Pin It My daughter walked into the kitchen on a Saturday morning and asked if we could make something special. I had leftover brioche from the bakery run and a jar of Nutella that had been calling my name all week. What started as a simple breakfast idea turned into something we now make whenever we want to feel like the day is worth celebrating. The smell of buttery custard hitting the hot pan still makes me smile.
The first time I made this, I served it to friends who dropped by unannounced. They thought I had been planning brunch all along. I didnt tell them it was just leftovers and a craving. One of them said it tasted like something youd order at a cafe with too many plants and a chalkboard menu. I took that as a compliment.
Ingredients
- Brioche bread: The soft, buttery texture soaks up custard without falling apart, and it crisps beautifully on the edges.
- Nutella: Use the real stuff if you can, it melts into a creamy center that holds the sandwich together.
- Eggs: The base of your custard, they give structure and richness to every bite.
- Whole milk: Adds body without making the custard too heavy.
- Heavy cream: This is what makes it feel indulgent, just a splash transforms the texture.
- Granulated sugar: A tablespoon is enough to sweeten without overwhelming the chocolate.
- Vanilla extract: It rounds out the custard and makes your kitchen smell like a bakery.
- Ground cinnamon: Optional, but it adds warmth that plays nicely with hazelnut.
- Unsalted butter: For frying, it gives you control over seasoning and creates that golden crust.
- Powdered sugar: A light dusting makes it look like you tried harder than you did.
- Fresh berries: They cut through the richness and add a pop of color.
- Maple syrup or extra Nutella: For people who believe more is more.
Instructions
- Build the sandwiches:
- Spread a tablespoon of Nutella on four slices of brioche and top each with another slice. Press gently so they stick together but dont squish the bread.
- Make the custard:
- In a shallow bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until smooth and combined. The custard should look pale yellow and smell like vanilla.
- Heat the pan:
- Melt a tablespoon of butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Let it foam but not brown.
- Dip and soak:
- Dip each sandwich into the custard, turning to coat both sides. Let it soak for a few seconds but dont leave it too long or the bread will get soggy and fall apart.
- Cook until golden:
- Place the sandwiches in the skillet and cook for two to three minutes per side until golden brown and the custard is cooked through. Add more butter between batches if the pan looks dry.
- Serve warm:
- Transfer to plates, dust with powdered sugar, add berries if you like, and drizzle with syrup or extra Nutella. Serve right away while the outside is crisp and the inside is melty.
Pin It My daughter now requests this on her birthday instead of pancakes. She likes hers with strawberries and way too much powdered sugar. I like mine with just a drizzle of syrup and a strong cup of coffee. Either way, it feels like were treating ourselves without needing a special occasion.
Making It Your Own
If you want to add sliced bananas inside the sandwich, do it before you dip. They add sweetness and make it even more filling. Challah works if you cant find brioche, and honestly, even thick-cut white bread will do the job if its all you have. The custard is forgiving, and the Nutella does most of the heavy lifting.
Storage and Reheating
This is best eaten fresh, but leftovers can be wrapped in foil and reheated in a toaster oven at 350 degrees for about five minutes. The microwave will make them soggy, so avoid that if you can. They wont be as crisp as the first time, but theyll still taste good enough to finish.
What to Serve With It
We usually just eat this on its own because its rich enough to stand alone. But if youre feeding a crowd, a fruit salad or some crispy bacon on the side balances things out.
- Fresh berries or sliced fruit add brightness.
- Crispy bacon or sausage if you want something savory.
- A strong coffee or a glass of cold milk to wash it down.
Pin It This recipe doesnt need much explanation or skill, just good ingredients and a little attention. It turns a regular morning into something that feels a little bit special.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use regular white bread instead of brioche?
Yes, challah or soft white bread works well as substitutes. Brioche's richness complements Nutella beautifully, but any sturdy, slightly sweet bread will work. Avoid thin sliced bread as it may become too soggy.
- → How do I prevent the custard from oversaturating the bread?
Dip each sandwich quickly on both sides rather than soaking it. A 1-2 second dip per side is ideal. This ensures the custard flavor penetrates without making the bread mushy. Practice with the first sandwich to find the right timing.
- → What temperature should the skillet be at?
Medium heat is optimal. Too high and the outside browns before the custard cooks through; too low and it becomes greasy. Start with medium and adjust slightly if the first batch colors too quickly or slowly.
- → Can I prepare these sandwiches ahead of time?
Assemble the Nutella sandwiches up to 4 hours ahead and refrigerate. This prevents the chocolate from melting. Prepare the egg custard mixture just before cooking. Do not dip sandwiches until you're ready to cook.
- → What are some serving suggestions beyond powdered sugar?
Try sliced fresh berries, whipped cream, Greek yogurt, or a drizzle of maple syrup. Sliced bananas inside the sandwich add extra richness. For chocolate lovers, dust with cocoa powder or drizzle additional melted Nutella on top.
- → How should I reheat leftovers?
Place on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F toaster oven for 5-7 minutes until heated through. This preserves texture better than microwaving. Avoid reheating in the skillet as Nutella may melt excessively and escape the bread.