There’s something nostalgic about the combination of peanut butter and jelly. It’s a flavor duo that takes us back to childhood lunches and carefree days. But what if I told you that you could transform this classic sandwich into a luxurious breakfast dish? Enter PB&J Stuffed French Toast—a recipe that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.
Imagine thick slices of bread stuffed with creamy peanut butter and sweet jelly, dipped in a rich custard, and cooked to golden perfection. Each bite is a perfect balance of crispy, creamy, and sweet, with a hint of vanilla and cinnamon tying it all together.
I first made this dish for a weekend brunch with friends, and it was an instant hit. The moment I brought the platter to the table, everyone’s eyes lit up. The first bite was met with silence, followed by a chorus of “Oh my goodness, this is amazing!”
What I love most about this recipe is its versatility. You can use any type of bread, jelly, or nut butter to suit your taste. It’s also a great way to use up stale bread, making it both delicious and practical.
So, whether you’re hosting a brunch or just treating yourself to a special breakfast, this PB&J Stuffed French Toast is sure to make your day. Let’s get cooking!
Resume
- Nostalgic and Delicious: Combines the classic flavors of peanut butter and jelly with the indulgence of French toast.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this dish a breeze.
- Perfect for Brunch: Impress your guests with this show-stopping breakfast.
- Customizable: Use your favorite bread, jelly, or nut butter to make it your own.
Exciting Story
This recipe has a special place in my heart because it’s the dish that turned my husband into a breakfast person. He’s always been more of a grab-and-go kind of guy, but one weekend, I decided to surprise him with this PB&J Stuffed French Toast.
As he took his first bite, I could see the skepticism on his face melt away. He looked at me and said, “This is the best thing I’ve ever eaten for breakfast.” Since then, it’s become a weekend tradition in our house.
Why This PB&J Stuffed French Toast
Selling Points
- Crispy and Creamy: The crispy exterior gives way to a creamy, gooey center.
- Sweet and Savory: The combination of peanut butter and jelly is perfectly balanced.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy mornings.
- Kid-Friendly: A fun and delicious way to get kids excited about breakfast.
What You Need For PB&J Stuffed French Toast
- 8 slices of thick bread (brioche, challah, or Texas toast work best)
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup jelly or jam (strawberry, grape, or your favorite flavor)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (for cooking)
- Powdered sugar and maple syrup (for serving)
How to Make PB&J Stuffed French Toast
- Prepare the Sandwiches: Spread peanut butter on 4 slices of bread and jelly on the other 4 slices. Press the slices together to form 4 sandwiches.
- Make the Custard: In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon.
- Dip the Sandwiches: Dip each sandwich into the custard, ensuring both sides are well-coated.
- Cook the French Toast: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 1 tbsp of butter. Cook the sandwiches for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
- Serve: Dust with powdered sugar and serve with maple syrup.
Tips For PB&J Stuffed French Toast
- Use Thick Bread: Thick slices hold up better to the custard and filling.
- Don’t Overstuff: Use just enough peanut butter and jelly to prevent the sandwiches from falling apart.
- Keep Warm: If making multiple batches, keep the cooked French toast warm in a 200°F oven.
Substitutions and Variations
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bread for a celiac-friendly version.
- Nut-Free: Substitute sunflower seed butter or almond butter for peanut butter.
- Add Fruit: Add sliced bananas or strawberries for extra flavor.
Make a Healthier Version
- Use whole-grain bread for added fiber.
- Substitute almond milk or oat milk for whole milk.
- Use a sugar-free jelly or jam.
Closing For PB&J Stuffed French Toast
And there you have it! A breakfast that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Don’t forget to let us know how your PB&J Stuffed French Toast turns out, and consider checking out some of our other Recipes:
Frequently Asked Questions For PB&J Stuffed French Toast
- Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
Yes, crunchy peanut butter adds a nice texture. - How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in a toaster or skillet. - Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, freeze cooked French toast in a single layer and reheat in the oven or toaster. - What’s the best bread to use?
Brioche, challah, or Texas toast work best for their thickness and texture. - Can I make this ahead of time?
Assemble the sandwiches the night before and dip them in the custard in the morning. - Can I use almond butter instead of peanut butter?
Absolutely! Any nut or seed butter will work. - How do I prevent the sandwiches from falling apart?
Use thick bread and don’t overstuff with filling. - Can I add fruit to the filling?
Yes, sliced bananas or strawberries are a great addition. - What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat in a toaster or skillet to maintain the crispy texture. - Can I make this vegan?
Use plant-based milk, egg substitutes, and vegan bread for a vegan version. - What’s the best jelly to use?
Strawberry, grape, or raspberry jelly are classic choices, but any flavor works. - Can I use syrup instead of jelly?
Jelly works best for the filling, but you can drizzle syrup on top when serving.