Baked French Toast

Directions

1. Cut a loaf of bread into large 2-inch cubes and set aside.

2. On a quarter sheet pan, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla, sugar, and salt.
3. Place the bread cubes on top of the egg mixture and let them sit and absorb the liquid for 10 minutes.
4. Flip the bread cubes over and let them absorb the remaining liquid. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes. You can also make ahead—if resting overnight, store it covered with plastic wrap in the fridge.
5. Heat a nonstick pan or griddle over medium heat. Melt the butter and add the bread cubes to the pan. Let it cook for 3-5 minutes until brown, then flip. Cook each side to evenly brown.
6. Transfer the cooked bread cubes to an oven-safe dish (I used a glass 9x9 casserole).
7. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
8. When all of the bread has been cooked on the stove, bake the bread cubes for 15-20 minutes to finish cooking them.
9. Serve warm with maple syrup.