Simple French Toast Strata

This is a simple French Toast that everyone loves for Brunch on New Years' Day. I use whatever bread I have on hand, but I really like crusty Italian bread, cubed.

• Ready In: 55 mins
• Serves: 6-8

Ingredients

• 12  cups  bread cubes
• 8  ounces cream cheese, cubed
• 8  eggs
• 2 1⁄2 cups milk
• 6  tablespoons margarine or 6  tablespoons butter
• 1⁄4 cup maple syrup

Directions

1. Grease a 3 quart rectangular baking dish.
2. Place half of the bread cubes in the dish. Top with cream cheese.
3. cubes and remaining bread cubes.
4. Combine eggs, milk, melted margarine or butter, and maple syrup in a.
5. blender container or mixing bowl. Process or beat with.
6. a rotary beater until well combined.
7. Pour egg mixture evenly over the bread and cheese cubes. Using a.
8. spatula, lightly press layers down to moisten.
9. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 to 24 hours.
10. Remove plastic wrap from baking dish. Bake, uncovered,.
11. in a 325 oven for 35 to 40 minutes or until center.
12. appears set and the edges are lightly golden. Let.
13. stand about 10 minutes before serving.
14. Serve with syrup.