Crisp & sweet Brioche toast piled high with marinated strawberries, dripping with homemade balsamic syrup and topped off with vanilla Mascarpone. Make time over the weekend to linger over this lively breakfast/brunch.
Breakfast. I’m a big fan. In fact, it’s my favourite meal of the day. I cannot leave the house without having had a cup of tea and something to eat. Despite it being my favourite meal, like so many other households, we eat the same cereal or toast combinations week in week out.
But I still love breakfast – with all of my heart.
I think it’s natural to fall into the cereal and toast ritual during the week. There are things such as trains to catch or packed lunches and organisation of school bags that just have to happen. Weekday breakfast, for the majority of us, needs to be quick & simple. But when I do get the chance to dilly-dally over breakfast, then there is nothing more pleasant than starting the day with something a little different. Something worth relinquishing the duvet for. Balsamic Strawberries on Brioche Toast definitely fall into that category.
Let me explain…
I first discovered the sweet joy that is balsamic strawberries about 15 years ago. It’s a dessert I have returned to time and time again. Though it is incredibly simple to prepare, the combination is an outright winner – one that has become a true classic in the cookery world. It’s magnificent on it’s own, but a scoop of your favourite vanilla ice cream works a treat if you want to elaborate.
If you’ve never had strawberries marinated in balsamic vinegar before, just imagine a bowl of fresh, ripe strawberries, gently tossed in sugar and balsamic vinegar and left to marinate for a short while (yup – that easy). During this time the sugar and balsamic work a little magic. Those pert little strawberries relax a little and give up a splash of their sweet juice. When serving time rolls around, the liquid that accompanies those strawberries is rich, tangy and fruity. The touch of sharpness from the vinegar is evened out by the sweetness from the berries and the sugar. It is simplicity in itself and yet the pairing of flavours is hard to beat.
It is so good.
My Balsamic Strawberries on Brioche Toast basically turns this classic dessert into brunch. On top of sweet, toasty brioche there are marinated strawberries piled high & drizzled with a homemade balsamic syrup. All of this is crowned by sweet, vanilla Mascarpone cheese. If you’re looking for a change from French Toast or pancakes, then look no further.
I did consider using French Toast as the base, but I really do think that crunchy toast works so much better – it adds a little texture to contrast with those soft, succulent balsamic strawberries and that creamy Mascarpone Cheese.
If you want to make somebody feel extremely special this weekend, then serve up some Balsamic Strawberries on Brioche Toasts. They are: bright, cheerful, and guaranteed to wake up even the sleepiest of taste buds. They are plate-lickingly-good.
Find More Exciting Breakfast and Brunch Ideas:
- Huevos Rancheros Cornmeal Crêpes
- Chocolate Orange Granola Parfait
- Spiced Fruit Compote
- Ricotta & Almond Pancakes
📖 Recipe
Balsamic Strawberry Brioche Toast
Ingredients
- 500 g/ 3 cups Fresh strawberries
- 4 tablespoon Vanilla caster sugar
- 3 tablespoon Balsamic vinegar
- 250 g/ 1 ⅛ cup Mascarpone cheese
- 2 tablespoon Icing (confectioner’s) sugar
- ½ teaspoon Vanilla bean paste
- 4 tablespoon Water
- 4 slices Brioche bread
Instructions
- Begin by removing the green tops from the strawberries and halving or quartering the fruit, depending on size. Put into a medium bowl
- Sprinkle the vanilla sugar over the strawberries. Pour in the balsamic vinegar. Toss gently. Set aside for 15-20 minutes, stirring once
- Meanwhile, beat the Mascarpone with the vanilla bean paste until smooth. Sieve the icing sugar into the bowl and mix well
- After 20 minutes, put the 4 tablespoon of water into a small saucepan and drain the liquid from the strawberries into this pan. Set on a high heat and boil for 5-10 minutes until reduced by half and beginning to thicken. Remove from the heat
- Toast the brioche, then pile the strawberries onto the toasts. Divide the balsamic syrup between the plates and top with a large scoop of the Mascarone
- Serve immediately
Jennifer A Stewart
I love balsamic strawberries! That tart flavor with the sweetness of the strawberry!!! What a great breakfast toast, or dessert toast, or afternoon snack toast!
Jane Saunders
I agree Jennifer – anytime these will do down fine 🙂
Naina
This would be such a fabulous breakfast to wake up to 🙂 I have ever tried strawberries with balsamic before and your description is making me wanna try it right away!
Jane Saunders
Naina, I hope you give them a go soon – you’ll love them. Thanks for stopping by.
Sandi (@fearless_dining)
I have never thought to marinate strawberries. This looks incredibly flavorful.
Jane Saunders
Sandi, they really are lovely. The strawberries and balsamic seem to bring out the best in each other. Thanks for dropping in.
Bam's Kitchen
I have just printed off your recipe and given to my teenage boys as a hint for Mothers Day brunch ideas. I would love a plate of these delicious balsamic strawberry topped on top of brioche bread and a hot double espresso in bed… Blissful!
Jane Saunders
Well I have my fingers and toes crossed for you. Nothing beats breakfast in bed. I’m sure your boys will not disappoint you 😉
Julie at Hostess At Heart
What a beautiful plate. I love love brioche bread, and those beautiful strawberries with the balsamic drizzle look so fresh and delicious.
Jane Saunders
Thankyou Julie. Big fans of Brioche over here too – though I’m hopeless at making it, so resort to shop-bought (at least for now).
Tracy
I need this in my life. Like right now. Pinning it to my MUST MAKE board!!
Jane Saunders
Ha Ha – Tracy, don’t you just wish you could fit 20 meals in a day sometimes 🙂
Meghan | Fox and Briar
Oh wow! This looks amazing! I agree that strawberries and balsamic go so well together, but with toast it is a whole new level! I am a big fan of breakfast too, and during the week we try to stick to our green smoothies. But weekends – oh boy. We like a serious weekend breakfast. Love this, Jane! Pinning!
Jane Saunders
Thanks Meghan. Pleased to hear you like the balsamic-strawberry combo as much as me. Why keep it for dessert when you can have it for breakfast 😉