Baked French Toast

Ingredients:

– 1 loaf of brioche, challah, or French bread, cut into thick slices
– 6 large eggs
– 2 cups whole milk
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 2 tablespoons butter, melted
– Maple syrup, powdered sugar, or fresh berries for serving

Instructions:

1. **Prepare the Bread:**
– Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
– Arrange the slices of bread in the baking dish in a single layer. If the bread is slightly stale, that’s perfect for soaking up the custard.

2. **Make the Custard:**
– In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and salt.
– Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread slices in the baking dish, making sure each slice is well-coated.
– Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight. This allows the bread to soak up the custard fully.

3. **Bake the French Toast:**
– Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
– Remove the dish from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes.
– Drizzle the melted butter over the top of the soaked bread slices.
– Bake in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.

4. **Serve:**
– Allow the baked French toast to cool slightly before serving.
– Serve warm with a drizzle of maple syrup, a dusting of powdered sugar, or fresh berries on top.

This baked French toast is perfect for a cozy morning breakfast or a special brunch. It’s easy to prepare in advance, making it convenient for feeding a crowd. Enjoy!