BAKED FRENCH TOAST CASSEROLE WITH MAPLE SYRUP RECIPES

Steps:

• Lightly spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Place the bread cubes in an even layer in the dish.
• In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup or brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla and salt. Pour the mixture evenly over the bread in the dish.
• In a small bowl, stir together the melted butter, maple syrup or brown sugar and cinnamon. Drizzle over the casserole.
• At this point, you can refrigerate the casserole overnight (covered) and bake in the morning, or let it rest for 20-30 minutes (in the refrigerator) and then bake right away.
• When you are ready to bake the casserole, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 35 minutes. Uncover and bake for 10-20 minutes more, until the top is lightly browned and the casserole is set. Serve with fresh fruit and maple syrup, as desired.

Steps:

• Grease a 9-inch by 13-inch baking dish with butter and set aside.
• Slice the bread into thick slices (1/2-inch to 1-inch thick). Cut each bread slice in half, making two triangles.
• In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, cream, maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, and salt until combined.
• Quickly dip each slice of bread into the milk mixture and place into the baking dish, arranging each slice so that they are angled and overlap slightly (like roof shingles).
• When all the bread slices are arranged in the baking dish, pour the remaining milk mixture over the top of the bread. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and refrigerate at least 30 minutes and up to overnight.
• Heat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175C). Bake the French toast, still covered, for 30 minutes.
• After 30 minutes, make the cinnamon sugar topping by stirring 1 tablespoon of sugar and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon together. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter, uncover the French toast and then slowly pour the melted butter over the top, trying to cover most of the bread slices.
• Scatter the cinnamon sugar over the bread, and then bake, uncovered, until the tips of the bread are golden brown and the bread looks puffed, about 10 minutes. Cool for 5 minutes, cut into 8 squares, and serve with your favorite toppings.