There is something extraordinarily delightful about the way bread soaks up a sweet, spiced custard and then bakes into golden layers of comfort and warmth. This Hasselback Baked French Toast Recipe elevates traditional French toast by slicing a baguette much like hasselback potatoes, creating luscious pockets that hold all the rich flavors of butter, cinnamon, and maple syrup. The result is a tender, crispy, and visually stunning breakfast centerpiece that’s sure to impress family and friends alike. It’s a recipe that combines simplicity with a wow factor, perfect for lazy weekend mornings or special occasions.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to achieving that perfect balance of flavor, texture, and visual appeal in this Hasselback Baked French Toast Recipe. Each component plays a distinct role, from the creamy custard soak to the buttery sugary topping.
- Baguette / French stick (60 cm / 2 feet long): The ideal bread for creating those signature hasselback slices that soak up the custard beautifully.
- Eggs (5): Provide the rich base of the custard that binds and flavors the bread’s interior.
- Milk (1 1/3 cup, preferably whole fat): Adds creaminess and helps produce that luxuriously tender texture.
- Salt (1/4 tsp): A small pinch to balance sweetness and enhance overall flavor.
- Butter (1/4 cup): Used both in the custard soak and melted on top for golden crispness.
- Brown sugar (2 tbsp): Imparts a caramel depth and helps create a crispy, crunchy top layer.
- Maple syrup (2 tbsp): Adds natural sweetness and a classic breakfast flavor.
- Cinnamon powder (1/2 tsp): Gives warmth and a cozy spice note throughout.
- Vanilla extract or essence (1/2 tsp, optional): Enhances sweetness with a floral, aromatic touch.
- Icing sugar (confectioners sugar): For a delicate finishing dust that adds visual appeal and a final hint of sweetness.
- Additional maple syrup: To serve and drizzle on top.
How to Make Hasselback Baked French Toast Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Bread
Start by cutting the long baguette into three equal pieces. This makes it easier to handle and perfect for hasselback slicing. The length allows the custard to soak deeply, ensuring every bite is tender and flavorful.
Step 2: Create Hasselback Slices
Slice each piece about 1.5 cm thick but only almost all the way through, so the loaf stays intact like classic hasselback potatoes or garlic bread. These deep cuts create those beautiful pockets that trap custard and flavor, giving this baked French toast its distinctive texture.
Step 3: Whisk the Egg Mixture
In a bowl, vigorously whisk together eggs, milk, salt, cinnamon, vanilla extract (if using), brown sugar, and maple syrup. This custard is the magic that softens the bread while infusing it with sweetness and spice.
Step 4: Soak the Bread
Place the egg mixture and bread pieces into a large ziplock or plastic bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. This method makes sure the custard penetrates every slit and corner. Set it aside for at least 1 hour, turning once or twice, or ideally overnight for a richer taste and texture.
Step 5: Preheat the Oven and Arrange the Bread
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Place the soaked bread, cut side up, in a baking dish about 22 x 22 cm (8 x 8 inches). This positioning ensures the tops get evenly toasted and golden during baking.
Step 6: Bake the Bread
Bake for 20 minutes initially. The custard will set, and the surface will start to turn golden, teasing you with the scent of cinnamon and maple. This partially cooks the custard and prepares the bread for the finishing touch.
Step 7: Prepare the Butter Mixture
While the bread is baking, gently melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat and stir in brown sugar and maple syrup until combined. This luscious topping will create a caramelized crust that makes this recipe so irresistible. Alternatively, a quick melt in the microwave works just fine.
Step 8: Pour Butter Mixture and Finish Baking
Remove the baking dish from the oven and pour the butter mixture evenly over the bread. Return to the oven and bake for another 5 to 10 minutes until the top turns a gorgeous golden-brown and crisps up beautifully. This step creates a crunchy, sweet shell contrasting the soft interior.
Step 9: Rest and Garnish
Once baked, take the dish out and let it rest for 5 minutes. This resting helps everything set together. Dust generously with icing sugar for a pretty snowy finish and serve warm with extra maple syrup on the side for drizzling.
How to Serve Hasselback Baked French Toast Recipe
Garnishes
A classic dusting of icing sugar adds a delicate sweetness and a beautiful touch to this Hasselback Baked French Toast Recipe. Fresh berries or sliced bananas also brighten the plate and add bursts of freshness. For extra indulgence, a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream turns breakfast into dessert.
Side Dishes
This baked French toast pairs wonderfully with savory sides such as crispy bacon or sausage links to balance out the sweet flavors. A fresh fruit salad adds a refreshing contrast, while a cup of strong coffee or freshly brewed tea rounds out the meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the Hasselback Baked French Toast Recipe directly in the baking dish for a cozy family-style feel or slice into individual portions for a brunch gathering. Placing each portion on a warm plate and drizzling with warmed maple syrup, a sprinkle of nuts, or even a splash of flavored yogurt makes every serving an eye-catching treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, storing them properly is key to maintaining the perfect texture. Let the toast cool completely, then cover tight with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Enjoy within 2 to 3 days for the best taste and freshness.
Freezing
This recipe freezes wonderfully. Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label and freeze for up to 1 month. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for convenience without compromising texture.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the toast in a preheated oven at 175°C (350°F) for 10 to 15 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the crispiness soggy, but if in a hurry, 30 seconds bursts on medium power with careful monitoring will do.
FAQs
Can I use other types of bread for this Hasselback Baked French Toast Recipe?
While a baguette or French stick works best to achieve that lovely hasselback effect and crispy edges, you can experiment with other sturdy breads like a rustic Italian loaf or even challah. Just make sure the bread slices hold their shape well and soak up the custard.
How long should I soak the bread in the egg mixture?
At minimum, one hour allows the custard to penetrate deeply, but soaking overnight in the fridge is ideal for maximum flavor infusion and a thoroughly tender bite throughout the loaf.
Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the eggs with a flax or chia seed egg alternative, use plant-based milk, and swap butter for a vegan margarine or coconut oil. The sugars and spices remain the same to keep the sweet and cozy profile.
Why is the butter mixture added partway through baking?
This step ensures the topping caramelizes without burning the custard beneath. Adding the butter mixture halfway through creates that perfect golden crust and prevents sogginess on top.
Is this recipe suitable for a large brunch gathering?
Yes! The Hasselback Baked French Toast Recipe can be scaled up by adding more baguette pieces and baking in larger dishes side by side. It is a show-stopping and easy-to-make dish that feeds a crowd beautifully.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a charming, flavorful twist on classic French toast that’s both stunning and downright delicious, this Hasselback Baked French Toast Recipe is your new go-to. With its buttery caramelized top and tender, custard-infused layers, it brings cozy comfort and a dash of wow to your table. Give it a try next weekend and watch how fast it disappears—trust me, everyone will be asking for seconds!
Print
Hasselback Baked French Toast Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes plus 1 hour soaking time (or overnight soaking preferred)
- Yield: 4 servings (4 to 6 slices per serving)
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Hasselback Baked French Toast recipe transforms a classic breakfast favorite into an impressive, crowd-pleasing dish with a fun twist. Using a baguette sliced similar to hasselback potatoes, the bread is soaked in a rich egg and milk mixture, baked until golden, then topped with a buttery brown sugar glaze and finished with powdered sugar and maple syrup. Perfect for brunch or a special occasion, this recipe yields crispy, custardy slices that are visually stunning and delicious.
Ingredients
Bread
- 1 baguette / french stick (60 cm / 2 feet long)
Egg Mixture
- 5 eggs
- 1 1/3 cup milk (preferably whole fat but low fat works just fine)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon powder
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract or essence (optional)
Butter Mixture
- 1/4 cup butter
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
Toppings
- Icing sugar (confectioners sugar) for dusting
- Maple syrup for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Bread: Cut the french stick loaf into 3 equal pieces to make handling easier and to fit your baking dish.
- Slice the Bread: Make slices about 1.5 cm (0.5 inches) thick into each piece, slicing almost down to the base but not cutting through, mimicking the hasselback potato style. This allows the egg mixture to soak in deeply.
- Make Egg Mixture: In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, cinnamon, and vanilla extract until fully combined.
- Soak the Bread: Place the egg mixture and sliced bread pieces into a large ziplock or plastic bag. Remove as much air as possible, seal, and let it sit for at least 1 hour or preferably overnight in the refrigerator. Turn the bag once or twice during this soaking period to ensure the bread absorbs the mixture evenly.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 180°C (350°F) to prepare for baking.
- Arrange Bread in Baking Dish: Place the soaked bread pieces cut side up in a 22 x 22 cm (8 x 8 inch) baking dish, allowing the slices to fan out slightly for even baking.
- Bake Initially: Bake the bread for 20 minutes to start the cooking process and allow the custard to set around the bread slices.
- Prepare Butter Mixture: Meanwhile, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat, then stir in the brown sugar and maple syrup until combined and smooth. Alternatively, melt and combine in the microwave using 30-second bursts.
- Apply Butter Mixture and Continue Baking: Remove the baking dish from the oven and pour the butter, brown sugar, and maple syrup mixture evenly over the top of the bread. Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 5 to 10 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy.
- Rest the French Toast: Once baked, remove from the oven and let the french toast rest for 5 minutes to settle and cool slightly.
- Serve: Dust the top with icing sugar and serve immediately with additional maple syrup on the side.
Notes
- Using a whole fat milk gives a richer custard, but low fat milk works fine too.
- Soaking the bread overnight is ideal for maximum flavor and custardy texture, but 1 hour minimum is sufficient.
- You can use other types of bread, but a crusty baguette works best to hold the shape and absorb liquid.
- Adjust baking time slightly depending on your oven and bread thickness.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with a plant-based alternative and use lactose-free or plant milks.
