Cannoli French Toast is a fun twist on a breakfast classic! You get crispy bread filled with sweet ricotta and chocolate chips, making it a treat for anyone with a sweet tooth.
Honestly, who wouldn’t want dessert for breakfast? I love drizzling some syrup on top, and it feels like I’m having a fancy brunch right at home! Enjoy every yummy bite!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Brioche or Challah Bread: Thick slices give a rich flavor and sturdy texture. If you can’t find them, use any thick bread you like, such as French bread or Texas toast.
Ricotta Cheese: This is the heart of the cannoli filling. If you want a lighter option, you can swap it with mascarpone cheese or Greek yogurt for a tangy flavor.
Chocolate Chips: Mini chips are better for stuffing, but you can use regular chocolate chips. If you want to keep it dairy-free, try dark chocolate chips or leave them out altogether.
Powdered Sugar: This sweetens the ricotta. If you’re looking to cut sugar, you could use a sugar substitute or honey, adjusting the amount to taste.
What’s the Best Way to Stuff the Bread Without Making a Mess?
Stuffing the bread can be a bit tricky, but here’s how to do it neatly:
- First, make a shallow pocket in the bread without cutting all the way through. This gives you room to fill without breaking it.
- Use a small spoon to gently fill the pocket with the ricotta mixture. Don’t overstuff, or it might spill out while cooking!
Take your time and remember, perfection is not the goal—just a delicious breakfast! Enjoy the process!
How Do I Cook the French Toast Perfectly Without Burning?
Cooking the French toast requires attention to heat levels:
- Preheat your skillet to medium heat and check if it’s too hot by sprinkling a few drops of water. They should dance and evaporate quickly.
- When you place the bread in, keep an eye on it. If it browns too fast, turn the heat down a bit.
- Cook each side for about 3-4 minutes, until it’s golden. Flip carefully to avoid spilling the filling.
With these tips, you’ll have perfectly cooked Cannoli French Toast every time!
How to Make Cannoli French Toast
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the French Toast:
- 4 large slices of thick brioche or challah bread
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
For the Cannoli Filling:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (plus extra for dusting)
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (plus extra for garnish)
For Cooking and Serving:
- Butter or oil for cooking
- Fresh strawberries, halved (for garnish)
- Fresh mint leaves (for garnish)
- Maple syrup or honey (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes roughly 20 minutes to prepare and cook. In no time, you’ll have a delightful, decadent breakfast ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Egg Mixture:
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Ensure everything is well combined for a flavorful custard. Set this mixture aside for later.
2. Make the Cannoli Filling:
In another bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, and mini chocolate chips. Stir until everything is evenly blended, creating a sweet and creamy filling.
3. Stuff the Bread:
With a small spoon or a knife, create a shallow slit or pocket in each slice of the bread. Be careful not to cut all the way through. Generously fill each pocket with the ricotta mixture—make sure it’s fully packed for the best flavor!
4. Heat the Skillet:
Place a large skillet or griddle on medium heat. Add a little butter or oil to coat the surface to ensure the French toast doesn’t stick.
5. Soak the Bread:
Dip each stuffed slice of bread into the egg mixture, soaking each side for about 15-20 seconds. Make sure they soak well but aren’t falling apart!
6. Cook the French Toast:
Carefully place the soaked bread slices onto the preheated skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Keep an eye on the heat—you may need to adjust it to prevent burning.
7. Serve the French Toast:
Once cooked, transfer the French toast to a serving plate. Top with extra mini chocolate chips, a dollop of leftover ricotta or whipped cream, fresh strawberries, and mint leaves. Don’t forget a light dusting of powdered sugar.
8. Drizzle and Enjoy:
Finish it off with a drizzle of maple syrup or honey right before serving. Dive into your delicious Cannoli French Toast and enjoy every decadent bite!
Can I Make Cannoli French Toast Without Ricotta Cheese?
Yes! If you want a different flavor or need a substitute, you can use mascarpone cheese for a similar creamy texture or Greek yogurt for a tangy twist. Just keep in mind the flavor will change slightly.
What Type of Bread Works Best for This Recipe?
Thick slices of brioche or challah are ideal for Cannoli French Toast because they hold up well while soaking in the egg mixture. However, you can also use French bread, Texas toast, or any other sturdy bread you prefer!
Can I Prepare the Cannoli Filling Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cannoli filling a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Just give it a stir before using it to ensure it’s creamy and well-mixed.
How Do I Store Leftover Cannoli French Toast?
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave or on a skillet until heated through, and enjoy the deliciousness again!