Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Cube stale French or Ciabatta bread and place in a medium mixing bowl.

In another mixing bowl, combine eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt.

Whisk the liquid ingredients until well blended.

Pour the liquid mixture over the bread cubes and mix well.

Let sit for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure all bread is soaked.

Add chopped bananas and pecans to the mixture and incorporate gently.

Pour the mixture into an 8" or 9" square cake pan.

Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.

Check for doneness: the custard should be set and the pudding pulling away from the sides of the pan.

If needed, bake for up to 15 minutes more, checking every 5 minutes.

Remove from oven and place on a wire rack.

Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Divide onto small plates or bowls.

Top with warm Southern Comfort Sauce.

Serve with a side of Vanilla Ice Cream, if desired.