Bourbon Maple Bacon Stuffed French Toast
INGREDIENTS:
01 – 8 slices brioche or challah bread, cut thick
02 – 6 slices thick-cut bacon
03 – 4 large eggs
04 – 1/2 cup whole milk
05 – 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
06 – 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
07 – 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Filling and Glaze
08 – 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
09 – 1 cup pure maple syrup
10 – 2 tablespoons bourbon
11 – 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
12 – Pinch fine salt
DIRECTIONS:
01 – Arrange bacon slices on a wire rack over a baking tray and bake at 400°F for 15 minutes until deeply crisp. Place on paper towels, then finely chop.
02 – In a shallow bowl, vigorously whisk eggs with milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until thoroughly blended.
03 – Mix softened cream cheese with chopped bacon in a small bowl until fully incorporated.
04 – Using a sharp knife, create a pocket in each bread slice. Fill each with bacon-cream cheese mixture and press to close.
05 – Dip each stuffed bread slice into the custard, turning to evenly coat all sides.
06 – Melt butter in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Cook stuffed slices for 3 to 4 minutes per side until deeply golden and cooked through.
07 – In a small saucepan, warm maple syrup, bourbon, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt over low heat for 2 minutes, stirring until fragrant.
08 – Arrange French toast on serving plates and drizzle generously with warm maple bourbon glaze. Serve immediately.