Make-Ahead French Toast Bake Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 loaf challah or French bread (1 lb), cut into 1-inch slices
• 8 eggs
• 2 cups whole, low-fat (2%) or soy milk
• 1 cup half-and-half
• 4 teaspoons packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• Maple-flavored or real maple syrup, if desired