Heat 2¼ cups milk and ¼ cup butter over medium heat.
In a separate bowl, mix 2 eggs, ½ cup granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon salt, and a sprinkle of nutmeg and cloves.
Cube bread and arrange in a casserole dish. Stir in the egg mixture, then pour the warm milk mixture over the bread cubes.
Place casserole dish in a larger dish and pour water into the larger dish to create a water bath.