Once golden brown, remove the sandwiches from the skillet and serve immediately. You can top them with whipped cream, extra chocolate chips, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a more decadent touch.
How to Serve Cannoli Stuffed French Toast
Cannoli Stuffed French Toast is best served warm, ideally right after cooking. You can plate the French toast and add your favorite toppings. A light dusting of powdered sugar and a drizzle of chocolate sauce elevate the dish and give it an appealing look. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, consider adding a dollop of whipped cream and a few extra mini chocolate chips on top.
You could also serve this dish with fresh berries or sliced bananas for a fruity contrast. A side of maple syrup or honey will add an extra layer of sweetness if desired.
How to Store Cannoli Stuffed French Toast
If you happen to have leftovers (which is unlikely, given how delicious this dish is), you can store Cannoli Stuffed French Toast in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should be consumed within 2-3 days for the best flavor and texture.
To reheat, simply place the slices in a skillet over low heat, or pop them in the toaster oven until warmed through. Avoid using the microwave, as this can make the bread soggy.
Tips to Make Cannoli Stuffed French Toast
- Use Thick Bread: Thick bread absorbs the custard mixture better, giving you a gooey inside and a crispy outside.
- Mix It Up: Feel free to experiment with the filling! You can substitute mascarpone for ricotta, or even add some zest from oranges or lemons for a citrusy twist.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook just a few sandwiches at a time to ensure even cooking and to prevent steaming.
- Make Your Own Bread: If you have the time, consider making your own challah or brioche for an even more enriched flavor.
Variations
Cannoli Stuffed French Toast is quite versatile. Here are a few variations to try:
- Nutty Version: Add chopped nuts, such as pistachios or almonds, to the ricotta filling for added crunch.
- Fruit Delight: Incorporate fresh fruits like strawberries or raspberries into the filling for a refreshing twist.
- Chocolate Lovers: Using chocolate bread instead of regular bread can take your French toast to the next level.
- Savory Take: Switch up the filling with a savory spread and limit the sugar for a different flavor profile.
Want to explore more delicious recipes like this? Check out my Pinterest page here!
FAQs
Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the ricotta filling a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just give it a quick stir before using it.
What type of bread is best for French toast?
Bread with a dense texture, like challah or brioche, works best for French toast as it can hold up to the egg mixture without becoming too soggy.
Can I freeze Cannoli Stuffed French Toast?
You can freeze the sandwiches before cooking. Wrap each sandwich tight in plastic wrap, place them in a freezer-safe bag, and store them for up to a month. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw and cook according to the directions.
Cannoli Stuffed French Toast is a delightful addition to any breakfast or brunch spread. Combining the best elements of two beloved dishes, it is sure to become a favorite at your table!
Print
Cannoli Stuffed French Toast
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the sweet, creamy filling of cannoli paired with the warm, fluffy goodness of French toast in this delightful breakfast dish.
Ingredients
- 4 slices of thick bread (like challah or brioche)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- Butter or oil for cooking
- Optional toppings: whipped cream, extra chocolate chips, powdered sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the Ricotta Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and mini chocolate chips. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Spread a generous amount of the ricotta mixture on two slices of bread, then top with the remaining slices to form sandwiches.
- Make the Egg Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, and cinnamon until well combined.
- Heat the Skillet: Place a skillet over medium heat and add a tablespoon of butter or oil. Allow it to heat up until melted.
- Coat the Sandwiches: Dip each sandwich into the egg mixture, ensuring both sides are well coated and excess egg drips off.
- Cook Until Golden: Place the sandwiches in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Serve Warm: Remove from the skillet and serve immediately with desired toppings.
Notes
Best served warm with a dusting of powdered sugar or maple syrup. Can be stored in an airtight container for 2-3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: cannoli, french toast, breakfast, brunch, ricotta