What happens when you combine the richness of Nutella with the comfort of French toast in a casserole, topped with a homemade chocolate sauce and paired with fresh strawberries on the side for a quick and easy breakfast treat that is sure to become a family favorite. Save this idea

nutella french toast casserole with chocolate sauce and strawberries on the side

Introduction

This Nutella French toast casserole is a game-changer for any breakfast or brunch gathering. It’s surprisingly easy to make, using everyday ingredients that come together to create a dish that’s both decadent and delightful. The combination of crispy French toast, rich Nutella, and sweet strawberries, all complemented by a drizzle of warm chocolate sauce, is a match made in heaven. What’s even better is that it requires minimal effort for such an impressive result, making it perfect for special occasions or a lazy Sunday morning.

Why This Works

The balance of flavors between the sweet Nutella, the tangy freshness of strawberries, and the richness of chocolate sauce creates a harmonious taste experience that’s hard to resist.
The accessibility of the ingredients means you can easily find everything you need in your local grocery store, making this dish achievable for anyone.
The ease of preparation is a significant advantage. Despite its impressive presentation, this casserole is straightforward to make, requiring only basic cooking skills.
The impressive results with minimal effort make it an ideal choice for hosting guests or for a family treat, as it looks and tastes like a professional dessert without the hassle.

Key Ingredients

The main ingredients for this Nutella French toast casserole include thick slices of bread (preferably a day-old bread for better absorption of egg mixture), Nutella for the chocolate-hazelnut flavor, eggs, milk, and cinnamon for the French toast mixture, and fresh strawberries for serving. For the chocolate sauce, you’ll need chocolate chips or chocolate bars, and heavy cream. Practical substitutions could include using almond milk instead of regular milk for a dairy-free option or replacing strawberries with other berries like blueberries or raspberries.

Instructions

Step 1: Begin by preparing your ingredients. Slice the bread into thick slices, crack the eggs into a bowl, and measure out the milk, cinnamon, and Nutella. Chop the fresh strawberries and set them aside for serving.
Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and cinnamon until well combined. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Dip each slice of bread into the egg mixture, coating both sides evenly, and cook until golden brown. This step may need to be done in batches depending on the size of your skillet.
Step 3: In a separate saucepan, melt the chocolate chips over low heat, stirring occasionally. Once melted, add in the heavy cream and stir until the sauce is smooth and warm. Layer the cooked French toast slices in a baking dish, spreading Nutella on each slice before adding the next, creating a stack. You can also cut the French toast into cubes and mix with Nutella for a more casserole-like consistency before baking.
Step 4: Bake the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until it’s heated through and the top is lightly toasted. Serve warm, topped with fresh strawberries and drizzled with the warm chocolate sauce.

Handy Tips

Using day-old bread is crucial as it absorbs the egg mixture better, reducing the chance of a soggy casserole.
Don’t over-soak the bread in the egg mixture to avoid it falling apart.
For an extra crispy top, broil the casserole for a minute or two after baking, watching closely to avoid burning.

Heat Control

Heat control is essential in two parts of this recipe: cooking the French toast and melting the chocolate. For the French toast, medium heat is ideal to achieve a golden-brown color without burning. When melting chocolate, low heat is crucial to prevent the chocolate from seizing up or burning. If using a microwave to melt the chocolate, do it in short intervals (10-15 seconds) and stir between each interval until smooth.

Crunch Factor

The crunch factor in this dish comes from the toasted French toast on top and the fresh strawberries. To achieve a crispy French toast, make sure not to overcrowd the skillet when cooking, and don’t flip the slices too soon. For the strawberries, freshness is key, so try to use strawberries that are in season for the best flavor and texture.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

Prepare the chocolate sauce ahead of time and reheat it when needed for convenience.
Use high-quality chocolate for the best flavor in your sauce.
Consider making extra French toast and freezing it for future use. Simply thaw and bake when needed.

Storage Tips

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Freezing is also an option for the baked casserole. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven.
For the chocolate sauce, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Reheat gently before serving.

Gift Packaging Ideas

This Nutella French toast casserole makes a wonderful gift, especially for new parents, neighbors, or as a potluck contribution. Consider packaging it in a charming baking dish with a clear lid, wrapped in a ribbon or twine around the handle for a personal touch. Include a side of fresh strawberries and a small jar of homemade chocolate sauce for a complete gift.

Flavor Variations

Try adding different spices like nutmeg or cardamom to the egg mixture for a unique twist.
Experiment with creative toppings such as whipped cream, chopped nuts, or even candy pieces for kids.
Swap the Nutella for another chocolate-hazelnut spread or try a different flavor like peanut butter for a variation.

Troubleshooting

If your French toast turns out too soggy, it might be due to using fresh bread or over-soaking the bread in the egg mixture. Try using day-old bread and soaking it just until coated.
If the chocolate sauce seizes up, it’s likely due to overheating. Start over with new chocolate, melting it gently and stirring constantly.
For over or undercooking, keep an eye on the casserole while it’s baking. If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover it with foil. If it’s not heating through, give it a few more minutes and check again.

FAQs

Can I freeze it? Yes, you can freeze the casserole before baking. Assemble it, freeze, and then bake when needed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Is it gluten-free? Depending on the bread used, this dish can be gluten-free. Simply choose a gluten-free bread option.
Can I double the recipe? Absolutely. Just keep in mind that you may need to adjust the baking time slightly for a larger casserole.

Conclusion

This Nutella French toast casserole with chocolate sauce and strawberries on the side is a recipe that’s sure to become a favorite. It’s a perfect blend of flavors and textures that’s both easy to make and impressive to serve. Feel free to adapt it to your tastes, whether that’s through different spices, toppings, or ingredient swaps. The joy of cooking lies in experimentation and sharing, so don’t hesitate to make this dish your own and enjoy it with loved ones.

Chocolate French Toast Casserole