Serves 3.
Preheat the oven to 300 F with an oven rack in the middle position.
Bake on a wire reck over a rimmed baking sheet, until almost dry (~16 minutes), flipping halfway:
- 6 pieces Challah or Brioche (or any hearty white sandwich bread), sliced 3/4" thick
Cool bread for 5 minutes.
Return empty rack and baking sheet to the oven, reducing the temperature to 200 F.
In a large bowl, whisk together:
- 1.5 cups whole milk, warmed
- 3 large egg yolks
- 3 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon table salt
Transfer mixture to a 13x9 baking pan.
Soak the bread in the milk mixture until saturated, but not falling apart (~20 seconds). Using a slotted spatula, drain excess mixture, and transfer slices to a second baking sheet.
Heat in a 12-inch skillet of medium-low heat until foaming subsides:
- 1/2 tablespoon unsalted butter
Cook two slices at a time, and cook until golden brown (~3 minutes per side). Reduce heat if they're browning any faster.
Transfer cooked sliced to the baking sheet in the oven.
Wipe skillet with paper towels, re-butter the skillet, and repeat with remaining slices.
Serve with:
- Protein (grilled ham, crispy bacon, etc)
- Mixed fruit w/ lime juice & lime zest for extra tartness
- Herbaceous, salty hash browns
- Maple syrup
- Powdered sugar