Introduction
Grilled Banana Cheesecake French toast is an indulgent and decadent twist on classic French toast. Filled with creamy cheesecake and caramelized banana slices, this breakfast treat is cooked to perfection on the Arteflame grill, giving it a subtle smokiness and golden, crispy texture. Perfect for brunch or a special breakfast, this dish is sure to impress with its sweet flavors and creamy filling.
Ingredients
For the French Toast:
- 8 slices of thick-cut brioche or challah bread
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk (or half-and-half for extra richness)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp sugar
- Butter (for grilling)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 ripe bananas, sliced (plus extra for topping)
For Serving:
- Maple syrup (for drizzling)
- Fresh whipped cream (optional)
- Extra banana slices (for topping)
Instructions
Step 1: Fire Up the Arteflame Grill
Light the Arteflame grill using vegetable oil-soaked napkins and firewood. Let the grill heat for about 20 minutes until the flat cooktop reaches medium-high heat, perfect for grilling French toast.
Step 2: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
In a small bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gently fold in the sliced bananas. Set the filling aside.
Step 3: Assemble the Stuffed French Toast
Spread the cheesecake filling on one side of a slice of bread and place another slice on top to make a sandwich. Repeat with the remaining bread slices to create the stuffed French toast sandwiches.
Step 4: Prepare the Custard Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and sugar until smooth.
Step 5: Soak the Sandwiches
Dip each stuffed sandwich into the custard mixture, allowing both sides to soak up the liquid without becoming too soggy.
Step 6: Grill the French Toast
Melt butter on the flat cooktop of the Arteflame grill. Place the soaked sandwiches onto the hot grill and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Move the French toast to a cooler section of the grill if necessary to ensure it cooks evenly without burning.
Step 7: Serve
Top the grilled French toast with extra banana slices, a drizzle of maple syrup, and a dusting of powdered sugar. Add whipped cream for an extra indulgent touch, if desired.
Tips
- Thick Bread: Use thick-cut brioche or challah for the best texture and to hold the filling well.
- Caramelized Bananas: If you prefer, sauté the banana slices in butter and brown sugar before adding them to the filling for a caramelized flavor.
- Even Cooking: Keep an eye on the heat of the grill, and move the French toast to a cooler section if it’s browning too quickly.
Variations
- Peanut Butter Banana Cheesecake French Toast: Add a layer of peanut butter to the cheesecake filling for a rich, nutty flavor.
- Berry Cheesecake French Toast: Replace the bananas with sliced strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries for a fruity variation.
- Chocolate Banana Cheesecake French Toast: Add a drizzle of melted chocolate or Nutella for a decadent, dessert-like version.
- Savory Cheesecake French Toast: Skip the sugar and cinnamon in the custard, and stuff the bread with cream cheese and smoked salmon for a savory brunch twist.
- Coconut Banana Cheesecake French Toast: Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes on top for a tropical twist.
Best Pairings
- Side Dishes: Serve with crispy bacon, grilled sausages, or a fresh fruit salad to complement the richness of the French toast.
- Drinks: Pair with a caramel latte, mimosa, or fresh orange juice to balance the sweet flavors.
Conclusion
Grilled Banana Cheesecake French toast on the Arteflame grill offers the perfect balance of creamy filling, caramelized bananas, and crispy, golden bread. This decadent treat is perfect for a special brunch or indulgent breakfast, and it’s sure to impress anyone who tries it.
