Christmas Morning French Toast Casserole

Many years ago a co-teacher shared this recipe with our school faculty and then almost every teacher was making this recipe for Christmas morning. My family has continued this tradition for 15 years. We make it on Christmas Eve and then pop it in the oven before opening presents on Christmas morning. After the kids finish unwrapping their gifts, we all eat a nice warm breakfast together. 

French Toast Casserole

1 loaf fresh bread (1 lb.) cut into cubes
1 bar cream cheese (cut into small cubes- kinda hard to do so I just pinch small pieces)
1 dozen eggs
1 1/2 c. milk
1/3 c. pure maple syrup (and more for serving)

Grease a 9 x 12 Pyrex. Layer half the bread cubes and half the cream cheese. Repeat layers with remaining bread and cream cheese cubes. In a bowl, beat eggs, add milk, and maple syrup. Mix. Pour atop the bread and cream cheese. Cover and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, bake uncovered at 350 degrees fro 30-40 minutes. Let cool for 15 minutes. Serve warm with additional maple syrup.

Enjoy!