French Toast
Topping
Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Stir brown sugar and butter together in a saucepan over medium-low heat until butter is melted and sugar has dissolved, 2 to 4 minutes. Pour butter-brown sugar mixture into the prepared baking dish.
Scatter bread pieces over top in a 1 ½- to 2-inch layer.
Whisk milk, eggs, and vanilla together in a bowl until well combined. Pour over bread pieces, then press bread down with a spatula so the bread absorbs the liquid. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate, 8 hours to overnight.
***** MORNING *****
When ready to bake, remove French toast from the refrigerator and discard plastic wrap. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.
While the oven is heating, mix brown sugar and cinnamon together in a small bowl. Sprinkle over French toast.
Bake in the preheated oven until casserole is browned and bubbling, about 30 minutes, covering with aluminum foil at any point if the top is browning too much.
To serve, cut into squares and invert onto serving plates.
