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Hasselback Baked French Toast Recipe

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  • Author: admin
  • 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

Scale

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

  1. Cut the bread: Divide the French stick loaf into 3 equal pieces to make handling easier and fit your baking dish.
  2. 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.
  3. Prepare the egg mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, cinnamon powder, and vanilla extract until fully combined.
  4. 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.
  5. Preheat oven: Set your oven to 180°C (350°F) to prepare for baking.
  6. Arrange bread for baking: Transfer the soaked bread pieces cut-side up into an 8×8 inch (22×22 cm) baking dish.
  7. Initial bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 20 minutes until the bread begins to firm up.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. Rest before serving: Remove from the oven and let the baked French toast rest for 5 minutes to set.
  11. 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.

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Find it online: https://everydaykitchenmeals.com/hasselback-baked-french-toast-recipe/