French Toast Bake

Ingredients:

• 1 loaf firm bread
• 10 eggs
• 1, 8 oz. pkg. cream cheese
• 1½ cups half & half
• ¼ cup maple syrup
• 8 Tblsp. butter, melted

Directions:

Cube bread and layer half in a 9 X 13 casserole dish. Cut cream cheese into small bits and sprinkle around cubed bread. Cover with remaining bread cubes.

In a large bowl, whisk eggs with half & half, melted butter and maple syrup. Pour all over bread. Press bread down to absorb the egg mixture. Cover and refrigerate overnight.

The next morning, bake at 350° for 40 to 50 minutes.

Serve with additional maple syrup or warmed fruit topping.