Overnight French Toast Casserole
4 tbs butter, room temperature
12 slices French bread, 3/4-inch-thick
6 eggs
1 1/2 cups milk, or half-and-half
1/4 cup sugar
2 tbs maple syrup
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 tsp salt
Garnish: confectioners’ sugar, to taste
Spread butter over bottom of large jelly roll baking pan with 1-inch-high sides or a casserole dish.
Arrange bread slices in the pan.
Combine eggs, milk, sugar, syrup, vanilla, and salt in a large bowl. Whisk until well blended.
Pour egg mixture over bread and turn bread slices until evenly coated.
Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a few hours or overnight.
When ready to bake, remove pan from refrigerator to let sit for 30 min while the oven preheats to 400°.
Remove plastic wrap and bake in the preheated oven for 10 min. Turn the bread over and continue baking just until a rich golden brown, about 5 to 6 additional min.
Transfer cooked French toast to plates and sprinkle with confectioners’ sugar if desired. Serve hot with maple syrup or your favorite topping. Serves 6