Decadent French Toast Casserole

Ingredients

• 1 loaf (about 16 oz or 450g) brioche or challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 6 large eggs
• 2 cups (480ml) whole milk
• 1 cup (240ml) half-and-half
• ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup (100g) brown sugar
• ½ cup (60g) all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup (100g) chopped pecans (optional)