Night Before French Toast Casserole

found this on cooks.com....sometimes i substitute the milk for heavy cream to get a richer flavor. chilling time not included in prep time.

• Ready In: 1 hr
• Serves: 4-6
• Yields: 1 casserole

Ingredients

• 1 (10 ounce)  French bread (18-inch long)
• 8  eggs
• 3  cups milk
• 1⁄4 cup granulated sugar
• 3⁄4 teaspoon salt
• 1  tablespoon vanilla
• 2  tablespoons butter, cut into pieces
• 1⁄2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions

1. Grease a 13 x 9 x 2 inch pan.
2. Cut bread into 1 inch slices and arrange in one layer in bottom of pan.
3. Beat eggs with remaining ingredients, except butter, and pour over bread in pan.
4. Cover with foil and refrigerate 4-36 hours. To bake, uncover pan, dot with butter, sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar.
5. Bake at 350 degrees in center of oven for 45-50 minutes.
6. Remove and let stand for 5 minutes.
7. Serve with choice of syrup, honey, yogurt, or fresh fruit.