A Note from Miss Kay■ Makes 8 to 12 servings
Cooking spray
8 large eggs
3 cups whole milk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 small loaf challah, brioche, or other rich bread (about 12 ounces), cut into 1-inch cubes
8 ounces honey-nut cream cheese
3 tablespoons butter, cut into small cubes
3 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Warm maple syrup, for serving
1. Mist a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla, and salt. Add the bread cubes and mix well. Pour into the baking dish.
2. Tuck rounded teaspoons of the cream cheese into the bread mixture, spacing them evenly. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking.
3. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
4. Dot the bread mixture with the butter. In a small bowl, stir together the sugar and cinnamon and sprinkle over the top.
5. Bake until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean, about 45 minutes. Let sit for 15 minutes before serving with the warm syrup.
A Note from Miss Kay
French toast is so good, but it’s time consuming and not everyone can be served at the same time. With this recipe, you still have the French toast taste, but it’s easy to make and serve.