Whisk together eggs, milk, cream, sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt in a shallow dish until completely smooth. The mixture should smell fragrant with cinnamon and have no streaky egg whites visible.

Warm a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and add one tablespoon of butter. The butter should sizzle gently but not brown immediately.

Dip each bread slice into the custard mixture, letting it soak for about 30 seconds per side. The bread should absorb the custard but still hold its shape.

Place the soaked bread in the heated pan and cook for 3-4 minutes until golden brown on the bottom. Flip carefully and cook another 2-3 minutes. The edges should look set and the center should spring back lightly when touched.

During the last minute of cooking, nestle the sliced sausage around the French toast to warm through.

Transfer to warm plates, dust with powdered sugar, and drizzle with maple syrup.