Cinnamon French Toast for a Crowd

I wasn’t going to post this weekend, but I just couldn’t pass on the opportunity to share one last dish for your Christmas brunch buffet. Think of it as a public service announcement – it’s so good. This Cinnamon French Toast Casserole is easy to prepare – make it the night before and pop it in the oven in the morning – and it’s always a hit with kids and adults alike. More importantly, I wish you and your family a very joyous, safe and the happiest of holidays. Enjoy!

Cinnamon French Toast Casserole
Serves 9

1 16 oz. loaf cinnamon swirl bread, cubed
6 eggs
1 ¾ cups milk
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ cup unsalted butter
½ cup brown sugar
¼ cup chopped pecans
Maple syrup

Coat a 9" x 13" baking dish with cooking spray, and add the bread cubes.  Set aside.

In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cinnamon, vanilla, cloves, nutmeg and salt.  Pour the mixture over the cubed bread, pressing the bread down gently so it absorbs the egg mixture.

In a small saucepan, melt butter and whisk in brown sugar until melted.  Add in pecans and pour over bread.