I’m lactose intolerant, what can I use instead of ricotta?

You can use any lactose-free cheese substitute, including ricotta, cream cheese or even cottage cheese. Just use the same ratios of cheese filling to marmalade. Then taste and adjust for sweetness.

Can I use any other type of milk?

In addition to being a dairy-free option, this almond milk recipe adds a subtle flavor to the egg mixture that is accented by the almond extract. If you're looking to stay in the dairy-free French toast zone, oat milk, light coconut milk, cashew milk or soy milk are all good options. If cow's milk works better for you, a mixture of heavy cream and milk or half and half would add another layer of richness to this delicious French toast.

What other kinds of bread can I use if I can’t find brioche?

Challah bread is a good alternative to brioche, and sourdough is a classic French toast recipe option. Whole wheat bread will add some nutrients and dietary fiber to this ultra-decadent brunch favorite. Just be sure the slices are fairly thin (about the thickness of regular sandwich bread) for the stuffed French toast to work well. Thick slices of bread (Texas toast style) will not create the balance we're looking for in this treat.

Can I use all butter to fry the French toast instead of butter and oil?

One of the keys to creating crispy French toast is using oil instead of just butter. Our old friend butter adds luscious flavor, but the milk solids can create a soggy French toast. I’m firmly in the anti-sog camp, because nothing tastes as magical as those crisp edges! If canola or sunflower oil isn't a good fit, grab some coconut oil or grapeseed oil.

Can I add cinnamon or other spices to this stuffed French toast?

A dash of cinnamon and / or nutmeg would add warm spice to the egg custard mixture in this easy French toast recipe. Use a light hand, since you don't want the spices to compete with orange and almond flavors.

How to store leftover French toast?

To store, wrap tightly in plastic or move to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in a dry skillet over medium heat until heated through.

Stuffed Almond Milk French Toast with Orange and Ricotta

Description

The brunch star of your dreams. Creamy and fruity and sweet, with just the right balance of butter and crispy brioche. It's the brunch dish everyone will be talking about.

Ingredients

Units Scale

12 slices brioche bread, about 1/2-inch thick
3 eggs
1 cup unsweetened almond milk
3 tablespoons honey
2 teaspoons orange zest
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
Pinch sea salt
2 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons neutral oil

Filling:

1 cup whole milk ricotta, strained
3 tablespoons orange marmalade

Syrup and Topping:

1 cup pure maple syrup
1/4 cup orange marmalade
2 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup toasted almonds, sliced

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

For the buttery orange syrup, combine 1 cup of maple syrup, 1/4 cup orange marmalade and 2 tablespoons butter in a small saucepan over medium low. Heat until butter and marmalade have melted, stirring occasionally. Set aside.
For the filling, combine 1 cup of ricotta and 3 tablespoons of orange marmalade. Whisk vigorously to combine and incorporate some air, creating a fluffy sweetened cheese filling. Set aside.
For the French toast egg custard, combine 3 eggs, 1 cup almond milk, 3 tablespoons of honey, 2 teaspoons of orange zest, 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract and a pinch of sea salt into a shallow dish. Whisk very well to combine.
Lay out 12 slices of stale, dried brioche (see note below for how to dry bread). Spread about 2 1/2 tablespoons of the ricotta marmalade mixture onto 6 slices of the brioche bread, leaving a half inch border around the crust. Top with remaining slices of bread to form 6 sandwiches.
Heat 1 tablespoon of butter and 2 tablespoons of oil in a large, cast iron skillet (or electric skillet) over medium heat.
As the pan is heating, dip two French toast sandwiches in the egg custard, leaving each side to soak in the mixture for 45-60 seconds.
Gently move the custard-soaked sandwich to the heated pan. Grill for 2-3 minutes on each side, carefully monitoring the heat and rotating the bread in the pan to ensure the bread is toasting to golden brown. Once grilled on each side, gently move the stuffed French toast to a rack over a baking sheet. Leave in the oven on warm or very low heat (200 degrees Fahrenheit or less) while you grill the remaining toasts.
To serve, slice each French toast in half on the bias. Serve with additional ricotta marmalade on top, along with sliced toasted almonds and a drizzle of maple syrup with orange and butter, and fresh fruit.

Notes

If you need to dry a fresh loaf to make stale bread, I’ve found Alton Brown’s method to be the best way. Two options - lay out your fresh bread slices on a rack over a baking sheet and leave the bread in the oven (the oven should be OFF) overnight. Second option, and the one I use most often, is to lay the fresh bread on a rack over the baking sheet and bake at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15-20 minutes, until the bread is dried but not browned.

Prep Time: 10
Cook Time: 30
Category: brunch
Method: Stove Top
Cuisine: American