Hasselback French Toast Recipe

Introduction

Hasselback French Toast is a delightful twist on the classic breakfast favorite. By slicing the bread thinly without cutting through, it soaks up more custard and cooks to a perfectly crispy and tender texture. It’s a simple way to impress at your next brunch.

The image shows three cinnamon roll pancakes stacked on a white plate, each roll having a spiral shape with visible layers of light golden-brown dough and dark cinnamon filling. The rolls are dusted with powdered sugar on top, giving a soft white contrast to the warm tones of the rolls. A thick syrup pools around the base of the rolls, adding a shiny texture with amber hues. At the top of the stack, there is a small green mint leaf adding a fresh touch. The plate sits on a white marbled surface that softly reflects the light. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 0.5 inch thick Brioche bread or challah, day-old is best
  • 4 large Eggs
  • 1 cup whole Milk
  • 2 tablespoons Granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
  • 0.5 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
  • 0.25 teaspoon Ground nutmeg
  • 0.5 cup Butter, melted, for cooking

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Using a sharp knife, make parallel slices about 0.5 inch apart across the top of each bread slice, stopping just before you cut all the way through.
  2. Step 2: In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs, milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined.
  3. Step 3: Dip each bread slice into the egg mixture, ensuring the custard gets into all the slices. Let it soak for about 1-2 minutes per side.
  4. Step 4: Heat the melted butter in a large skillet or griddle over medium heat.
  5. Step 5: Carefully place the soaked bread slices onto the hot skillet. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. You may need to cook in batches.
  6. Step 6: Serve immediately with your favorite toppings such as maple syrup, powdered sugar, or fresh berries.

Tips & Variations

  • Use day-old bread to prevent it from becoming too soggy when soaking in the custard.
  • For extra flavor, sprinkle a pinch of salt into the egg mixture.
  • Try adding a splash of orange liqueur or zest for a citrus twist.
  • Switch up toppings with whipped cream, nuts, or chocolate chips for variety.

Storage

Store leftover Hasselback French Toast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in a toaster oven to preserve the crisp edges. Avoid microwaving to keep the texture crisp.

How to Serve

A white plate holds a thick, golden-brown baked pastry sliced into six pieces, each piece showing soft, fluffy layers with a slightly crisp outer crust. The pastry is lightly dusted with powdered sugar and is being drizzled with a caramel-colored syrup from a white pitcher on the right side. The plate sits on a dark wooden surface scattered with cinnamon sticks and a tipped glass jar containing more cinnamon sticks. In the blurred background, a white baking dish contains more of the baked pastry with powdered sugar on top. A silver fork with a gray handle rests on the plate next to the pastry. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of bread?

Yes, while brioche or challah work best for their texture and flavor, you can use other thick, sturdy bread like Texas toast or sourdough. Avoid very soft or thin bread as it may not hold up well.

How do I make sure the bread cooks all the way through?

Make sure to soak the bread slices long enough for the custard to penetrate, especially between the slices. Cooking over medium heat allows the toast to cook evenly without burning the outside.

Print

Hasselback French Toast Recipe

Hasselback French Toast is a delightful twist on classic French toast, featuring thick slices of day-old brioche or challah bread sliced partially through to create accordion-like layers. These layers soak up a rich custard mixture and cook to golden perfection in butter, delivering an moist, flavorful breakfast treat that’s both visually appealing and delicious.

  • Author: Maya
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 8 slices 1x
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 8 slices of 0.5 inch thick brioche bread or challah (day-old is best)
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 0.25 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 0.5 cup butter, melted (for cooking)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Bread Slices: Using a sharp knife, make parallel slices about 0.5 inch apart across the top of each bread slice, being careful to stop just before cutting all the way through, so the slices stay connected at the base.
  2. Make the Custard Mixture: In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
  3. Soak the Bread: Dip each sliced bread piece into the custard mixture, ensuring the liquid seeps into all the cut layers. Allow each slice to soak for about 1 to 2 minutes on each side for maximum flavor absorption.
  4. Heat the Pan: Warm the melted butter in a large skillet or griddle over medium heat, making sure the surface is well coated to prevent sticking and to add flavor.
  5. Cook the French Toast: Carefully place the soaked bread slices on the hot skillet. Cook each side for 4 to 5 minutes until they become golden brown and cooked through. Cook in batches if your skillet is not large enough to hold all slices at once.
  6. Serve: Serve immediately while warm with your favorite toppings such as maple syrup, powdered sugar, or fresh berries for a perfect breakfast experience.

Notes

  • Day-old bread works best as it soaks up the custard without falling apart.
  • Use a sharp serrated knife to make clean, precise slices in the bread without cutting through.
  • If desired, you can add additional spices like cardamom or ground cloves for a more complex flavor.
  • For a dairy-free version, substitute milk and butter with plant-based alternatives.
  • Keep cooked slices warm in a low oven while finishing the remaining batches.

Keywords: Hasselback French Toast, Brioche French Toast, Breakfast Recipe, Easy French Toast, Cinnamon Nutmeg French Toast

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