Cinnamon French Toast Casserole

DIRECTIONS

• Spray a 9x13" baking dish or glass pan that is safe to go into a hot oven when its cold (such as pyrex or corningware).
• Cut bread into bite-sized cubes; place 1 1/2 c of cubes into quart sized ziploc bag and remaining cubes into baking dish. Set aside.
• Whisk eggs well in a 2qt bowl; whisk in half-and-half, milk, and vanilla and pour over bread cubes in casserole dish.
• Press the bread cubes down into the egg mixture to make sure they are all moistened.
• Cover and refrigerate for at least 8 hours up to 24 hours.
• When ready to bake, preheat oven to 375*.
• Place butter in a microwave-safe dish; cover with a paper towel and nuke for 30-45 seconds until almost melted. Remove and stir until completely melted.
• Add nuts to bag of reserved bread cubes, then pour melted butter into bag. Seal and shake until the bread and nuts are coated w/ butter.
• Uncover the casserole dish and press the bread cubes down w/ the back of a spoon to remoisten.
• Scatter the bread cubes/nut mixture over the top, using a spoon to evenly distribute.
• Bake, uncovered, for 45-50 minutes until lightly browned on top and puffed. (Baking time will vary depending on how cold the dish is.).
• Let casserole sit for 5-10 minutes before serving. The casserole will settle and deflate a bit as it stands.
• To serve:
• Cut into squares, place on individual plates, and pass maple syrup to drizzle on top. Serve with sliced strawberries or other berries or a mixture of berries, if desired.
• *NOTE: Pepperidge Farm Cinnamon-Swirl bread with or without raisins works well in this recipe.