This is a great dish to make for a big brunch because it feeds a ton of people! An easy way to make a classic breakfast without slaving over the stove.
1 10 oz. loaf French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (10 C.) 8 eggs 3 C. milk 4 tsp. sugar 1 tsp. vanilla extract 3/4 tsp. salt (optional) Topping: 2 Tbs. butter or margarine, cubed 3 Tbs. sugar 2 tsp. ground cinnamon Maple syrup (optional)
Place bread cubes in a greased 13x9x2-inch baking dish. In a mixing bowl, beat eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla and salt if desired. Pour over bread. Cover and refrigerate for 8 hrs or overnight. Remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Dot with butter. Combine sugar and cinnamon; sprinkle over the 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 syrup if desired. Yield: 12 servings