Overnight French Toast Bake

Ingredients

• 75 g melted butter, plus 1 tbsp for greasing
• 4 cups stale bread (half cubed, half sliced)
• 1 cup milk chocolate chunks (or dark chocolate)
• 6 large eggs
• 2 cups (475 ml) whole milk
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream
• 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• Pinch of salt
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar, for sprinkling
• Double cream, fresh berries, and maple syrup, for serving (optional)

Directions

• Grease a Dutch oven with 1 tbsp butter. Arrange the cubed bread in an even layer at the bottom, pressing down gently. Scatter half the chocolate chunks over the bread, then layer the sliced bread neatly on top.
• In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth. Pour evenly over the bread, pressing down gently so everything soaks. Drizzle the melted butter over the top and sprinkle with sugar. Cover and refrigerate 1 hour or overnight.
• The next morning, preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Let the dish sit at room temperature about 10 minutes, then bake uncovered for 30 minutes, until the top is golden and slightly crisp.
• Scatter the remaining chocolate chunks over the top to melt slightly. Let cool 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm with a dollop of cream, fresh berries, and a drizzle of maple syrup.

From Isabelle Dunn on Instagram. Best with stale bread; a mix of cubed and sliced pieces adds contrast.