4tablespoonsbutter (plus extra for greasing baking dish)cut into pieces
Instructions
Butter an 11x7-inch baking dish. Cut bread loaf into thick slices, then cut in half again. Set aside.
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, half-and-half, maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, and salt.
Dip each bread chunk into the egg mixture, then place inside the prepared baking dish. Pour the remaining egg mixture over the top. Cover with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for several hours (or overnight).
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the topping ingredients: flour, brown sugar, cinnamon and salt. Use a fork or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour mixture to make a crumble. Cover and refrigerate.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Bake the French toast casserole for 30 minutes. Sprinkle the crumble evenly over the top and return to oven. Bake for 20-30 more minutes until the center has set and the bread chunks are turning golden brown. Let rest for about 5 minutes before cutting. Serve with maple syrup, fresh berries or whipped cream, as desired.
Notes
Bread should be a hearty, dense bakery bread like sourdough, ciabatta, French or challah.