Make Ahead Stuffed French Toast Strata

Who doesn't love breakfast foods for dinner?  Pancakes, waffles and french toast are just so delicious.  When I was out running errands today, I found day-old white bread from Great Harvest that was 50% off.  I'm usually a whole wheat kind of girl, but I love to snag the day old white bread, beacause it's perfect for french toast and stratas.  This make ahead breakfast stata is a tad on the decadent side, but it is oh so yummy.  Serve it with fresh berries and some orange juice for a satisfying breakfast-for-dinner. 

The Ingredients

1 lb good quality white bread or french bread, cubed
8 oz cream cheese, cubed
1 1/2 cups apple, diced (Next time, I would slice them really, really, thin)
1 tsp cinnamon (optional)
1 tsp sugar (optional)
8 eggs
2 1/2 cups milk
6 Tbsp butter, melted
1/4 cup maple syrup, plus extra for serving

At 10 O'Clock

Spray a 9x13 pan with cooking spray.  Layer half of the bread cubes at the bottom.  Evenly place the cream cheese cubes over the bread.  Layer the apple peices on top.  Sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar.  Cover with the remaining bread cubes. 

In a large bowl, mix together the eggs, milk, melted butter and maple syrup.  Pour over the bread mixture.  Cover with tin foil and press down on the top to make sure that all of the bread cubes are submerged in the egg mixture.  Refrigerate for at least two hours.

Before Serving
Preheat oven to 325 degrees.  Bake, uncovered for 45 minutes.  Check to see if it is set in the middle and the edges are golden.  If not, cook longer.  Let set for a few minutes before serving.  Serve with maple syrup. 

Family Approval
Delicious!  My one-year-old growled, "Mmmmmm," after he took a bite.  The whole family loved it.  I especially like the apples in it.  Note:  I had to cook it for a little over an hour.

~Cami