Sun-Dried Tomato and Feta Stuffed French Toast Recipe

French toast is often associated with sweet breakfasts, but this savory version takes the dish to a whole new level. With the combination of creamy feta, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and a hint of Mediterranean herbs, this Sun-Dried Tomato and Feta Stuffed French Toast is the perfect dish to serve at brunch, lunch, or even a quick dinner. The golden, crispy exterior gives way to a warm, cheesy filling that will leave everyone wanting more. This recipe is a refreshing twist on the classic, bringing Mediterranean flavors to the forefront of your breakfast table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Unique Twist on a Classic: French toast is traditionally a sweet dish, but this savory version makes it versatile for brunch or dinner.
• Easy to Make: With minimal ingredients and simple preparation, this dish is great for beginners or anyone looking for a quick meal.
• Delicious Mediterranean Flavors: Sun-dried tomatoes, feta cheese, and oregano provide a bold, tangy flavor profile that makes this dish stand out.
• Perfect for Entertaining: This stuffed French toast looks fancy, but it’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it ideal for impressing guests at a brunch or gathering.

Ingredients

Here’s a closer look at the ingredients that make this dish flavorful and satisfying:

Bread:

Using a thick, sturdy bread is essential to achieving the best texture for stuffed French toast. Sourdough or brioche works well, as they hold up against the egg mixture and allow the filling to stay intact without the bread becoming too soggy.

Sun-Dried Tomatoes:

These little flavor-packed gems are slightly sweet, tangy, and full of umami. Sun-dried tomatoes bring depth to the recipe and balance the creaminess of the cheese with a pleasant chewiness.

Feta Cheese:

Feta is a crumbly cheese known for its briny, salty flavor, making it the perfect complement to the sweetness of the tomatoes. It adds richness and depth to the dish, transforming an ordinary French toast into a savory masterpiece.

Cream Cheese:

The cream cheese acts as a binder in the filling, helping the feta and tomatoes stick together while adding a creamy texture that softens the briny flavors of the feta.

Egg Mixture:

The egg mixture, enriched with milk and dried oregano, is what gives the French toast its golden, crispy exterior. The eggs act as a glue, holding the bread together and allowing it to crisp up beautifully when fried.

Butter for Frying:

Butter is used to fry the French toast to golden perfection. It provides a rich, nutty flavor that complements the savory filling.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4 stuffed French toast sandwiches

Ingredients:

• 8 slices of thick-cut sourdough or brioche bread
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (oil-packed, drained if necessary)
• ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
• 4 large eggs
• ½ cup milk
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Butter for frying
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
• Optional: Maple syrup or a balsamic glaze for serving

Instructions:

1. Prepare the filling: In a small mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, crumbled feta, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Stir until well combined. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
2. Make the egg mixture: In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs, milk, dried oregano, and a pinch of salt. This mixture will coat the sandwiches, giving them a crispy outer layer when fried.
3. Assemble the sandwiches: Lay out the slices of bread. Spread the cheese and sun-dried tomato mixture onto 4 slices of bread. Top with the remaining slices to form sandwiches, pressing down gently to seal the edges.
4. Dip the sandwiches: Dip each sandwich into the egg mixture, ensuring that both sides are well-coated.
5. Cook the French toast: Heat a skillet or frying pan over medium heat and add a tablespoon of butter. Once the butter is melted and bubbling, add the sandwiches to the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the bread is golden brown and crispy.
6. Serve: Remove the French toast from the skillet and slice in half. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and drizzle with maple syrup or balsamic glaze if desired.

Variations and Customizations

This recipe is versatile, allowing you to experiment with different flavors and ingredients. Here are a few ways to change up the recipe to suit your tastes:

1. Add Protein:

If you want to make this a more filling meal, try adding a slice of ham or prosciutto inside the sandwich before dipping it in the egg mixture. The salty ham pairs beautifully with the sun-dried tomatoes and feta.

2. Make It Vegetarian:

For a purely vegetarian version, you can omit the feta cheese and use a plant-based cream cheese alternative. Additionally, swap in some roasted vegetables, like red peppers or spinach, for added texture and flavor.

3. Sweet and Savory Twist:

For a unique flavor profile, drizzle a bit of honey or maple syrup over the French toast after cooking. The sweet syrup contrasts nicely with the salty feta and tangy sun-dried tomatoes, creating a balanced dish that excites the palate.

4. Use Different Cheeses:

Feta is a strong cheese, but you can experiment with other types of cheese for a milder flavor. Goat cheese, ricotta, or even shredded mozzarella can be used as substitutes for the feta in this recipe.

5. Gluten-Free Option:

If you’re gluten-sensitive, you can still enjoy this dish by using gluten-free bread. Ensure that the bread is sturdy enough to hold up to the egg mixture and filling.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional content per serving (1 stuffed French toast sandwich):

• Calories: 500 kcal
• Protein: 16g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fat: 30g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sodium: 900mg

This dish is hearty and filling, making it ideal for brunch or as a substantial snack. For a lighter option, you can use low-fat cream cheese and reduce the amount of feta cheese.

Tips for Success

1. Choose the Right Bread: Thick slices of bread are essential for this recipe, as they hold up well when soaked in the egg mixture. Avoid using soft sandwich bread, as it may become too soggy during cooking.
2. Preheat the Skillet: Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the sandwiches. This ensures that the French toast will develop a crispy, golden crust.
3. Don’t Overfill: Be careful not to overfill the sandwiches, as this can make them difficult to seal. A thin layer of filling ensures that the flavors are balanced and the sandwiches hold together during cooking.
4. Serve Immediately: Stuffed French toast is best enjoyed fresh off the skillet. The longer it sits, the softer it becomes, so serve it immediately for the best texture.

Pairing Suggestions

Pair this Sun-Dried Tomato and Feta Stuffed French Toast with a simple arugula salad dressed in olive oil and lemon juice to keep things light. You can also serve it with a side of roasted potatoes or grilled vegetables for a more substantial meal.

For beverages, consider serving this dish with a light, fruity white wine or a refreshing iced tea with lemon. If you’re enjoying it for brunch, a mimosa made with fresh orange juice and sparkling wine is the perfect accompaniment.