Ingredients:

  • 2 large eggs
  • 0.5 cup whole milk
  • 1 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 0.5 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 pinch kosher salt
  • 5 slices thick-cut brioche or challah bread, 1 day old
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 tsp neutral oil

Instructions:

  1. In a wide, shallow dish like a pie plate, whisk the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt together vigorously until no streaks of egg white remain.
  2. Place a slice of the stale bread into the custard mixture. Soak for exactly 10 seconds per side. The bread should be heavy and saturated but still hold its shape.
  3. Heat the unsalted butter and neutral oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat until the butter foam subsides.
  4. Place the soaked bread into the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the bottom achieves a mahogany-colored, caramelized crust.
  5. Flip the bread and cook for an additional 3 minutes until the center is set and the second side is golden brown.