Hasselback Baked French Toast

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe takes French toast to the next level with its beautiful hasselback presentation and layers of customizable flavor. It’s make-ahead friendly, baked all at once (no standing at the stove!), and perfect for feeding a group. The crisp tops and custardy centers make every bite satisfying, and the stuffing options are endless.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Thick-sliced bread (brioche, challah, or Texas toast recommended)
• Eggs
• Milk or half-and-half
• Vanilla extract
• Ground cinnamon
• Cream cheese (softened)
• Fruit (such as berries, sliced bananas, or apples) or chocolate chips
• Butter (for greasing the baking dish)
• Maple syrup or powdered sugar for serving

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease a baking dish with butter.
3. Make vertical slices into each slice of bread about ¾ of the way through, spaced about ½-inch apart—do not cut all the way through.
4. In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon.
5. Spread cream cheese or your chosen filling between some of the slices. Add fruit or chocolate if desired.
6. Arrange the hasselback bread slices in the baking dish.
7. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread, making sure it seeps into the slices. Let it soak for 10–15 minutes.
8. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
9. Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until puffed and golden.
10. Serve warm with maple syrup, fresh fruit, or powdered sugar.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4–6 people. Prep time is about 15 minutes, plus 10–15 minutes for soaking. Bake time is 35–40 minutes, totaling around 50–60 minutes.

Variations

• Berry Cheesecake: Use cream cheese and fresh berries between the slices for a fruity, creamy filling.
• Banana Nutella: Spread Nutella and add banana slices for a sweet twist.
• Apple Cinnamon: Add thinly sliced apples with brown sugar and cinnamon between the slices.
• Savory Version: Omit sugar and use cheese, ham, and herbs for a savory brunch option.
• Dairy-Free: Use almond milk and plant-based cream cheese for a dairy-free version.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes or microwave individual portions for 30–60 seconds until heated through.

To freeze, wrap tightly in foil or place in a freezer-safe container. Reheat from frozen in the oven for best texture.

FAQs

What is hasselback French toast?

It’s French toast made with slices that are partially cut, filled, soaked in custard, and baked—similar to the hasselback potato method.

What kind of bread works best?

Thick, sturdy bread like brioche, challah, or Texas toast holds its shape and absorbs the custard well.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Bake in the morning.

Do I have to use cream cheese?

No, you can use nut butters, jam, Nutella, or skip the filling entirely.

How do I keep it from getting soggy?

Use day-old or slightly stale bread and don’t oversoak. Bake uncovered at the end for crisp edges.

Can I use gluten-free bread?

Yes, just ensure it’s thick enough to slice and hold together after soaking.

What fillings go best between the slices?

Cream cheese, berries, banana, Nutella, chocolate chips, sliced apples, or savory fillings like ham and cheese.

How can I make it sweeter?

Add a tablespoon of sugar to the egg custard or top with a sweet glaze after baking.

Can I bake this in muffin tins?

Yes, for mini versions, fold stuffed slices into muffin tins and reduce baking time slightly.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. Use a larger baking dish or two dishes and bake as directed, checking for doneness.

Conclusion

Hasselback Baked French Toast is a beautiful, crowd-pleasing dish that brings flavor and flair to your breakfast table. With its tender interior, crisp tops, and delightful fillings, it’s a brunch favorite you’ll want to make again and again. Whether sweet or savory, it’s the kind of meal that makes any morning feel special.

Hasselback Baked French Toast

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Hasselback Baked French Toast is a visually stunning, stuffed twist on classic French toast. Thick bread slices are partially sliced, filled with cream cheese, fruit, or chocolate, soaked in custard, and baked until golden and fluffy—perfect for brunch or special occasions.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
• Total Time: 50–60 minutes
• Yield: 4–6 servings
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baked
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 1 loaf thick-sliced bread (brioche, challah, or Texas toast)
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup milk or half-and-half
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup fruit (berries, sliced bananas, or apples) or 1/2 cup chocolate chips
• 1 tbsp butter (for greasing the baking dish)
• Maple syrup or powdered sugar, for serving

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish with butter.
2. Cut vertical slices into each bread slice about ¾ of the way through, spaced ½-inch apart—do not slice all the way through.
3. In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon.
4. Spread cream cheese and your desired filling (fruit or chocolate) between some of the bread slices.
5. Arrange hasselback bread slices in the baking dish.
6. Pour egg mixture evenly over the bread, making sure it seeps between slices. Let soak for 10–15 minutes.
7. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
8. Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until golden and puffed.
9. Serve warm with maple syrup, fresh fruit, or powdered sugar.

Notes

• Use slightly stale or day-old bread to prevent sogginess.
• Let the custard soak in for richer flavor and texture.
• Make-ahead friendly—assemble the night before and bake in the morning.
• Try different fillings for sweet or savory variations.
• Bake uncovered at the end for crispier tops.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 portion (1/6 of recipe)
• Calories: 330
• Sugar: 9g
• Sodium: 320mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 140mg