Gourmet Cream Cheese & Jam French Toast
Indulge in this elevated take on classic French toast, inspired by the creativity of Executive Chef Joshua Schwartz at The French Laundry. This dish pairs the creamy richness of cream cheese with the unique flavors of tomato jam or your favorite fruit jam, delivering a delightful contrast in every bite. With options for both sweet and savory toppings, such as fresh fruits and crispy bacon, this recipe promises to transform your breakfast into an extraordinary experience. Perfect for weekend brunches or special occasions, this dish is sure to impress family and friends!
6
Servings
350
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
French bread
12 slices (Use good quality, fresh bread.)
Cream cheese
8 ounces (Softened for easy spreading.)
Tomato jam
6 ounces (Alternately use your favorite jam.)
Eggs
6 (Large eggs.)
Whole milk
1 quart (Adjust as needed for bread absorption.)
Vanilla extract
2 teaspoons (Pure vanilla extract.)
Ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon (For flavor.)
Salt
1 pinch (To enhance flavor.)
Brown sugar
2 tablespoons (For sweetness.)
Nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon (Freshly ground for best flavor.)
Lemon juice
1 tablespoon (Freshly squeezed.)
Granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon (For balance.)
Ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon (For added warmth.)
Instructions
1
Start by making cream cheese and jam sandwiches. Spread an even layer of cream cheese on one slice of French bread, then add a generous layer of tomato jam or your choice of fruit jam before topping it with another slice of bread. Press gently to seal.
2
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, brown sugar, salt, and freshly grated nutmeg until smooth and well combined. Gently fold in the lemon juice, sugar, and ginger.
3
Preheat a griddle or a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add a tablespoon of butter, allowing it to melt and foam slightly.
4
Dip each sandwich into the batter, ensuring both the top and bottom are well-coated; allow any excess batter to drip off.
5
Place the soaked sandwiches onto the griddle, cooking them for 3-4 minutes per side or until they are golden brown and cooked through, adjusting the heat as necessary to avoid burning.
6
Once cooked, remove the sandwiches from the griddle and let them rest briefly before cutting each sandwich in half diagonally.
7
Serve the French toast halves on a decorative plate, garnished with fresh fruit, and accompanied by crispy sausage, bacon, or ham for a delightful breakfast experience.
Nutrition Information
14g
Fat
40g
Carbs
12.5g
Protein
5g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Gourmet Cream Cheese & Jam French Toast?
It is an elevated version of classic French toast that features a creamy filling of cream cheese and jam, inspired by Chef Joshua Schwartz.
Who is the chef that inspired this recipe?
The recipe is inspired by the creativity of Executive Chef Joshua Schwartz at The French Laundry.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to serve 6 people.
What type of bread is recommended for this dish?
The recipe calls for 12 slices of good quality, fresh French bread.
Can I use a different jam besides tomato jam?
Yes, while tomato jam offers a unique flavor, you can use any of your favorite fruit jams instead.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 350 calories.
How much protein is in one serving of this French toast?
There are 12.5 grams of protein per serving.
What is the fat content for this recipe?
Each serving contains 14 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 40 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this dish is categorized as vegetarian-friendly.
How should the cream cheese be prepared before use?
The 8 ounces of cream cheese should be softened to ensure easy spreading.
How many eggs are needed for the batter?
You will need 6 large eggs for the egg mixture.
What kind of milk is used in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1 quart of whole milk.
What spices are included in the batter?
The batter includes ground cinnamon, freshly grated nutmeg, and ground ginger.
How long should I cook each side of the French toast?
Cook each side for 3-4 minutes or until they are golden brown.
What is the purpose of adding lemon juice to the batter?
Lemon juice is folded in to provide a hint of acidity and balance the sweetness.
Can I add meat to this breakfast?
Yes, it is recommended to serve it with crispy sausage, bacon, or ham for a complete meal.
How do I prevent the French toast from burning?
Preheat your griddle to medium heat and adjust as necessary during the cooking process.
Should I let the sandwiches rest after cooking?
Yes, it is best to let them rest briefly before cutting them diagonally for serving.
What kind of sugar is used in the egg mixture?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of brown sugar and 1/4 teaspoon of granulated sugar.
How much vanilla extract is required?
You should use 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract.
Is there any salt in this recipe?
Yes, a pinch of salt is added to the batter to enhance the overall flavor.
How much jam should be used for the sandwiches?
The recipe suggests using 6 ounces of tomato or fruit jam for the 6 sandwiches.
What is the best way to serve this dish?
Serve the halves on a decorative plate garnished with fresh fruit.
How much ginger is in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger for added warmth.
What are the main tags for this recipe?
Tags include breakfast, brunch, gourmet, cream cheese, jam, and comfort food.
How do I assemble the sandwiches?
Spread cream cheese on one slice, add jam, top with another slice, and press gently to seal.
Can I use low-fat milk instead of whole milk?
While whole milk provides richness, you can adjust as needed based on bread absorption preferences.
How much sugar is in one serving?
There are 5 grams of sugar per serving.
What equipment do I need for cooking?
You will need a large mixing bowl, a whisk, and a griddle or non-stick skillet.