Nutella and Bacon Stuffed French Toast

Indulge in the ultimate sweet and savory breakfast treat with this Nutella and Bacon Stuffed French Toast. Creamy Nutella and crispy bacon are sandwiched between thick slices of challah, then soaked in a rich custard and cooked to golden perfection. Topped with powdered sugar or drizzled with maple syrup, this decadent dish is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

  • 8 slices thick-cut bacon
  • 1 medium-sized loaf challah, sliced into 8 pieces (about ¾-inch thick)
  • 4 heaping tablespoons Nutella
  • 3 large eggs
  • ½ cup half-and-half
  • ½ cup whole milk
  • 1 tablespoon dark brown sugar, packed
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Pinch of salt
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • Maple syrup for serving

Directions

  1. Prepare the Bacon

    • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
    • Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top. Spray with cooking spray.
    • Arrange the bacon in an even layer and bake for 30 minutes until crispy.
    • Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain, then crumble into small pieces.
  2. Assemble the French Toast

    • Slice the challah into 8 even pieces.
    • Spread one side of two slices with a heaping teaspoon of Nutella.
    • Sprinkle 2 pieces of crumbled bacon over one slice, then place the other slice on top to form a sandwich. Repeat for the remaining slices.
  3. Prepare the Custard

    • In a shallow baking dish, whisk together eggs, half-and-half, whole milk, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
  4. Cook the French Toast

    • Heat a large pan over medium-low heat.
    • Dip two Nutella-bacon sandwiches into the custard mixture, soaking for 1 minute per side.
    • Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in the pan, then add the soaked sandwiches.
    • Cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
    • Repeat with the remaining sandwiches, adding more butter as needed.
  5. Serve and Enjoy

    • Serve warm, topped with powdered sugar or drizzled with maple syrup.
    • Enjoy the perfect balance of crispy bacon, creamy Nutella, and fluffy French toast!

Nutrients (Per Serving – Estimated)

  • Calories: ~450-500 kcal
  • Protein: ~12g
  • Carbohydrates: ~50g
  • Fat: ~24g
  • Saturated Fat: ~10g
  • Sugar: ~20g
  • Fiber: ~2g
  • Sodium: ~450mg

This dish is the perfect indulgence for a special breakfast or brunch—sweet, salty, and utterly irresistible! 😋

The Perfect Balance of Sweet and Savory

French toast is traditionally a sweet dish, often paired with syrup, fruits, or powdered sugar. However, this recipe takes things a step further by incorporating crispy bacon into the mix. The result is a perfect marriage of textures and flavors—warm, custardy bread with a crisp outer layer, gooey Nutella, and the salty crunch of bacon. The combination of sweet and salty elements is what makes this dish stand out, offering an experience that is both comforting and indulgent.

Choosing the Right Bread

The foundation of any great French toast is the bread. In this recipe, challah is the preferred choice due to its rich, slightly sweet flavor and soft, pillowy texture. This traditional Jewish bread is made with eggs, giving it a tender crumb that soaks up the custard beautifully without becoming soggy. The thickness of the slices is also crucial—about three-quarters of an inch is ideal to ensure the bread holds up during cooking.

If challah is unavailable, brioche is an excellent alternative. Brioche has a similarly rich, buttery texture that pairs beautifully with the Nutella and bacon. Texas toast or thick-cut white bread can also work, but they may not provide the same depth of flavor and luxurious texture.

The Secret to Perfectly Crispy Bacon

Bacon is an essential component of this dish, and its crispiness is key to achieving the right texture contrast. Baking bacon in the oven ensures even cooking and produces perfectly crispy strips without the hassle of stovetop splatters. Baking also allows the bacon to retain its natural flavors while rendering excess fat, making it the ideal method for achieving the best results.

To maximize crispiness, use a wire rack placed over a baking sheet. This allows air to circulate around the bacon, ensuring it crisps up evenly. Once baked, patting the bacon with a paper towel helps remove any excess grease before crumbling it into smaller pieces.

Why Nutella Works So Well

Nutella, the world-famous chocolate-hazelnut spread, brings an irresistible richness to this French toast. Its creamy texture melts slightly when warmed, creating a luscious filling that pairs harmoniously with both the soft bread and crunchy bacon. The hazelnut flavor adds depth, enhancing the overall taste experience.

While Nutella is the most popular choice for this dish, alternative spreads can also be used. Chocolate almond spread, peanut butter, or even cookie butter offer unique variations that still provide the creamy, indulgent quality of Nutella.

The Importance of the Custard

A well-made custard mixture is essential for achieving that perfect golden-brown crust on French toast. The combination of eggs, half-and-half, whole milk, brown sugar, and cinnamon ensures that each bite is flavorful and rich. The key to success is properly whisking the ingredients to create a smooth, homogeneous mixture that coats the bread evenly.

For a touch of extra warmth and depth, a dash of vanilla extract or a pinch of nutmeg can be added to the custard. These subtle additions enhance the overall flavor profile without overpowering the main ingredients.

Cooking Tips for the Best French Toast

Cooking French toast requires patience and the right technique. A few essential tips can make all the difference:

  • Use Medium-Low Heat: Cooking over medium-low heat allows the French toast to develop a crispy, golden crust without burning. High heat can cause the exterior to brown too quickly while leaving the inside undercooked.
  • Let the Bread Soak Properly: The bread should be soaked in the custard for about one minute per side. This ensures the slices absorb enough moisture without becoming overly soggy.
  • Cook in Batches: Avoid overcrowding the pan. Cooking the French toast in small batches allows each slice to cook evenly and develop the perfect texture.
  • Use Butter for a Golden Crust: Cooking with butter enhances the flavor and helps create a rich, caramelized surface. Adding more butter between batches ensures consistent results.

The Best Toppings and Serving Ideas

Once the Nutella and Bacon Stuffed French Toast is perfectly golden and cooked to perfection, the next step is choosing the right toppings. A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a classic touch, while a generous drizzle of warm maple syrup enhances the sweetness and balances the saltiness of the bacon.

For those who enjoy fruity flavors, fresh berries such as strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream can also transform this breakfast treat into a decadent dessert.

If you’re feeling adventurous, a light drizzle of honey or caramel sauce can elevate the experience even further. The key is to balance the toppings to ensure that they complement rather than overpower the flavors of the French toast.

Pairing Suggestions

Since this dish is already quite indulgent, pairing it with the right beverage can enhance the overall experience. A cup of freshly brewed coffee or espresso helps cut through the richness and provides a pleasant contrast. For those who prefer a non-caffeinated option, a glass of fresh orange juice or a simple matcha latte makes for a delightful pairing.

If serving this dish for a special brunch, consider offering a mimosa or bellini as a festive accompaniment. The light, effervescent quality of these drinks helps balance the heaviness of the French toast.

A Crowd-Pleasing Dish for Every Occasion

Nutella and Bacon Stuffed French Toast is a show-stopping dish that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a sweet late-night treat. It brings together contrasting flavors and textures in a way that feels luxurious yet comforting. The best part is that it can easily be adapted to suit personal preferences—whether by changing the type of bread, experimenting with different spreads, or adjusting the toppings.

This dish is an ideal choice for holiday breakfasts, family gatherings, or weekend brunches. Its indulgent nature makes it a memorable treat that guests will rave about long after the meal is over.

Conclusion

Incorporating Nutella and bacon into French toast is a brilliant way to elevate an already beloved classic. The combination of sweet, creamy Nutella with crispy, salty bacon creates a harmonious balance that delights the taste buds. Using high-quality bread, preparing the bacon properly, and ensuring the perfect custard mixture all contribute to the success of this dish.

This recipe is not only delicious but also a fun way to bring excitement to breakfast. Whether you’re preparing it for yourself or sharing it with loved ones, Nutella and Bacon Stuffed French Toast is guaranteed to become a new favorite. So, the next time you’re looking for a unique and indulgent breakfast, give this recipe a try—it’s a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors that you won’t forget!

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