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French Toast Casserole

List of Ingredients

1 loaf Italian Bread (1 pound)
1 (8 ounce) cream cheese
1/2 cup sugar divided
1/2 teaspoon vanilla or almond extract
1/2 cup pecans, chopped, optional
4 eggs
2 cups milk
1 teaspoon cinnamon
2 tablespoons butter, melted


Recipe

Cut bread into 1 inch cubes(about 14 cups) Place half of the cubes in a greased 9x13 inch baking pan. Place the cream cheese in a microwavable bowl or measuring cup. Cover the container with plastic wrap and cook on 100% power for 30 seconds. Stir, cover again and cook another 2 minutes. It should be completely melted.

Stir 1/4 cup sugar and all of the extract into the cream cheese. Spoon the cream cheese mixture over the bread cubes. It will not completely cover them. Sprinkle the nuts over the cream cheese layer. Top with remaining bread cubes.

In a bowl, beat the remaining sugar, eggs, milk, cinnamon and melted butter together. The egg and milk mixture will make about 3 cups for each recipe. Bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes or till browned.. Allow to sit at room temperature for 5 minutes or so before cutting. Serve with warm syrup over top.