Stuffed and Baked French Toast

Boyz 5's Note:

This recipe has become our traditional Christmas morning breakfast.... Assemble this delicious French-toast casserole the night before, and while everyone is opening presents on Christmas morning, pop it into the oven for a special, fuss-free breakfast that's ready in no time at all!

• Total Time: 50 mins
• Prep Time: 30 mins
• Cook Time: 20 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 8

• 1 (8 ounce) container whipped cream cheese, at room temperature
• 1/3 cup chopped pecans
• 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1 3/4 teaspoons cinnamon, divided
• 2 cups milk
• 5 eggs
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar, plus
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 loaf challah (I use French bread) or 1 loaf egg bread, cut into 3/4 -thick slices (I use French bread)
• confectioners' sugar (icing sugar)

Directions:

1. Combine cheese, pecans, brown sugar, syrup and 1/4 teaspoons cinnamon;reserve.
2. Whisk together milk, eggs, 1/4 cup sugar and vanilla.
3. Reserve 2 bread slices. Spread one side of each remaining bread slice with cheese mixture; layer at an angle in 13" by 9" well-greased baking dish, cheese-side up, ending with reserved plain bread slices.
4. Pour milk mixture evenly over slices.
5. Cover dish with plastic wrap; refrigerate overnight.
6. Preheat oven to 350°F Remove plastic wrap.
7. Combine remaining granulated sugar with cinnamon; sprinkle over slices.
8. Bake 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and egg mixture is set.
9. Sprinkle with confectioners' sugar just before serving.

Reviews

[threeovens]

This reminded me of bagels with maple walnut cream cheese that I used to get years ago.