CRANBERRY CREAM CHEESE FRENCH TOAST

Cranberry Cream Cheese French Toast image

My friend makes this French toast bake with blueberries, but I make mine with cranberry sauce. Either way, it's divine. It makes a great brunch dish for Christmas morning. -Sandie Heindel, Liberty, Missouri

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 1h15m

Yield 12 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 9

Ingredients

12 cups cubed French bread (about 12 ounces)
2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, cubed
1 can (14 ounces) whole-berry cranberry sauce
12 large eggs, lightly beaten
2 cups 2% milk
1/3 cup maple syrup
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Dash ground nutmeg
Additional maple syrup, optional

Steps:

Arrange half the bread in a single layer in a greased 13x9-in. baking dish; top with cream cheese and spoonfuls of cranberry sauce. Top with remaining bread., In a large bowl, whisk eggs, milk, 1/3 cup syrup, cinnamon and nutmeg until blended. Pour over casserole. Refrigerate, covered, overnight., Remove casserole from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Preheat oven to 350°. Bake, uncovered, until a knife inserted in center comes out clean, 50-60 minutes. Let stand 10 minutes before serving. If desired, serve with additional maple syrup.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 375 calories, Fat 19g fat (10g saturated fat), Cholesterol 231mg cholesterol, Sodium 382mg sodium, Carbohydrate 38g carbohydrate (18g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 13g protein.