Hasselback Baked French Toast

Ah, Hasselback Baked French Toast… I mean, just saying it makes me feel cozy inside, you know? It’s like a warm hug on a plate—think soft, custardy bread that’s just soaked up all the deliciousness and then baked until it’s golden and crispy on the top. The best part? It’s so simple to whip up for gatherings or those slow weekend mornings when you want something special but don’t want to spend all day in the kitchen. So, let’s dive in and make some magic happen, shall we?

Why You’ll Crave It

• Perfectly crispy tops with a soft and gooey center… a delightful contrast!
• All the layers mean you can add any sweet fillings you like… berries, chocolate, you name it!
• It’s a crowd-pleaser! Families or friends will always fight over the last piece.
• Warm and comforting, ideal for special breakfasts or brunch festivities.
• Easy to prepare ahead and make yours in the morning… who doesn’t love that?)

My family fights over the last piece… it’s that good!

What You’ll Need

• 1 loaf of Bread: Ideally French or challah, a nice firm loaf that can hold all the goodness together.
• 6 large Eggs: These help create that rich custard base we love.
• 1 cup Milk: Whole milk works best for a creamy texture.
• 1 cup Heavy cream: Because, why not make it extra indulgent?
• 2 teaspoons Vanilla extract: This is a must for that warm, inviting aroma.
• 1 teaspoon Cinnamon: Just a hint of spice to elevate it all.
• 1/4 teaspoon Nutmeg: Adds that cozy fall vibe, perfect for this dish.
• 1/2 cup Brown sugar: Sweetens things up just right, you know?
• Maple syrup: For serving, because you can’t skip this one!
• Butter: Just a little for greasing the baking dish, nothing too fancy.

Easy How-To

Let’s Get started, shall we?

First up, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F)… you want it nice and warm for that toast. While that heats up, take your bread and carefully slice it, like Hasselback style, but be sure not to cut all the way through—so about half an inch apart should do the trick. Getting those little cuts in there is key… it’s where all that custard goodness will soak in. After that, whisk up those eggs with milk and cream, vanilla, cinnamon, and a pinch of that nutmeg… just mix it until it’s smooth, nothing fancy there.

Now, here comes the fun part! Place that lovely sliced bread in a baking dish, and pour the egg mixture all over it. Really let it soak into those cuts for a good 15 minutes… feel free to help it along by basting with a spoon a bit—this part is so satisfying! Then, cover the dish with foil and pop it in the oven. You’ll want to bake it for about 20 minutes, then take off the foil for another 15-20 minutes until it’s golden and crispy on top. Just the thought of it… I can almost smell it!

Good to Know

• The choice of bread really makes or breaks it—sturdy ones like brioche work wonders!
• If you’re not feeling super sweet, you can totally dial back on the sugar or use healthier substitutes.
• Leftovers? Store them in an airtight container… but, let’s be real, good luck with that!

Serving Ideas

• Serve warm with a drizzle of maple syrup and a sprinkle of powdered sugar… trust me, you won’t regret it!

Top Tricks

• Try adding chocolate chips between the slices before baking… it’s like a surprise in every bite!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different types of bread for this recipe?

Absolutely! Brioche, challah, or even a gluten-free bread could work beautifully. Just pick something that can hold up when soaked…

How long does the custard need to soak into the bread?

About 10-15 minutes should do the trick. You want it to really soak up all that goodness, so don’t rush this part!

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, indeed! You can prep the bread and custard mixture the night before, then just bake it fresh in the morning. So handy!

What is the best way to store leftovers?

Just pop any leftovers into an airtight container… they’ll last a couple of days in the fridge. Reheat, and they’re still delightful!

Can I freeze Hasselback baked French toast?

Totally! Wrap it up well and it should be great for about a month. Just thaw and reheat when you’re ready for that bliss again.

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I can’t stress enough how this Hasselback Baked French Toast is just a showstopper. The way it pulls everyone together, and just… makes mornings that much better. Enjoy playing with flavors and toppings—make it your own. Happy cooking!