Source: Gary Nichols/Dollywood
1-1/4 cups granulated sugar, divided
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
8 cups day old egg bread, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1/4 cup butter, melted
1/3 cup raisins
1 quart half-and-half
8 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Heat oven to 400 degrees F. Grease 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
Combine 1/4 cup sugar with cinnamon. Toss bread cubes, melted butter, raisins and sugar-cinnamon mixture in a large bowl. Spread evenly in greased pan. Set aside. Whisk eggs lightly in bowl. Bring cream, remaining sugar and vanilla to a boil. Gradually whisk cream mixture into eggs. Pour over bread mixture. Place pan in water bath. Bake 35-40 minutes until custard sets and top is golden brown.