Nutella Stuffed French Toast: A Decadent Breakfast Delight

French toast, a breakfast classic, gets a serious upgrade with the addition of Nutella. This Nutella Stuffed French Toast recipe elevates the humble dish into a decadent treat perfect for weekend brunches, special occasions, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth. Imagine biting into golden-brown, eggy bread, only to discover a molten core of creamy, hazelnut-chocolate goodness. This recipe is surprisingly easy to follow and delivers impressive results every time. Get ready to experience breakfast bliss!

## Why You’ll Love This Nutella Stuffed French Toast

* **Decadent and Delicious:** The combination of French toast and Nutella is a match made in breakfast heaven.
* **Easy to Make:** Despite its fancy appearance, this recipe is surprisingly simple to prepare.
* **Perfect for Special Occasions:** Impress your family and friends with this unforgettable breakfast treat.
* **Customizable:** Easily adapt the recipe to your liking by adding different toppings or using different types of bread.
* **Kid-Friendly:** Both kids and adults will adore this sweet and indulgent breakfast.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you begin, gather all your ingredients. This will make the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.

* **Bread:** 8 slices of brioche, challah, or Texas toast (about 1-inch thick). Brioche and challah are excellent choices because they are rich and absorbent, allowing them to soak up the custard beautifully. Texas toast is also a great option for its size and texture.
* **Nutella:** 1/2 cup, or more to taste. Feel free to adjust the amount of Nutella based on your preference. If you’re a Nutella fanatic, don’t hesitate to load it up!
* **Eggs:** 3 large. The eggs are the foundation of the custard, providing richness and structure.
* **Milk:** 1/2 cup. Whole milk will give you the best results, but you can also use 2% or even almond milk if you prefer.
* **Heavy Cream:** 1/4 cup. Heavy cream adds extra richness and creaminess to the custard. If you don’t have heavy cream, you can substitute it with more milk, but the texture won’t be quite as decadent.
* **Vanilla Extract:** 1 teaspoon. Vanilla extract enhances the sweetness and adds a warm, comforting flavor.
* **Ground Cinnamon:** 1/2 teaspoon. Cinnamon adds a touch of spice and complements the Nutella perfectly.
* **Pinch of Salt:** A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
* **Butter:** For cooking. Butter adds flavor and helps the French toast turn golden brown and crispy.
* **Optional Toppings:** Powdered sugar, fresh berries, whipped cream, chocolate syrup, chopped nuts.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to create perfect Nutella Stuffed French Toast every time.

**Step 1: Prepare the Nutella Sandwiches**

1. Lay out four slices of bread on a clean work surface.
2. Spread a generous layer of Nutella on each slice.
3. Top with the remaining four slices of bread to create sandwiches. Gently press down to seal the edges.

**Step 2: Make the Custard**

1. In a shallow dish or baking pan (large enough to fit the sandwiches), whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined. Make sure the custard is smooth and homogenous.

**Step 3: Soak the Sandwiches**

1. Gently place each Nutella sandwich into the custard mixture, one at a time.
2. Let the sandwiches soak for about 2-3 minutes per side, ensuring they are thoroughly saturated with the custard. The bread should be moist but not soggy. If the bread is very thick, you may need to soak it for a bit longer.

**Step 4: Cook the French Toast**

1. Melt a tablespoon of butter in a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Make sure the skillet is hot enough to sizzle when a drop of water is added.
2. Carefully transfer the soaked sandwiches to the hot skillet, being mindful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook in batches if necessary.
3. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until the French toast is golden brown and cooked through. The Nutella filling should be warm and melty.
4. If the French toast is browning too quickly, reduce the heat slightly to prevent burning.

**Step 5: Serve and Enjoy**

1. Remove the Nutella Stuffed French Toast from the skillet and place it on a serving plate.
2. Dust with powdered sugar, top with fresh berries, whipped cream, chocolate syrup, or chopped nuts, if desired.
3. Serve immediately and enjoy the decadent breakfast treat!

## Tips for Perfect Nutella Stuffed French Toast

* **Choose the Right Bread:** As mentioned earlier, brioche, challah, or Texas toast are the best options for French toast because they are rich and absorbent. Avoid using regular sandwich bread, as it can become soggy.
* **Don’t Oversoak the Bread:** Soaking the bread for too long can result in soggy French toast. Aim for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until the bread is thoroughly saturated but not falling apart.
* **Use Medium Heat:** Cooking the French toast over medium heat ensures that it cooks evenly and doesn’t burn. If the French toast is browning too quickly, reduce the heat slightly.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Pan:** Overcrowding the pan can lower the temperature and result in steamed rather than crispy French toast. Cook in batches if necessary.
* **Keep Warm in the Oven:** If you’re making a large batch of French toast, you can keep the cooked slices warm in a preheated oven (200°F) until ready to serve.
* **Get Creative with Toppings:** The possibilities are endless when it comes to toppings for Nutella Stuffed French Toast. Experiment with different fruits, nuts, syrups, and creams to find your favorite combination.

## Variations and Substitutions

* **Different Spreads:** If you’re not a fan of Nutella, you can substitute it with other spreads such as peanut butter, almond butter, cookie butter, or even jam.
* **Different Breads:** While brioche, challah, and Texas toast are the best options, you can also use other types of bread such as sourdough, croissants, or even bagels.
* **Dairy-Free Option:** To make this recipe dairy-free, use almond milk or soy milk instead of regular milk and heavy cream. You can also use a dairy-free butter substitute for cooking.
* **Vegan Option:** To make this recipe vegan, use a vegan egg substitute, almond milk or soy milk instead of regular milk and heavy cream, and a vegan butter substitute for cooking. You can also use a vegan chocolate hazelnut spread instead of Nutella.
* **Add Spices:** Experiment with different spices such as nutmeg, cardamom, or ginger to add a unique flavor to the French toast.
* **Citrus Zest:** Add a touch of citrus zest (orange, lemon, or lime) to the custard for a bright and refreshing flavor.

## Serving Suggestions

Nutella Stuffed French Toast is delicious on its own, but it’s even better when served with complementary toppings. Here are some serving suggestions:

* **Fresh Berries:** Strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries are all excellent choices.
* **Whipped Cream:** A dollop of whipped cream adds a touch of indulgence.
* **Chocolate Syrup:** Drizzle with chocolate syrup for an extra dose of chocolatey goodness.
* **Maple Syrup:** A classic topping for French toast.
* **Chopped Nuts:** Add a crunchy texture with chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds.
* **Powdered Sugar:** A simple and elegant finishing touch.
* **Vanilla Ice Cream:** For a truly decadent treat, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
* **Bacon or Sausage:** Balance the sweetness with a side of crispy bacon or savory sausage.

## Storage and Reheating Instructions

* **Storage:** Leftover Nutella Stuffed French Toast can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Reheating:** To reheat, you can use a microwave, oven, or skillet.
* **Microwave:** Microwave for 30-60 seconds until heated through.
* **Oven:** Preheat the oven to 350°F and bake for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
* **Skillet:** Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side until heated through.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

(Note: Nutritional information can vary depending on specific ingredients and serving sizes.)

* **Calories:** Approximately 400-500 per serving
* **Fat:** 20-30g
* **Saturated Fat:** 10-15g
* **Cholesterol:** 150-200mg
* **Sodium:** 200-300mg
* **Carbohydrates:** 40-50g
* **Sugar:** 25-35g
* **Protein:** 10-15g

## Conclusion

Nutella Stuffed French Toast is a truly special breakfast treat that’s sure to impress. With its combination of golden-brown, eggy bread and creamy, hazelnut-chocolate filling, it’s a decadent and delicious way to start the day. This recipe is easy to follow, customizable, and perfect for special occasions or simply satisfying your sweet tooth. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and get ready to experience breakfast bliss! Don’t forget to experiment with different toppings and variations to create your own unique version of this classic dish.

Enjoy your homemade Nutella Stuffed French Toast!