There’s something magical about waking up to the sweet aroma of warm, baked French toast. And when you add creamy Nutella into the mix, it becomes the ultimate indulgence. This Nutella French Toast Casserole is the perfect combination of soft, custardy bread, rich hazelnut-chocolate goodness, and a slightly crisp golden top. Whether you’re making it for a cozy weekend breakfast, a holiday brunch, or a sweet treat for your family, this dish is bound to impress.

What I love most about this casserole is how easy it is to prepare. You can assemble everything the night before, pop it in the fridge, and simply bake it in the morning. No standing by the stove flipping individual slices—just effortless, baked perfection! Serve it with a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of extra Nutella, and fresh strawberries for a breakfast that tastes like dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Nutella French Toast Casserole

Easy to Make – No flipping or standing at the stove, just bake and serve.
Perfect for a Crowd – Great for brunch gatherings or family breakfasts.
Make-Ahead Friendly – Assemble the night before and bake in the morning.
Rich & Indulgent – Nutella adds a luxurious chocolate-hazelnut flavor.
Customizable – Easily adjust sweetness, toppings, and bread choice.

What Kind of Bread Should I Use?

The key to the perfect Nutella French Toast Casserole is choosing the right bread. You’ll want something that absorbs the custard well without becoming too soggy. Brioche and challah are my top picks because they’re rich, slightly sweet, and hold up beautifully to the egg mixture. French bread is another great option if you prefer a firmer texture. If you have slightly stale bread, even better—it soaks up the custard more evenly!

Avoid using soft sandwich bread, as it tends to become too mushy. If you only have fresh bread, try cutting it into cubes and letting it sit out for a few hours to dry out before assembling the casserole.

Options for Substitutions

Want to switch things up? Here are a few easy swaps you can make:

Bread: Swap brioche for croissants, sourdough, or even cinnamon swirl bread for an extra layer of flavor.
Nutella: Try peanut butter, almond butter, or cookie butter for a different twist.
Dairy: Use almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk instead of regular milk for a dairy-free option.
Sweetener: If you prefer a less sweet dish, reduce the sugar in the custard or swap it for maple syrup or honey.
Eggs: For a vegan version, replace eggs with a flaxseed mixture (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg).
Add-ins: Toss in chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or fresh berries for extra texture and flavor.

Ingredients for This Nutella French Toast Casserole

Each ingredient plays a key role in making this casserole rich, flavorful, and perfectly textured. Here’s what you’ll need:

Brioche or Challah Bread – Soft, rich, and slightly sweet, these breads absorb the custard while holding their structure.
Nutella – The star of the show! A generous spread of Nutella between layers adds a creamy, chocolate-hazelnut filling.
Eggs – They create the custard that binds everything together and gives the casserole its creamy texture.
Milk – Whole milk is best for a rich, velvety custard, but you can use any milk of your choice.
Heavy Cream – Adds extra creaminess and a luscious mouthfeel to the custard.
Vanilla Extract – Enhances the overall sweetness and warmth of the dish.
Cinnamon – A little spice that complements the Nutella and adds warmth.
Sugar – Just a touch to lightly sweeten the custard mixture.
Salt – Balances the flavors and keeps the sweetness from being overwhelming.
Powdered Sugar – For a beautiful finishing dusting before serving.
Chocolate Drizzle (Optional) – Melted chocolate or extra Nutella thinned with milk for an extra indulgent topping.
Fresh Strawberries (Optional) – A bright, fresh contrast to the rich Nutella and custardy bread.

Step 1: Prepare the Bread

Start by cutting your brioche or challah into thick slices or cubes. If your bread is fresh, let it sit out for a few hours to dry slightly—this helps it absorb the custard without becoming too soggy.

Step 2: Layer the Nutella

Spread a generous layer of Nutella on half of the bread slices, then top with the remaining slices to create Nutella-filled “sandwiches.” If using cubed bread, you can dollop Nutella between the layers in the baking dish.

Step 3: Arrange in the Baking Dish

Lightly grease a baking dish, then arrange the Nutella-filled bread in an even layer. If using cubed bread, distribute it evenly throughout the dish to ensure every bite has Nutella goodness.

Step 4: Make the Custard

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, cinnamon, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Mix until fully combined and smooth.

Step 5: Soak the Bread

Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread, making sure every piece is well coated. Lightly press down on the bread to help it soak up the custard. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes, or cover and refrigerate overnight for a deeper flavor.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set. If it starts browning too quickly, cover loosely with foil.

Step 7: Add the Finishing Touches

Let the casserole cool slightly, then dust with powdered sugar and drizzle with melted chocolate or warm Nutella. Garnish with fresh strawberries for a pop of color and freshness.

How Long to Cook the Nutella French Toast Casserole

The casserole bakes at 350°F (175°C) for 35-40 minutes until golden brown and set. If you prefer a softer, more custardy texture, bake for closer to 35 minutes. For a firmer, slightly crisp top, leave it in for the full 40 minutes. If you notice the top browning too quickly, loosely cover it with foil for the last 10 minutes of baking.

Tips for Perfect Nutella French Toast Casserole

Use Slightly Stale Bread – Fresh bread can become too mushy, so let it sit out for a few hours before using.
Don’t Skip the Soaking Time – Let the bread absorb the custard for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for the best texture.
Distribute the Nutella Evenly – Spread Nutella between layers so every bite has a delicious chocolatey surprise.
Check for Doneness – The center should be set but still soft—insert a knife, and if it comes out mostly clean, it’s ready.
Let It Rest Before Serving – Allow the casserole to cool for at least 5-10 minutes before slicing to help it set.
Add a Crunchy Topping – Sprinkle crushed hazelnuts or slivered almonds on top before baking for extra texture.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Using Bread That’s Too Fresh – Soft, fresh bread can turn mushy. Let it sit out to dry or use day-old bread for better texture.
Not Soaking the Bread Long Enough – The custard needs time to absorb fully, so don’t rush this step.
Forgetting to Grease the Baking Dish – This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup much easier.
Overbaking – If baked too long, the casserole can become dry instead of soft and custardy. Keep an eye on it!
Not Covering If It Browns Too Quickly – If the top starts to darken too fast, cover with foil for the last 10 minutes.
Skipping the Resting Time – Let it sit after baking so it firms up slightly and holds its shape when sliced.
Using Too Much Nutella – While it’s tempting to load it up, too much can make the casserole overly dense and gooey.
Serving It Plain – Elevate it with powdered sugar, a Nutella drizzle, and fresh fruit for the perfect finishing touch.

What to Serve With Nutella French Toast Casserole?

1. Fresh Berries

Strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries add a bright, fresh contrast to the rich Nutella flavor.

2. Whipped Cream

A light and fluffy topping that balances out the sweetness and adds a creamy touch.

3. Maple Syrup

A classic drizzle that enhances the custardy goodness of the French toast.

4. Greek Yogurt

For a slightly tangy contrast, serve with a side of vanilla or plain Greek yogurt.

5. Crispy Bacon

The salty, smoky crunch pairs surprisingly well with the sweet Nutella flavor.

6. Caramelized Bananas

Sauté sliced bananas in butter and brown sugar for an extra indulgent topping.

7. Nuts & Seeds

Crushed hazelnuts, almonds, or pecans add a nice crunch and complement the Nutella.

8. Coffee or Hot Chocolate

A warm cup of coffee or a rich hot chocolate makes the perfect cozy pairing.

Storage Instructions

If you have leftovers (which isn’t always the case with this delicious dish!), you can easily store them for later.

Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container or cover the baking dish with plastic wrap. It will stay fresh in the fridge for 3-4 days.
Freezing: Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. It will keep well for up to 2 months.

Reheating Instructions

Oven: Reheat at 325°F (165°C) for 10-15 minutes until warm and slightly crispy.
Microwave: Heat individual slices for 30-45 seconds, though the texture will be softer.
Air Fryer: Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes for a slightly crispy top.

Estimated Nutrition

Nutritional values are approximate and vary based on ingredient choices and portion size.

Calories: ~350 per serving
Carbohydrates: ~40g
Protein: ~9g
Fat: ~18g
Sugar: ~20g
Fiber: ~2g

To make it lighter, you can use less Nutella, swap in a lower-fat milk, or reduce the sugar in the custard.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make Nutella French Toast Casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble everything the night before, cover it, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, just bake as directed.

2. Can I use a different type of bread?

Absolutely! Brioche and challah work best, but you can also use croissants, French bread, or even cinnamon swirl bread for extra flavor.

3. How do I prevent the casserole from getting soggy?

Use slightly stale bread and let it soak for at least 30 minutes (or overnight). Also, be sure not to use too much liquid.

4. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Swap the milk and heavy cream for almond, oat, or coconut milk. You can also use dairy-free chocolate hazelnut spread.

5. What if I don’t have Nutella?

You can substitute it with peanut butter, almond butter, or cookie butter for a different but equally delicious flavor.

6. How do I make it extra crispy on top?

Bake it uncovered for the full cooking time and, if needed, broil it for 1-2 minutes at the end.

7. Can I add extra toppings?

Definitely! Try chopped nuts, chocolate chips, caramelized bananas, or even a sprinkle of sea salt for a flavor boost.

8. Can I make a smaller batch?

Yes! Simply halve the ingredients and bake in a smaller dish. The cooking time may be slightly shorter, so keep an eye on it.

Conclusion

Nutella French Toast Casserole is the ultimate indulgent breakfast that’s perfect for special occasions or a cozy weekend treat. It’s easy to make, great for feeding a crowd, and can even be prepped ahead of time. If you love this recipe, don’t forget to save it on Pinterest and share it with friends and family! Enjoy every warm, chocolatey bite!