Ingredients: 1 loaf of French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes. 1 cup chopped pecans. 8 large eggs. 2 cups whole milk. 1/2 cup heavy cream. 1/2 cup granulated sugar. 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar. 2 teaspoons vanilla extract. 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon. 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg. 1/4 teaspoon salt. 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted. Maple syrup, for serving optional.
Instructions: Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish and spread the cubed French bread evenly in the dish. Sprinkle the chopped pecans over the bread cubes. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread and pecans in the baking dish. Press down on the bread to make sure it's well-soaked. Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate it overnight, or for at least 8 hours. Preheat your oven to 350F 175C. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the unsalted butter and drizzle it evenly over the soaked bread mixture in the baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until the casserole is golden brown and set in the center. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve warm, drizzled with maple syrup if desired.