Ingredients:
8 slices cinnamon swirl, cinnamon raisin or other flavored bread. Cinnamon rolls or Panetone (which can be found in stores during the holidays) are also great for this recipe.
1 stick unsalted butter
3 large eggs
½ cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla
Cinnamon or nutmeg and sugar mixture for topping (optional)
Chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts (optional)

Method:
Preheat oven to 300. Grease an 11 x 15 inch baking dish. Tear bread into pieces and arrange in a single layer in the bottom of the baking dish. Melt butter. In a bowl whisk together eggs, sugar, milk and vanilla. Add melted butter and lightly whisk to combine. Pour over bread and let stand 15 minutes.

Cover with tin foil and place in preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove foil. Add additional toppings if desired, such as nuts, raisins, nutmeg or cinnamon mixture, and bake uncovered for an additional 30 minutes.

Remove from oven and let stand for 30 minutes to one hour to let custard set. Serve warm or cold and eat plain or top with cream or other topping.