If you are searching for a breakfast that combines wow-factor presentation with irresistible flavors, this Hasselback Baked French Toast Recipe is your new go-to. Layers of soft, custardy bread meet a sweet, buttery glaze that crisps up perfectly in the oven, turning simple ingredients like eggs, milk, and cinnamon into a stunning morning treat. It feels like a cozy Sunday indulgence and yet is wonderfully easy to prepare, making it perfect for both weekend brunches and special occasions.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe relies on straightforward pantry staples, each one bringing a unique touch to make your Hasselback Baked French Toast Recipe come alive. From the fresh baguette’s chewy texture to the warm spices and sweet syrup, every ingredient elevates the dish’s flavor and appearance.
- Baguette / French stick (60 cm / 2 feet long): Choose a fresh baguette for the perfect chewy, crisp texture after baking.
- Eggs (5): The base of the custard mixture that coats the bread for richness and binding.
- Milk (1 1/3 cup): Whole fat milk adds creaminess, but low fat can be used for a lighter option.
- Salt (1/4 tsp): A tiny pinch enhances all the sweet flavors and balances the custard.
- Butter (1/4 cup): Provides a luscious buttery glaze that crisps beautifully in the oven.
- Brown sugar (2 tbsp): Adds deep sweetness and caramel notes to the butter mixture.
- Maple syrup (2 tbsp + for serving): The key to classic French toast flavor and perfect for drizzling when serving.
- Cinnamon powder (1/2 tsp): Offers warm spice without overpowering the other flavors.
- Vanilla extract or essence (1/2 tsp, optional): Adds fragrant sweetness that elevates the custard taste.
- Icing sugar (for dusting): A pretty finishing touch for sweetness and visual appeal.
How to Make Hasselback Baked French Toast Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Bread
Start by cutting your long baguette into three equal sections. Then, slice each section into 1.5 cm thick slices almost to the base, just like with classic hasselback potatoes. This technique allows the custard to seep deep into every crevice, ensuring every bite is soft and bursting with flavor.
Step 2: Whisk the Custard Mixture
Next, beat together the eggs, milk, salt, cinnamon, vanilla, and maple syrup until smooth. This custard is the heart of your dish, soaking into the baguette to give that rich, creamy texture that makes baked French toast so addictive.
Step 3: Soak the Bread
Place the sliced bread and the egg mixture together in a large ziplock bag or a sealed container. Press out the air and let it rest for at least one hour, or even overnight if you have time. This soaking step ensures every slice is fully infused with custard goodness—this is what takes the dish to the next level.
Step 4: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Dish
Set your oven to 180 degrees Celsius (350 degrees Fahrenheit) and grease an 8 by 8-inch (22 x 22 cm) baking dish to prevent sticking. Arrange your custard-soaked bread cut side up in the dish, preparing for that stunning golden bake.
Step 5: Bake the French Toast
Bake the soaked bread for 20 minutes, letting the custard set and the edges get tender but not too brown— this step is crucial for building the dish’s texture.
Step 6: Make the Butter Mixture
Meanwhile, melt the butter in a small saucepan or microwave, then stir in the brown sugar and maple syrup until fully combined and glossy. This heavenly mixture will be drizzled over the toast for an irresistible golden crust.
Step 7: Final Bake with Butter Mixture
Remove the partially baked bread from the oven and pour the butter mixture evenly over the top. Return it to the oven for another 5 to 10 minutes, or until the top is beautifully golden and crispy. This step is where the magic happens, transforming an ordinary French toast into an extraordinary dessert-worthy dish.
Step 8: Rest and Serve
Let the baked French toast rest for about five minutes once out of the oven to set slightly. Then, dust with icing sugar and serve with extra maple syrup for an extra touch of sweetness.
How to Serve Hasselback Baked French Toast Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of icing sugar brightens the dish and adds a slight sweetness. Fresh berries or sliced bananas can bring freshness, while a sprinkle of chopped nuts adds a pleasant crunch that contrasts the soft custardy bread.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with fresh fruit salads, crispy bacon, or even whipped cream for a royale breakfast experience. For something lighter, a simple green salad with citrus vinaigrette can offer a refreshing balance to the rich flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving each piece standing upright to showcase the charming accordion-like cuts. Drizzle maple syrup in a pretty zigzag or add edible flowers for a festive brunch. Individual ramekins of warm compote or yogurt also complement the dish visually and flavor-wise.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Hasselback Baked French Toast Recipe in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. To keep it from becoming soggy, you can separate slices with parchment paper.
Freezing
This baked French toast freezes wonderfully. Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to one month. This makes weekday breakfasts a breeze when you want to enjoy something delicious without all the prep.
Reheating
Reheat the portions in a preheated oven at 175 degrees Celsius (350 degrees Fahrenheit) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and crisp again. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the delicate crisp topping intact.
FAQs
Can I use other types of bread for this recipe?
While a baguette is ideal for its texture and ability to hold the custard, other sturdy breads like challah or brioche can also work beautifully. Just make sure not to use bread that is too soft or crumbly.
How long should the bread soak in the custard mixture?
At least one hour is necessary to absorb enough custard throughout the slices. For richer flavor and better texture, soaking overnight in the fridge is even better.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the milk with almond or oat milk and use a dairy-free butter alternative. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
Is it possible to prepare this recipe ahead for a brunch party?
Yes, you can prepare the soaked bread the day before and keep it refrigerated. Then simply bake and finish with the butter mixture right before serving for a fresh, hot dish.
What toppings work best with Hasselback Baked French Toast Recipe?
Classic maple syrup and powdered sugar never fail, but feel free to experiment with fresh fruits, nuts, whipped cream, or even a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce for indulgence.
Final Thoughts
This Hasselback Baked French Toast Recipe has quickly become a favorite in my kitchen for good reason. It brings together simple ingredients with an unforgettable texture and flavor combo that feels both fancy and comforting. Give it a try—you might just find your new signature brunch dish that everyone will ask for again and again!
Print
Hasselback Baked French Toast Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes (including soaking time)
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Hasselback Baked French Toast recipe transforms a classic breakfast favorite into an impressive, crowd-pleasing dish. Using a long French baguette sliced in a hasselback style, this baked French toast soaks in a rich egg and milk mixture, then bakes to golden perfection with a luscious cinnamon butter drizzle. It’s perfect for weekend brunches or special occasions and serves 4 to 6 people.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 baguette / French stick, 60 cm / 2 feet long
- 5 eggs
- 1 1/3 cups milk (preferably whole fat, but low fat works fine)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon powder
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract or essence (optional)
Butter Mixture
- 1/4 cup butter
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
To Serve
- Icing sugar (confectioners sugar), for dusting
- Maple syrup
Instructions
- Cut the bread: Divide the French stick loaf into 3 equal pieces to make handling easier and fit your baking dish.
- Hasselback slicing: Make slices approximately 1.5 cm (0.5 inch) thick into each piece, cutting almost through to the base but keeping the bottom intact, much like making hasselback potatoes or garlic bread.
- Prepare the egg mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, cinnamon powder, and vanilla extract until fully combined.
- Soak the bread: Place the sliced bread and egg mixture into a large ziplock or plastic bag. Remove as much air as possible, seal, and set aside to soak for at least 1 hour or overnight in the refrigerator. Turn the bag once or twice during soaking to ensure even absorption.
- Preheat oven: Set your oven to 180°C (350°F) to prepare for baking.
- Arrange bread for baking: Transfer the soaked bread pieces cut-side up into an 8×8 inch (22×22 cm) baking dish.
- Initial bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 20 minutes until the bread begins to firm up.
- Prepare the butter mixture: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter with brown sugar and maple syrup, stirring occasionally until combined and smooth. Alternatively, melt in the microwave using 2 bursts of 30 seconds, stirring in between.
- Add butter topping and finish baking: Remove the partially baked French toast from the oven, pour the butter mixture evenly over the top, then return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until golden and crispy on top.
- Rest before serving: Remove from the oven and let the baked French toast rest for 5 minutes to set.
- Garnish and serve: Dust the top with sifted icing sugar and serve warm with extra maple syrup on the side.
Notes
- Soaking the bread overnight enhances flavor and ensures each slice is thoroughly infused with the custard mixture.
- Using whole milk gives a richer, creamier custard, but low-fat milk can be substituted for a lighter version.
- The hasselback slicing technique helps maximize the custard soak and creates a visually appealing presentation.
- Adjust the baking time slightly if your baguette pieces are thicker or thinner than described.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with a plant-based alternative and milk with almond or oat milk.
