Comforting breakfast casserole with custardy bread, cinnamon, and vanilla, baked golden and served warm.
# Ingredient List:
→ Bread
01 - 1 loaf day-old brioche or challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
→ Custard
02 - 6 large eggs
03 - 2 cups whole milk
04 - 1/2 cup heavy cream
05 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
06 - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
07 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
08 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
→ Topping
09 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
10 - 2 tablespoons brown sugar
11 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
# Directions:
01 - Grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Arrange the bread cubes evenly in the dish.
02 - Whisk together eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl until fully combined.
03 - Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes, pressing gently to ensure all pieces are thoroughly soaked.
04 - In a small bowl, combine melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Drizzle this mixture evenly over the custard-soaked bread.
05 - Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight for best results.
06 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Remove the baking dish from the refrigerator and allow it to sit at room temperature while the oven heats.
07 - Bake uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
08 - Allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving. Optionally serve with maple syrup, fresh berries, or powdered sugar.
