Nutella stuffed french toast

Nutella Stuffed French Toast

I know I totally missed that boat when it came to World Nutella Day, but I wanted to share this french toast with you anyway.  After all, who needs a special date on the calendar to eat Nutella?

At first glance, this looks like your run-of-the-mill french toast, but when you dig in, you find a perfectly delicious layer of Nutella goodness tucked inside.  Mmm.  This is some seriously good french toast that tastes like a rich bread pudding.  The best part is that you can eat it for breakfast!

{one year ago:  valentine lollipops}
{two years ago:  breakfast bake}

Recipe:  Nutella Stuffed French Toast

(adapted from Ina Garten)

6 large eggs

1 1/2 c. half and half

1 tsp. grated orange zest

1 tsp. pure vanilla extract

1 Tbsp. honey

1/2 tsp. kosher salt

1 large loaf of stale bread  (such as challah, brioche, or French)

Nutella spread

unsalted butter

vegetable oil

confectioners sugar, syrup, or fruit for topping

Preheat oven to 250 degrees, to keep french toast warm until you’re done cooking.  Slice the bread into thick slices.  Carefully cut a slit into the flat side of each slice to create a pocket.  Spread a generous dollop of Nutella into each of these pockets.

In a large glass baking pan, whisk together eggs, half and half, orange zest, vanilla, honey, and salt.  Soak the bread slices in this mixture for 5 minutes, turning once.

Heat 1 Tbsp. of unsalted butter and 1 Tbsp. of oil in a large saute pan over medium heat.  Add the soaked bread and cook a couple minutes in each side, until nicely browned.  Place finished french toast on a baking sheet in the warmed oven while you continue cooking.  Add more butter and oil to the pan, as needed.  Serve hot with a dusting of confectioners sugar or fruit or syrup.