Creating French Toast Casserole is straightforward if you follow these simple steps:

1. Prep the Bread: Cut the French bread into cubes and place them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Make the Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
3. Combine Mixtures: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread cubes. Gently press the cubes down to ensure they soak up the custard.
4. Chill (Optional): Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.
5. Preheat the Oven: When you are ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
6. Bake: Remove the cover and bake the casserole for 40-45 minutes until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Cool: Allow the casserole to cool for about 10 minutes before serving.
8. Serve: Drizzle with maple syrup and dust with powdered sugar if desired. Garnish with fresh berries for a burst of color and flavor.

These steps will guide you in creating this incredible casserole effortlessly.