5-Ingredient Nutella French Toast Casserole

This simple 5-ingredient Nutella French toast casserole is a kid-friendly, make-ahead breakfast or brunch that’s both easy and delicious. It combines soft, custardy bread with warm Nutella for a sweet treat the whole family will enjoy.

Nutella may not be the heart-healthy cereal spread once promoted in commercials, but it has a special place on my breakfast table — especially when used as a molten filling for a French toast casserole. This version elevates everyday white sandwich bread into a rich, custardy bake that’s perfect for holidays, weekend brunches, or any morning you want something a little decadent.

Classic French toast is already a favorite in our house. When I want a make-ahead option that’s easy to assemble and guaranteed to please kids, this Nutella French toast casserole is my go-to. You spread Nutella on bread, roll the slices, dunk them in a simple egg-and-milk custard, arrange them in a baking dish, refrigerate to let the custard soak in, and bake the next morning if desired. The result is tender, slightly crisped rolls with gooey Nutella inside.

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe keeps things simple and reliable. There’s no need for brioche or challah — plain white sandwich bread works best because it soaks up the custard and stays tender after baking. Nutella provides the sweet filling, while a basic custard of eggs, milk, and vanilla builds softness and structure without adding extra sugar. Preparing the casserole the night before makes mornings effortless, and baking produces a golden top with a soft interior.

It’s also very versatile. If you prefer, pan-fry the rolls after dipping in custard for French toast sticks instead of baking. You can add thin slices of banana or chopped strawberries inside the roll with the Nutella, or top the finished casserole with whipped cream, powdered sugar, maple syrup, or a drizzle of warm Nutella. Fresh berries on the side are a classic match.

Ingredient Notes

Bread

Use standard white sandwich bread for the best texture and ease of rolling. If slices tear while rolling, warm them in the microwave for a few seconds to make them more pliable.

Nutella

The Nutella filling is the only added sugar in this recipe; the custard is unsweetened. Plan on about 2 tablespoons of Nutella per slice (roughly 1 cup total for the recipe). That’s about the same amount you’d spread on toast.

Eggs, Milk & Vanilla

Use four large eggs (room temperature is best), about 1 1/4 cups of whole milk (or milk alternative such as almond or oat milk), and a tablespoon of pure vanilla extract to flavor the custard.

How to Make Nutella French Toast Casserole

1. Prepare the custard: whisk together 4 large eggs, 1 1/4 cups milk, and 1 tablespoon vanilla in a medium bowl until smooth.
2. Spread about 2 tablespoons Nutella on each of 8 slices of bread. Roll each slice into a cylinder with the Nutella inside.
3. Butter a 7 x 11-inch (roughly 2-quart) shallow baking dish. Dip each roll in the egg mixture and place seam-side down in the dish, arranging them in rows like enchiladas.
4. Pour any remaining custard over the rolls. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight so the bread absorbs the custard.
5. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the casserole for 30–35 minutes, until golden and set.
6. Finish with a dusting of powdered sugar and an optional drizzle of warm Nutella. Serve with fresh strawberries, bananas, and/or maple syrup.

Tips & Variations

• If your pan is larger (for example 9 x 13), increase ingredient quantities proportionally.
• For added fruit, place a few thin banana or strawberry slices on the Nutella before rolling.
• To make French toast sticks, skip the baking and pan-fry rolls in a little butter until golden.
• Warm Nutella slightly in a bowl set over hot water or for a few seconds in the microwave to make drizzling easier.

Storage Instructions

Let the baked casserole cool completely, then cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat from the refrigerator, bake at 350°F for 20–25 minutes or until heated through.

If assembling for later, do not bake: assemble the rolls, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours or freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.

Recipe Summary

Ingredients

• 8 slices white sandwich bread
• 4 large eggs
• 1 1/4 cups whole milk (or milk of choice)
• 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup Nutella (about 2 tablespoons per slice)
• Butter for greasing the baking dish

Notes

An 11 x 7-inch baking dish is ideal. If you use a different pan, adjust quantities or cut rolls to fit. This recipe is forgiving — small variations in proportions will still produce a great result.

If you try this Nutella French toast casserole, enjoy the warm, gooey filling and soft custardy texture. It’s a simple, comforting dish that’s perfect for special mornings or any time you want an easy make-ahead breakfast the kids will love.