Brioche French Toast

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup half and half
• 4 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (or more to taste)
• pinch fine sea salt
• 8 slices brioche bread (1/2 to 3/4-inch thick slices, ideally day old)
• 4 tablespoons butter (or more as needed )
• maple syrup
• fruit preserves or jam
• lightly sweetened whipped cream
• fresh berries
• powdered sugar

Instructions

1. 1

   Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment and place in a cold oven. Set oven to 275˚F. (To keep first batches warm.)

2. 2

   In a medium bowl, whisk together milk, half and half, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon and salt.

3. 3

   Pour custard into a second rimmed baking sheet. Add brioche slices, arranging in a single layer; immediately flip each slice so that both sides are coated. Let stand 5 minutes at room temperature; carefully flip slices once more and let stand while you heat the skillet.

4. 4

   Heat a large nonstick skillet (or cast iron skillet) over medium-low heat; add 1 tablespoon of the butter and swirl to coat. Add 2 or 3 custard soaked brioche slices in a single layer (each one should have a little room). Cook until golden brown on the bottom, 4 to 5 minutes (adjust heat as needed to brown each side without burning). Flip and cook until golden brown on the other side, 4 to 5 minutes more. Transfer to plate for serving or to prepared baking sheet in the oven to keep warm. Repeat with remaining batches. Serve with desired toppings.