Winter Garden Magazine May 2015 | Page 29

CREAM CHEESE FRENCH TOAST CASSEROLE recipe Serves 10-12 Ingredients 10 cups (1 large loaf) day-old Brioche, cut into cubes 8 eggs, lightly beaten 1 1/4 cups milk 3/4 cup heavy cream 1/2 cup maple syrup 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted 1/4 cup brown sugar 1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese, room temperature, cut into cubes 1 tablespoon cinnamon 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract maple syrup, to taste 1/4 teaspoon salt Directions 1. Preheat oven to 350ยบ F and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. 2. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, maple syrup, dark sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract and salt. 3. Beat in melted butter and whisk for another 2 minutes. 4. Drop bread cubes into the egg mixture, pressing them down so they're completely coated and absorb all liquid. 5. Spread 1/2 bread chunks in an even layer across the baking dish and sprinkle cubed cream cheese evenly across the bread. 6. Top with remaining bread and cubed cream cheese. 7. Cover with aluminum foil and transfer baking dish to oven. Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until cooked through and golden. 8. Remove from oven, garnish with more maple syrup and serve immediately.