If you love a breakfast that’s bursting with flavor and a delightful twist on a classic, this Sun-Dried Tomato and Feta Stuffed French Toast Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine thick slices of brioche loaded with tangy feta and chewy sun-dried tomatoes, all soaked in a rich custard and pan-fried to golden perfection. It’s savory, creamy, and just a little bit fancy, perfect for a weekend brunch or a special breakfast treat that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this Sun-Dried Tomato and Feta Stuffed French Toast Recipe is straightforward, yet each component plays an essential role in building those balanced flavors and textures. From the creamy tang of feta to the sweet chewiness of sun-dried tomatoes, every ingredient is a star in this dish.
- Thick-cut brioche or challah bread: Choose bread that’s sturdy enough to hold the filling but soft enough to soak up the custard beautifully.
- Feta cheese (4 ounces, crumbled): Its salty, tangy profile contrasts perfectly with the sweet bread.
- Sun-dried tomatoes (1/3 cup, chopped and drained): Adds a burst of concentrated tomato flavor that’s slightly sweet and tangy.
- Cream cheese (2 tablespoons, softened): Provides creaminess that helps bind the filling ingredients.
- Eggs (6 large): The base of the custard mixture, making the toast rich and fluffy.
- Whole milk (1 cup): Adds moisture and tenderness to the custard.
- Heavy cream (1/4 cup): Elevates the custard’s richness for a luxurious finish.
- Dried oregano (1/2 teaspoon): Brings an herbaceous note that complements the tomatoes and cheese.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds just a hint of spice to balance the flavors.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances all the other flavors without overpowering.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (2 tablespoons): Enriches the custard with a nutty, savory depth.
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons): For a golden crust and rich cooking base.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Helps prevent burning and adds a subtle fruity finish.
- Fresh parsley (1 tablespoon, chopped): A fresh, bright garnish to finish the dish with a pop of color and flavor.
How to Make Sun-Dried Tomato and Feta Stuffed French Toast Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Feta and Sun-Dried Tomato Filling
Begin by mixing the crumbled feta, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and softened cream cheese in a small bowl until well combined. This mixture is the heart of the dish, creating a creamy, tangy, and flavorful filling that perfectly contrasts with the soft bread.
Step 2: Assemble the Sandwiches
Lay out four slices of your thick-cut bread and evenly spread the feta and sun-dried tomato mixture onto them. Top each slice with another piece of bread to create a sandwich that’s ready to soak up the custard.
Step 3: Whisk Together the Custard
In a shallow bowl, combine the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, dried oregano, black pepper, salt, and grated Parmesan cheese. Whisk everything together until smooth and slightly frothy, creating a rich custard that will soak into the bread and infuse it with flavor.
Step 4: Dip and Cook the Sandwiches
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add one tablespoon of butter along with the olive oil. Dip each sandwich into the custard, letting both sides soak for several seconds so they absorb enough liquid to stay moist but not fall apart. Place the dipped sandwiches in the skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side. Add the remaining butter as needed to achieve a beautiful golden brown crust and to ensure the sandwiches are cooked through.
Step 5: Rest and Garnish
Remove the sandwiches from the skillet and let them rest on a cutting board for about 2 minutes. This brief resting time helps everything settle for clean slices. Then, slice each sandwich in half and garnish generously with chopped fresh parsley for a fresh burst of color and flavor.
How to Serve Sun-Dried Tomato and Feta Stuffed French Toast Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of fresh parsley is a simple way to brighten the dish visually and flavor-wise. You can also offer a dash of red pepper flakes for those who enjoy a little heat, or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil for added richness.
Side Dishes
This stuffed French toast pairs beautifully with a crisp side salad to balance out the richness, or a bowl of fresh fruit to add natural sweetness and freshness. If you want something a little indulgent, a small dollop of Greek yogurt on the side adds creaminess that harmonizes with the feta cheese.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd, cut the stuffed French toast into bite-sized squares and serve as savory finger foods at a brunch party. Another fun idea is to lay the slices on a wooden board with bowls of complementary dips like sun-dried tomato pesto or herbed cream cheese for a fun, interactive breakfast experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Sun-Dried Tomato and Feta Stuffed French Toast can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Be sure to keep it well covered so it doesn’t dry out or absorb other fridge odors.
Freezing
If you want to make this recipe in advance, wrap individual sandwiches tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well frozen for up to 1 month, making mornings much easier when breakfast is ready to reheat.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen, then warm the sandwiches in a skillet over low heat until heated through, or use a toaster oven for a crispier finish. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the bread soggy and the crust lose its delightful texture.
FAQs
Can I use other types of bread for this recipe?
Absolutely! While brioche and challah are recommended for their softness and ability to soak up the custard, sturdy breads like sourdough or Texas toast can also work beautifully, especially if you prefer a firmer texture.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Sun-Dried Tomato and Feta Stuffed French Toast Recipe is perfect for vegetarians as it contains no meat products. Just be sure to use vegetarian-friendly cheeses if that is a concern.
Can I add greens to the filling?
Definitely! Fresh spinach or baby arugula work wonderfully when mixed into the feta and sun-dried tomato filling, adding a fresh, green element that complements the tangy and creamy flavors.
How do I prevent the French toast from getting soggy?
Be sure not to soak the bread too long in the custard—just a few seconds per side are enough. Also, cooking it over medium heat slowly allows the inside to cook without burning the outside, keeping the texture just right.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just substitute the brioche or challah with your favorite gluten-free bread that can hold up to soaking and cooking. Gluten-free challah or a sturdy gluten-free sandwich bread works best.
Final Thoughts
This Sun-Dried Tomato and Feta Stuffed French Toast Recipe is such a joyful discovery for anyone who loves putting a savory spin on their breakfast. It’s rich, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make, a perfect way to transform ordinary ingredients into something truly special. I can’t wait for you to try it and see just how much fun French toast can be!
Print
Sun-Dried Tomato and Feta Stuffed French Toast Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Sun-Dried Tomato and Feta Stuffed French Toast is a savory twist on a breakfast classic, featuring creamy feta and tangy sun-dried tomatoes stuffed between thick slices of brioche or challah bread. Lightly seasoned egg batter adds richness, while a combination of butter and olive oil creates a perfectly golden crust. Finished with fresh parsley garnish, this dish is an elegant yet easy brunch or breakfast option packed with flavor and texture.
Ingredients
Bread and Filling
- 8 slices thick-cut brioche or challah bread
- 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/3 cup chopped oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
Egg Mixture
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
For Cooking and Garnish
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter for cooking
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling. In a small bowl, combine the crumbled feta cheese, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and softened cream cheese until the mixture is smooth and well blended. This will be the flavorful stuffing for your French toast.
- Assemble the Sandwiches. Lay out 4 slices of bread and evenly spread the feta and sun-dried tomato mixture over each slice. Top each with the remaining 4 bread slices to create four stuffed sandwiches, pressing gently to hold them together.
- Make the Egg Batter. In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, dried oregano, black pepper, salt, and grated Parmesan cheese until the mixture is smooth and evenly combined.
- Heat the Skillet. Place a large skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter and the olive oil, allowing the butter to melt and the pan to warm evenly.
- Dip the Sandwiches. Dip each stuffed sandwich into the egg mixture, soaking both sides for several seconds to ensure the bread absorbs the liquid without becoming too soggy.
- Cook the French Toast. Place the soaked sandwiches in the hot skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until each side is golden brown and the filling is heated through. Add the remaining tablespoon of butter as needed during cooking to prevent sticking and enhance browning.
- Rest and Serve. Remove the sandwiches from the skillet and let them rest for 2 minutes. Slice each sandwich in half, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve warm for a delicious savory breakfast treat.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a handful of fresh spinach or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the filling mixture before assembling.
- Sourdough bread can be used as a substitute for brioche or challah for a firmer texture and tangier flavor.
- Serve alongside a light green salad for a balanced meal or drizzle with a touch of hot honey for a sweet and savory contrast.
