BA's Best French Toast

Preheat oven to 250°. Lightly beat 6 large eggs, ¾ cup heavy cream, ¾ cup whole milk, ¼ cup granulated sugar or light brown sugar, and pinch of kosher salt in a large shallow dish (a lasagna pan is perfect). Add six ¾"-thick slices challah, brioche, or Pullman loaf to egg mixture in a single layer, turn to coat, then press down gently on bread until you feel it start to soak up custard mixture—this is key for a luscious, not dry, texture. Let soak 10 minutes.

Flip bread and soak on second side, pressing down gently from time to time, until bread is saturated but not soggy, another 10 minutes or so.

Heat 1 Tbsp. unsalted butter and 1 Tbsp. vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat. When foaming subsides, carefully lift 3 slices of bread from custard, letting excess drip back into dish, and cook in skillet until golden brown and center of toast springs back when pressed, about 2 minutes per side. Transfer toast to a wire rack set inside a rimmed baking sheet and keep warm in oven while you cook remaining slices of bread with 1 Tbsp. unsalted butter and remaining 1 Tbsp. vegetable oil.

Serve slices of French toast with pure maple syrup, jam, whipped cream, or powdered sugar.