1-Getting started with this pumpkin French toast is simple and fun, beginning with preheating your oven and griddle for even cooking. Preheat the oven to 225°F (107°C) and set an electric griddle to 350°F (177°C) or use a non-stick skillet over medium heat to ensure everything cooks uniformly. This setup keeps your toast warm and ready to serve.

2-Next, whisk together the pumpkin puree, eggs, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves in a shallow dish until blended, then add the half and half and whisk again for a smooth custard. Dip each slice of bread into this mixture, soaking each side for about one minute to let the flavors seep in deeply. Once soaked, butter the griddle and cook the bread slices until they turn golden brown on both sides, which usually takes a few minutes per side.

3-After cooking, keep the slices warm on an oven rack for up to 10 minutes before serving to maintain that fresh-out-of-the-pan crispness. This method not only enhances the taste but also makes it easy to prepare for a crowd. Remember, using sturdy bread helps improve custard absorption and prevents sogginess, leading to a better texture overall.