French Toast Casserole

(Courtesy of Taste of Home)

Ingredients:
1 loaf (10 oz.) French bread, cut into 1 inch cubes (10 cups)
8 eggs
3 c. milk
4 tsp. sugar
1 tsp. vanilla extract
3/4 tsp. salt, optional
TOPPING:
2 Tbsp. butter
3 Tbsp. sugar
2 tsp. ground cinnamon
Maple syrup, optional

Directions:
Place bread cubes in a greased 9x13 baking dish.  In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla and salt (if desired).  Pour over bread.  Cover and refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight.

Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking.  Dot with butter .  Combine sugar and cinnamon; sprinkle over top.

Cover and bake at 350 degrees for 45-50 minutes or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean.  Let stand for 5 minutes.  Serve with maple syrup (if desired).