The first time I had French Toast Casserole was at my friend's home during the holidays. His mother had already left for the morning but on the kitchen counter was this hot, fresh, delicious smelling breakfast casserole. It contained all my favorite flavors and ingredients. The best, in my opinion, being the cream cheese. 

The greatest thing about this dish is you can make it the night before, cover it, and pop it in the fridge. Then the next morning after it has marinated in all is goodness, just pop it in the oven. The sweet aroma will fill your home and excite your taste buds. 

1 loaf Jewish Challah or Hawaiian Bread

10 eggs

8 tbsp melted butter 

2 cups milk

8 oz cream cheese

1/4 cup of maple syrup

2 tbsp vanilla

1 tsp cinnamon

powdered sugar optional

13x19 pan or baking dish

 

Cube bread and layer half of the bread in the pan

cut cream cheese into pieces and place over bread  (small chunks)

cover with remaining bread

 

Mix eggs, butter, milk, vanilla, syrup and cinammon in large bowl

and pour over top of the bread. Press the bread down so that all the bread is covered.

 

cover and let set overnight in the fridge

 

Bake at 350 degrees for 40 to 50 min

 

Sprinkle powdered sugar over top and serve with syrup.