Hazelnut-Cocoa Mascarpone Stuffed French Toast Sandwiches
 
 
Custardy slices of French toast stuffed with a rich and creamy hazelnut-cocoa mascarpone filling. Perfect for breakfast or brunch!
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients
For the filling
  • 4 oz mascarpone
  • ⅓ cup hazelnut-cocoa spread (ie Nutella)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ¼ tsp kosher salt
  • ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
For the custard
  • 6 large eggs
  • 1½ cups half and half
  • ¼ cup sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ tsp kosher salt
  • 12 slices challah bread, cut into ½-inch thick slices (cut into 1-inch thick slices if not making the sandwiches)
  • butter, for cooking
Instructions
For the filling
  1. In a bowl, whisk together the mascarpone, nutella, vanilla, salt, and cinnamon until thoroughly combined. Spread on half of the bread slices, then top with the remaining slices. Lay the sandwiches in a large baking pan in a single layer.
For the custard
  1. Whisk together the eggs, half and half, sugar, vanilla, and salt in a large bowl until evenly blended. Pour over the sandwiches and allow to soak for about 5 minutes, flipping them halfway through.
  2. Melt 1 tbsp of the butter in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add two of the sandwiches to the pan and cook until golden on one side. Flip and cook until golden on the second side. Repeat with remaining sandwiches and butter.
  3. Serve topped with maple syrup, as desired.
Notes
Recipe from Aida Mollenkamp's Keys to the Kitchen: The Essential Reference for Becoming a More Accomplished, Adventurous Cook
Recipe by Joanne Eats Well With Others at https://joanne-eatswellwithothers.com/2017/10/hazelnut-mascarpone-stuffed-french-toast.html