Instructions:
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and arrange the French bread slices in a single layer, slightly overlapping if necessary.
In a large bowl, whisk together 2/3 cup sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, half-and-half, milk, vanilla extract, and eggs until smooth.
Pour the egg mixture over the bread slices, ensuring they are well coated. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) the next morning. Remove the plastic wrap from the baking dish.
Sprinkle the top of the bread with sugar and dot with butter.
Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the toast is puffy and golden brown.
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Sprinkle more sugar on top and broil until the sugar caramelizes, creating a crunchy topping.
Serve with maple syrup and enjoy!
Tips and Variations:
For a dairy-free option, use your favorite plant-based milk instead of milk and half-and-half.
Enhance the flavor by adding orange zest or a splash of whiskey to the custard.
Soaking the bread overnight is key to achieving a perfect custardy texture.
If you’re short on time, you can sprinkle powdered sugar on top instead of caramelizing sugar.
Get creative and have fun with this recipe, because the best dishes are made with love.
Feel free to adjust the recipe or wording as needed!