Nutella Stuffed French Toast

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Nutella Stuffed French Toast is my go to breakfast when I want something cozy, sweet, and a little extra without doing anything complicated. You know those mornings when cereal feels sad and pancakes feel like a whole project? That is exactly when I make this. It is warm and crispy on the outside, and the center is basically a melty chocolate hazelnut hug. I started making it for lazy weekend brunch, but honestly, it has shown up on random Tuesdays too. If you have bread, eggs, and a jar of Nutella, you are already halfway there.

How to make Nutella French toast

I am going to walk you through my simple method. This is not fancy, but it is the kind of recipe that makes people think you worked harder than you did. I like to set everything out first so I am not hunting for cinnamon with egg on my hands.

What you will need

• Bread: 8 slices (more on the best types below)
• Nutella: about 1 to 2 tablespoons per sandwich, depending on your mood
• Eggs: 3 large
• Milk: 3/4 cup (any kind works, dairy or non dairy)
• Vanilla: 1 teaspoon
• Cinnamon: 1/2 teaspoon (optional but so good)
• Pinch of salt: helps the sweetness pop
• Butter: for the pan
• Toppings: powdered sugar, berries, bananas, maple syrup

If you love baked breakfast situations, you might also like this cozy make ahead option I do when guests are staying over: easy French toast casserole overnight baked breakfast. Different vibe, same comfort.

Step by step directions

1) Make Nutella sandwiches. Spread Nutella on one side of half the bread slices, then top with the other slices. Press them together gently so they do not slide around.

2) Mix the custard. In a shallow bowl, whisk eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until it looks smooth and evenly mixed.

3) Dip quickly but evenly. Dip each sandwich into the egg mixture for a few seconds per side. You want it coated but not soaked to the point of falling apart.

4) Cook. Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt a bit of butter. Cook each sandwich about 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden and crisp. If it is browning too fast, lower the heat. The goal is crispy outside and warmed through center.

5) Serve right away. Slice diagonally if you want that classic diner feel. Add powdered sugar, fruit, or a little syrup. I usually do bananas because banana plus chocolate hazelnut is a forever combo.

Little real life note: Nutella can get very hot inside. Let it sit for a minute before the first bite, especially for kids.

What kind of bread should I use for French toast?

This is one of those things that changes everything. If you have ever had French toast that is soggy in the middle and weirdly dry on the edges, the bread was probably the issue, or it was soaked too long. For Nutella Stuffed French Toast, you want bread that can handle a filling and still keep its shape.

My favorites:

Brioche: Soft, rich, and makes the whole thing taste like bakery brunch.

Challah: Similar to brioche but slightly sturdier. It holds up well.

Texas toast: Easy to find, thick, and reliable.

Sourdough: If you like a little tang to balance the sweet filling, this is surprisingly good.

Here is the biggest tip: slightly stale bread is better than super fresh bread. If your loaf is fresh and squishy, leave slices out for 20 to 30 minutes to dry a bit. That way it soaks up the egg mixture without turning into a mess.

Also, keep the slices thick. Thin sandwich bread can work, but it tends to squish and the Nutella likes to escape. Thick slices help keep that gooey center where it belongs.

Tips and tricks for the best Nutella French Toast

I have made this enough times to learn what matters and what does not. These are the small things that take it from decent to wow, can you make this again tomorrow?

Spread the Nutella evenly and do not overfill. I know it is tempting to go wild, but too much filling will leak out and burn in the pan. A nice even layer is the sweet spot.

Use medium heat. If your pan is too hot, the outside browns before the inside warms up. Medium heat gives you that golden crust and melty center.

Add a pinch of salt to the egg mix. It sounds tiny, but it makes the chocolate flavor taste more chocolatey.

Try a little butter plus a tiny splash of oil. Butter gives flavor, oil helps keep it from burning too quickly. You do not need much of either.

Keep cooked pieces warm. If you are making several sandwiches, keep them on a baking sheet in a warm oven, like 200 F, until you are ready to serve.

“I made this for Sunday brunch and my family got quiet in that happy way people do when food is really good. My teenager asked if we could do it again next weekend, which basically never happens.”

If you are building a brunch spread and want something savory alongside the sweet stuff, I have made these and they disappear fast: cheese stuffed meatballs. It sounds a little unusual for brunch, but trust me, people snack on them like crazy.

Can I reheat Nutella French toast?

Yes, you can, and it is still really good. Fresh is best because the outside stays crisp, but leftovers happen and I am not mad about it.

Here is what works for me:

Oven: 350 F for about 8 to 10 minutes on a baking sheet. This is the best way to bring back some crispness.

Toaster oven or air fryer: 350 F for 4 to 6 minutes. Watch closely because the filling heats fast.

Microwave: 20 to 40 seconds, but it will be softer. Still tasty, just not crispy.

Storage tip: Let the toast cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. If you stack pieces, put parchment paper between them so they do not stick together.

Freezing? You can freeze it, but I prefer freezing the assembled Nutella sandwiches (not cooked), then thaw and cook fresh. Cooked French toast can freeze too, it just loses a bit of texture.

Other breakfast/brunch recipes

If you are like me, one good recipe turns into a whole weekend menu. Nutella Stuffed French Toast is definitely the star, but it is fun to add a couple of savory options so it feels like a real brunch moment, even if it is just you in pajamas.

Some recipes I pair with it depending on who is coming over:

If you want a cheesy pull apart side that people will hover over, try this: cheesy spinach artichoke mushroom stuffed baguette.

If you are feeding hungry friends and want a comfort food dinner style brunch, this one is rich and filling: chicken alfredo stuffed shells.

And if you want something meal prep friendly that still feels special, I love these for a savory balance: cream cheese chicken stuffed peppers.

Honestly, the best brunch is a mix of sweet and savory, plus coffee, plus no one rushing anywhere.

Common Questions

1) Can I make Nutella Stuffed French Toast ahead of time?
You can assemble the sandwiches a few hours ahead and keep them covered in the fridge. Dip and cook when you are ready. I would not soak them in the egg mix ahead of time because they get too soft.

2) How do I stop the Nutella from leaking out?
Do not overfill, and keep the heat at medium. Also press the sandwich together gently before dipping, and avoid sliding it around in the pan too much.

3) Can I use dairy free milk?
Yep. Oat milk and almond milk both work well. The texture is still great.

4) What toppings are best?
Powdered sugar and sliced strawberries are classic. Bananas are my personal favorite. A small spoonful of whipped cream is also very welcome.

5) Is this too sweet for kids?
Most kids love it, but you can spread a thinner layer of Nutella and add fruit to balance it out. Just remind them the filling is hot.

A cozy send off and a couple more ideas

Nutella Stuffed French Toast is one of those recipes that makes an ordinary morning feel like a treat, and it really does not take much effort. Use thick bread, keep the heat medium, and do not overload the filling, and you will get that crispy outside with the melty center every time. If you want to compare versions, I have borrowed little ideas from Nutella French Toast – Olivia’s Cuisine and also from Nutella Stuffed French Toast Recipe – Two Peas & Their Pod, and it is fun seeing how small tweaks change the final bite. Now go grab that jar, put on coffee, and make yourself a breakfast that feels like a weekend even if it is not.