Crispy Nutella-Stuffed Brioche French Toast Sticks

Transform your morning routine with these decadent, crispy Nutella-stuffed brioche French toast sticks. This recipe combines the buttery richness of brioche with a warm, gooey hazelnut center, creating a breakfast experience that feels like a gourmet treat.

Perfectly crispy on the outside and wonderfully molten on the inside, these sticks are designed for those who appreciate a balance of textures in their morning meal, offering a satisfying crunch followed by a smooth, chocolatey finish that will brighten any day of the week.

These French toast sticks are the perfect solution for a quick yet impressive breakfast or brunch. By using thick-cut brioche, the bread holds its structure even when stuffed with a rich chocolate hazelnut spread. The double-dipping method—first into a seasoned egg custard and then into a crunchy cornflake coating—ensures a robust exterior that contrasts beautifully with the soft, warm center.

This recipe is straightforward, requiring only a few pantry staples and minimal active cooking time, making it an ideal choice for busy mornings when time is short but the craving for something special is high. Note that the eggs are served soft, so use pasteurised eggs for safety.

Ingredients

Why this recipe works

The use of thick-cut brioche provides a sturdy foundation that prevents the sandwich from falling apart during the dipping process. Because brioche has a high butter and egg content, it remains tender on the inside while the exterior achieves a perfect golden crunch, ensuring that each bite is both light and substantial.

The custard base infuses the bread with flavor, while the cornflake coating provides a structural contrast that elevates this beyond standard French toast.

Cooking the sticks in foaming butter allows for an even, golden-brown sear across all surfaces. By maintaining a steady medium heat, the outer cornflake layer crisps up effectively while the internal heat gently warms the Nutella to a molten consistency. This method ensures the bread does not become soggy, keeping the sticks structurally sound and easy to handle, which is essential for a fun, handheld breakfast that maintains its integrity from the first bite to the last.

Notes and substitutions

Brioche is the preferred choice here due to its rich, pillowy texture, but thick-cut challah or even a high-quality milk bread can serve as excellent alternatives if brioche is unavailable. Ensure the slices are at least three-quarters of an inch thick to hold the filling securely. If the bread is too thin, the Nutella may leak out during the searing phase. Always use fresh eggs for the custard to achieve the best flavor and binding properties for the coating.

When it comes to equipment, a heavy-bottomed skillet or a well-seasoned cast iron pan is ideal for even heat distribution. A wide spatula is essential for turning the sticks gently without damaging the crispy cornflake coating.

The cornflakes provide the signature crunch, but if they are unavailable, crushed graham crackers or panko breadcrumbs mixed with sugar can provide a similar textural experience, though the final flavor profile will be slightly different depending on the choice of coating.

• Brioche bread: Thick-cut challah or white bread
• Cornflakes: Crushed graham crackers or panko breadcrumbs

Equipment

• Skillet
• Whisk
• Mixing bowls
• Bread knife
• Spatula