Nutella French Toast Casserole

Are you constantly searching for that perfect breakfast or brunch dish that feels both indulgent and comforting? If you find yourself daydreaming about a treat that combines the gooey sweetness of chocolate-hazelnut spread with the classic charm of French toast, then you’re in the right place! This Nutella French Toast Casserole is designed to be your new go-to. It’s a sensational twist on a beloved classic, transforming humble bread into a decadent, melt-in-your-mouth experience. Forget the stress of individual French toast slices; this casserole bakes up beautifully, making it ideal for sharing (or not!).

Ingredients

Get ready to gather the magic ingredients for this delightful casserole. The key here is quality, so use the best ingredients you can find for an even more heavenly result.

• Bread: 1 loaf (about 1 pound or 14-16 slices) challah, brioche, or thick-cut white bread. Day-old bread is best as it soaks up the custard without becoming too soggy. The richer the bread, the more decadent your casserole will be!
• Nutella: 1 cup (or about 250g) creamy chocolate-hazelnut spread. You can adjust this amount to your chocolate-loving heart’s content. Smooth is preferred for even spreading.
• Eggs: 6 large eggs. These are the backbone of our custard, providing richness and binding everything together.
• Milk: 2 cups whole milk. Whole milk contributes to a creamier, richer custard. You can use 2% milk if preferred, but avoid skim for best texture.
• Heavy Cream: 1/2 cup heavy cream. Adds an extra layer of luxurious creaminess and helps achieve that perfect golden crust.
• Granulated Sugar: 1/4 cup granulated sugar. For a touch of sweetness in the custard base, balancing the richness of the Nutella.
• Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon. Enhances all the other flavors and adds a warm, comforting aroma.
• Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. For that classic French toast warmth and spice.
• Pinch of Salt: 1/4 teaspoon salt. Crucial for balancing sweetness and enhancing all flavors.
• For Topping (Optional but Recommended): Powdered sugar for dusting, fresh strawberries, whipped cream, or a drizzle of extra Nutella.

Substitutions & Tips:

• Bread: Stale croissants or even thick-cut sourdough can work in a pinch, though they will change the flavor profile. Ensure your bread is at least a day old for optimal absorption.
• Nutella: If you don’t have Nutella, a similar chocolate hazelnut spread or even a thick chocolate ganache could be used, but the distinct Nutella flavor will be missed.
• Dairy: For a dairy-free option, use a good quality dairy-free milk (like almond or oat) and a dairy-free heavy cream alternative. Ensure your bread is also dairy-free.
• Sugar: Brown sugar can be used for a slightly deeper, caramel-like sweetness.

Timing

This recipe is perfect for when you want something special without an all-day commitment. The overnight option minimizes morning effort!

Compared to traditional French toast which can take around 20-30 minutes for a small batch, this casserole offers a much higher yield with similar active prep time, making it more efficient for larger gatherings or when you want a delicious make-ahead option.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create a breakfast masterpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Step 1: Prepare the Bread

Cut your loaf of bread into roughly 1-inch cubes. If your bread is very fresh, you might want to lightly toast the cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet at 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes. This helps them absorb the custard without falling apart. Place the bread cubes into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.

Step 2: Create the Custard

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until thoroughly combined and slightly frothy. This mixture will be the rich, flavorful bath for your bread.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

Evenly pour about half of the egg mixture over the bread cubes. Use a spatula to gently toss the bread, ensuring each piece is moistened. Dollop spoonfuls of Nutella randomly over the bread. Don’t worry about perfection; pockets of melted Nutella are part of the charm! Pour the remaining egg mixture over the top, ensuring it gets into all the nooks and crannies. Gently press down with your spatula if needed. Finally, spread any remaining Nutella over the top layer as much as possible.

Step 4: Chill or Bake

At this point, you have two options. For the best flavor and texture, cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably overnight. This allows the bread to fully soak up the delicious custard, resulting in a softer, more integrated casserole. If you’re short on time, you can bake it immediately, but the texture might be slightly less cohesive.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the plastic wrap and bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the casserole is puffed up, golden brown on top, and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean (or with just a little gooey Nutella). The internal temperature should reach about 160°F (71°C).

Step 6: Serve

Let the casserole cool for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows it to set slightly. Dust generously with powdered sugar and serve warm, topped with fresh strawberries, a dollop of whipped cream, or an extra drizzle of Nutella if you dare!

Nutritional Information

While this is a decadent treat, understanding its nutritional breakdown can be helpful:

• Calories: Approximately 450-550 per serving (this can vary greatly based on bread type and amount of Nutella used).
• Fat: High, primarily from the bread, cream, and Nutella.
• Carbohydrates: High, from the bread and sugar.
• Protein: Moderate, from the eggs and milk.
• Sugar: High, from the Nutella and added sugar.

Please note: This is an estimate. For precise information, it’s best to use a nutritional calculator with your specific ingredients and quantities.

Healthier Alternatives

Looking to lighten up this indulgence? Here are a few swaps:

• Bread: Use a whole wheat or multi-grain bread for added fiber.
• Dairy: Opt for 2% milk and reduce or omit the heavy cream, using a lighter milk alternative instead.
• Sugar: Reduce the amount of sugar in the custard, or use a sugar substitute if you’re comfortable with it. Rely more on the natural sweetness of the toppings.
• Nutella: While it’s hard to replace the star, you could try a dark chocolate spread with less sugar, or even a layer of fresh berries instead of some of the Nutella for a fruity twist.
• Portion Control: Serve smaller portions and focus on fresh fruit toppings.

Serving Suggestions

This Nutella French Toast Casserole is magnificent on its own, but here are some ideas to elevate your brunch experience:

• Classic Toppings: Fresh berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries), a dusting of powdered sugar, and a dollop of whipped cream.
• Extra Indulgence: A warm maple syrup drizzle or a small scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly decadent dessert-like brunch.
• Savory Contrast: Serve alongside crispy bacon, breakfast sausage, or a simple green salad with a vinaigrette to balance the sweetness.
• Beverages: Coffee, tea, fresh orange juice, or a mimosa would complement this dish beautifully.

Common Mistakes

Avoid these pitfalls for the best results:

• Using Fresh Bread: Fresh bread can become mushy. Always opt for day-old bread that has had a chance to dry out slightly.
• Not Letting it Soak: Skipping the chilling step (or not letting it soak long enough) can result in a casserole where the bread is still dry inside and the flavors haven’t melded.
• Overcrowding the Pan: Don’t pack the bread cubes too tightly. They need a bit of space to expand and cook evenly.
• Underbaking: Ensure the center is cooked through. A gooey center is good, but raw egg mixture is not!
• Not Greasing the Dish: This can lead to a frustratingly sticky situation when serving.

Storing Tips

Leftovers can be stored easily:

• Refrigeration: Store any cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, cover the dish with foil and bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, though the texture might be slightly softer.

FAQs