
Let me tell you about the breakfast that changed everything in my house. It all started one rainy Sunday when my kids were begging for 'something different' for breakfast. With a jar of Nutella calling my name from the pantry and some leftover sourdough on the counter, magic was about to happen. This isn't your regular French toast - it's a warm hug wrapped in golden-brown bread, hiding a melty chocolate surprise that makes everyone at the table smile.
The first time I made this, my 6-year-old's eyes got so big when she cut into her slice and saw the warm Nutella oozing out. Now she calls it 'chocolate surprise toast' and honestly, that's a pretty perfect name for it.
Essential Ingredients
- Sourdough bread: The tang plays perfectly with the sweet Nutella
- Real eggs: Creates that custardy coating that makes French toast special
- Creamy Nutella: Don't you dare use the off-brand stuff here
- Fresh strawberries: That pop of color and freshness makes everything better

Detailed Instructions
- Sweet Beginnings
- First, we're whisking up a simple custard that's going to transform regular bread into something extraordinary. I like humming while I do this part - makes everything taste better, I swear.
- Nutella Dreams
- This is where the magic happens - spreading that perfect layer of Nutella. Not too much (okay, maybe a little extra), not too little. Think Goldilocks - just right.
- Dip and Soak
- Each sandwich gets a spa treatment in our vanilla-scented custard. Don't rush this part - good things come to those who wait.
- Golden Transformation
- Watch as each side turns perfectly golden brown in the pan. The smell at this point... pure heaven.
- Sweet Finishing Touch
- Now comes my favorite moment - cutting into that perfectly golden toast and watching the warm Nutella create those beautiful, Instagram-worthy stretchy pulls. A light dusting of powdered sugar, a few fresh strawberries, and suddenly your kitchen feels like a fancy café.
The other morning, my neighbor popped by just as I was making these. The smell lured her right into my kitchen, and now she's hooked. We've started a monthly breakfast club just because of this recipe!
Perfect Morning Partners
I love serving this with a strong cup of coffee or, for the kids, a tall glass of cold milk. On special occasions, I'll add a dollop of fresh whipped cream or a drizzle of maple syrup - because sometimes more is more.
Mix It Up
Some mornings I'll sneak thin banana slices in with the Nutella. Other times, I'll sprinkle cinnamon into the custard mix or add a handful of chopped hazelnuts on top. Once I used brioche instead of sourdough - my family still talks about that version.
Keep the Love Going
These are best fresh off the griddle, but if you're making them for a crowd, keep them warm in a low oven. Just don't stack them - nobody likes squished French toast!

Kitchen Love Notes
- Your pan should be hot enough that a drop of water dances on it
- Use a wide, flat spatula for flipping - these babies are precious cargo
- The second batch always cooks faster than the first, so watch carefully
- A serrated knife gives you the cleanest cut and best Nutella pulls
You know what's funny? This recipe started as a way to use up leftover bread and that half-empty jar of Nutella. Now it's the reason I buy extra bread and always keep Nutella in stock. It's become our Saturday morning tradition, the breakfast my kids request for their birthdays, and the reason our house often smells like a chocolate factory before noon. Sometimes the simplest recipes become the ones that create the sweetest memories.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What bread works best?
- Sourdough is recommended, but any sturdy bread works well.
- → Can I use different milk?
- Yes, any type of milk (dairy or non-dairy) works in this recipe.
- → Can I make this ahead?
- Best served immediately while Nutella is warm and melty.
- → What other toppings work well?
- Try bananas, raspberries, or whipped cream as alternatives.
- → Why soak the bread?
- Soaking allows custard to penetrate bread, but don't oversoak or it will become soggy.