4 slices (⅔ inch thick) stale brioche bread
1 egg, beaten
2 tbsp cream cheese
1 pinch salt
2 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
¼ cup heavy cream
¼ cup granulated sugar
2 tsp pure vanilla extract
Spread cream cheese on half the bread. Press into sort of a sandwich and set aside.
Combine egg, vanilla, cream, sugar, and salt in a pie pan. Add bread "sandwiches" to mixture and coat both sides.
Melt 1 tbsp butter in a small nonstick skillet heated between medium and medium high. Add 1 "sandwich" to pan and cook until golden brown on both sides.
Remove from pan. Melt remaining butter and repeat.
Serve immediately with maple syrup, powdered sugar, whipped cream, or fresh fruit.