French Toast Dreams

You'll soon be dreaming of these bite-sized breakfast sandwiches. French toast dreams are stuffed with sweetened cream cheese, which makes these bites lovely and decadent. Then, each portion is coated in a rich custard and cinnamon mixture and seared to create a crispy, golden brown crust that locks in a fluffy and moist interior. This is definitely an upgrade from your typical weekend French toast.

What Are French Toast Dreams?

Similar to traditional French toast, French toast dreams are made by soaking day-old white or brioche bread slices (crusts removed) in a cinnamon-scented custard made with eggs, sugar, and milk or half-and-half. They're stuffed with a sweetened cream cheese mixture before being cut into bite-sized squares for poppable little golden brown bites of French toast heaven. A drizzle of maple syrup finishes them off for a breakfast dish you'll definitely be dreaming about.

Ingredients for French Toast Dreams

With a cinnamon-scented custard soak, cream cheese filling, and maple syrup drizzle, these French toast bites are the stuff dreams are made of. To make them, you'll need:

• Cream cheese: To stuff the squares for a creamy, tangy center.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens the filling and gets dusted over the top for a snowy finish.
• Vanilla extract: Adds depth to the filling and custard.
• Kosher salt: Enhances the overall flavor.
• Day-old white or brioche bread slices: The base of the French toast. The choice of bread is up to you, but an enriched bread that won't become too soggy is key.
• Whole milk or half-and-half: To create a rich, custardy base for soaking the French toast.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the custard.
• Ground cinnamon: Adds a hint of warmth and spice to the mix.
• Large eggs: Binds the custard to give the French toast its structure.
• Unsalted butter: To grease the pan to create a golden brown exterior on each piece.
• Maple syrup: A classic, sweet topping.
  

How To Make French Toast Dreams

A cream cheese filling is slathered between slices of bread, cut into squares, and dipped in custard for mini sandwiches that are ready to serve a crowd in just about 30 minutes of total time. Full instructions are below, but here's a brief recap before you get started:

• Step 1. Make cream cheese filling: Beat cream cheese until fluffy. Beat in powdered sugar, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla, and 1/4 teaspoon salt until combined.
• Step 2. Assemble sandwiches: Spread 2 tablespoons cream cheese mixture on half of the bread slices; top with remaining slices. Cut each sandwich into 4 squares.
• Step 3. Make custard: Whisk together milk, sugar, cinnamon, eggs, and remaining vanilla and salt.
• Step 4. Cook sandwiches: Heat a nonstick griddle to 325°F or a nonstick skillet over medium. Lightly grease with butter. Dip sandwiches, 1 at a time, into milk mixture to coat both sides. Cook in batches until golden brown on both sides. Transfer to a plate. Dust with powdered sugar; serve warm with maple syrup.

French Toast Dreams Variations

To change up these French toast dreams, consider these swaps and additions:

• Bread: Swap the bread with any hearty option you prefer, including challah or cinnamon raisin bread.
• Cream cheese filling: Swap the cream cheese with mascarpone, or add flavorings like almond extract, or lemon zest. You can also add some spice to the filling with pumpkin pie spice, nutmeg, cardamom, cinnamon, or other preferred spices.
• Additions: Dot fresh berries over the filling, or other additions like toasted nuts or mini chocolate chips before cutting. You can also spread on a layer of jam or Nutella before topping with cream cheese filling for a unique twist.
• Toppings: Add some topping options by serving the French toast dreams with honey, chocolate sauce, or caramel sauce for drizzling, as well as whipped cream, fresh berries, or caramelized bananas for a decadent touch.

Our Tips for the Best French Toast

For the best French toast dreams, keep these tips in mind:

• Choose the right bread: Thick, sturdy bread like brioche, challah, or even white bread. Day-old is best, so it will soak up the custard without falling apart.
• Softened cream cheese: For the smoothest texture, soften your cream cheese before using for easy mixing.
• Don't oversoak: Soak the mini sandwiches on both sides, but avoid oversoaking, which could lead to a soggy result.
• Cook evenly: Cook on a 325°F griddle or over medium heat in a skillet to give the sandwiches time to cook through before browning too deeply.
• Serve immediately: For a crisp exterior and creamy interior.

Can French Toast Dreams Be Made Ahead?

Components of French toast dreams can be made ahead, so you can cook them off in the morning when ready to serve.

Prepare the cream cheese filling and assemble the sandwiches up to one day in advance. Cut into squares, transfer to a plate or baking sheet, wrap tightly, and refrigerate overnight. You can also prepare the custard in advance. Wrap tightly or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let the sandwiches come to room temperature, give the custard a whisk, and dip and cook as directed.

How To Store and Reheat Leftover French Toast Dreams

Transfer leftover French toast dreams to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. Reheat, covered with foil, in a preheated 350°F oven, or in the microwave or on the stovetop with an additional pat of butter until warmed through.

What To Serve With French Toast Dreams

Rich, sweet, and indulgent, French toast dreams are perfect for enjoying alongside a variety of other brunch favorites. Serve with fresh fruit, crispy bacon, sausage, eggs, yogurt, or any other breakfast and brunch staples as desired. They can also be a delicious treat to pack and take with you during busy mornings on the go.

More Decadent French Toast Recipes You'll Love

If you love waking up to the sizzle of French toast on the griddle, these unique recipes are sure to please:

• French Toast Casserole
• Peanut Butter-Stuffed French Toast
• Baked Almond French Toast with Maple-Blackberry Syrup
• French Toast Dippers
• Praline-Pecan French Toast
• One-Dish Blackberry French Toast