Mom's Favorite French Toast Casserole

prep time:: 30 min
total time:: null Overnight

Makes 12 slices

I made this for my mom on Mother’s day and she went nuts over it. I’ve also made it for faculty breakfasts and it is always a huge hit! The best part about it, though, is that you can make it ahead of time and pop it into the oven whenever you are ready for it.

ingredients

1 loaf french bread
8 large eggs or equivalent in egg substitute
2 cups half-and-half (fat free works)
1 cup milk
2 tbsp granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/3 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
Dash salt
Praline topping:
2 sticks butter
1 cup packed light brown sugar
1 cup chopped pecans
2 tbsp light corn syrup
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl and blend well.

directions

1
Slice french bread into 20 slices, 1 inch each. Arrange slices in a generously buttered 9 x 13 inch flat baking dish in 2 rows, overlapping the slices. In a large bowl, combine the eggs, half-and-half, milk, sugar, vanilla cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt and beat until blended, but not too bubbly. Pour mixture over the bread slices, making sure all are covered evenly with the mixture. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
2
The next day, preheat the oven to 350°.
3
Spread praline topping over the bread and bake for 40 minutes, until puffy and lightly golden. Serve with maple syrup.

Source: Meagan