A winner for CBS Brunch...

French Toast Casserole

5 cups bread cubes, from Peppridge Farm cinnamon bread
4 eggs
1 1/2 cups milk
1/4 cup white sugar, divided
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon margarine, softened


Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter an 8x8 inch baking pan, don't be afraid to use too much - you really don't want this to stick. Line bottom of pan with bread cubes. In a large bowl, beat together eggs, milk, 2 tablespoons sugar, salt and vanilla. Pour egg mixture over bread. Dot with margarine; let stand for 10 minutes. Combine remaining 2 tablespoons sugar with 1 teaspoon cinnamon (if not using the cinnamon bread) and sprinkle over the top. Bake in preheated oven about 45 to 50 minutes, until top is golden. You might want to cover with foil for half of the cooking time, so the top doesn't get too crunchy. Sprinkle with Powder Sugar and top with Maple Syrup or fresh fruit, if you like! Yumm....

*If you use regular bread, add 1 tsp. ground cinnamon to the topping. I would use a heavier bread too, so it won't be so mushy!

*To Double the recipe - you will use the whole loaf of Cinnamon bread.

*If you're running short on time in the mornings - this would be great made the night before and kept in the fridge!

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