French Toast Strata - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 lb. loaf unsliced French bread
1 (8 oz.) pkg. cream cheese, cubed
8 eggs
2 1/2 c. milk, light cream or half and half
6 Tbsp. butter, melted
1/4 c. maple syrup

Preparation

Cut bread into cubes (about 12 cups).
Grease a 3-quart rectangular baking dish.
Place half of bread cubes in dish.
Top with cream cheese cubes and remaining bread cubes.
Combine eggs, milk, melted butter and syrup in a mixing bowl or blender.
Beat or process until well combined.
Pour egg mixture over bread and cheese cubes.
Slightly press down to moisten.
Cover and refrigerate for 2 to 24 hours.
Bake, uncovered, in a 325\u00b0 oven for 35 to 40 minutes or until center appears set and edges are golden.
Let stand 10 minutes before serving.
Serve with syrup. Serves 6 to 8.