This needs to be made the night before and left to set in the fridge overnight.
1 loaf of French bread or 6 croissants
3 cups milk
6 large eggs
2 Tbsp. sugar
1 Tbsp. pure vanilla extract
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 Tbsp. cold butter, diced
Lightly grease a 9 x 13 baking dish.
Trim ends of bread loaf and cut diagonally into 1 inch thick slices. If using croissants, just arrange. Arrange the bread slices in a single layer in the dish, squeezing the slices to fit if that’s necessary.
In a large bowl whisk the milk, eggs, sugar, and vanilla until blended. Pour this slowly and evenly over the bread. Press down lightly with the back of a large spoon, or a spatula to make sure each piece is covered. Sprinkle the cinnamon over the top. cover with plastic wrap and place in the fridge overnight.
Next morning, take dish out of fridge and set on counter. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Wait 30 minutes.
Uncover dish, dot it with butter and bake for 45 minutes or until set and light golden brown.