Maple Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole

prep time:: 8 hr
total time:: 0.5 day

Makes 8 servings

Plan ahead this needs to be refrigerated for a minimum of 8 hours or overnight. I tossed the bread cubes with a couple teaspoons of cinnamon before placing in the baking dish, but that is optional, if you prefer a less sweeter taste just omit the white sugar completely --- this is very good!

ingredients

10 cups bread cubes (cut into about 1-inch cubes, use stale bread but not hard for this)
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese
3-4 tablespoons sugar (optional or to taste)
8 large eggs, slightly beaten
1 1/2 cups full-fat milk
2/3 cup half-and-half cream (or use all half and half cream)
1/2 cup maple syrup
2 teaspoons vanilla
powdered sugar

directions

1
Place the bread cubes in a buttered 13 x 9-inch baking dish.
2
In a bowl beat the softened cream cheese with sugar at medium speed with an electric mixer until smooth and well combined. Add in eggs one at a time mixing well after each addition. Add in milk, half and half cream, maple syrup and vanilla; beat until well combined.
3
Pour the cream cheese mixture over the bread cubes in the baking dish, using a fork or spoon gently lift the cubes so that they coat evenly with the egg mixture. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 8-24 hours.
4
Next morning set oven to 375°F. Remove the dish from the fridge and let sit out at room temperature for 30 minutes. Bake uncovered for about 45-50 minutes or until set and a golden brown colour.
5
Sprinkle with powdered sugar and serve with maple more maple syrup.