HEARTY FRENCH TOAST

Hearty French Toast image

"Since you make it ahead, this dish is wonderful for brunch," reports Page Alexander of Baldwin City, Kansas.

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 1h

Yield 12 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 15

Ingredients

24 slices day-old French bread (3/4 inch thick)
12 thin slices fully cooked ham
12 thin slices cooked turkey
1 to 2 medium tart apples, peeled and thinly sliced
12 thin slices provolone cheese
4 large eggs
1 cup whole milk
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
APPLE CRANBERRY SAUCE:
1-1/2 cups cranberry juice
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon grated orange zest
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 medium tart apple, peeled and finely chopped

Steps:

Place half of the bread in a greased 13x9-in. baking dish; top each with a slice of ham, turkey, two to three apple slices and a piece of cheese (cut or fold meat and cheese to fit). Top with remaining bread. , In a bowl, beat eggs, milk and nutmeg; pour over bread. Cover and chill 6 hours or overnight. Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. , Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 30 minutes or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Let stand for 10 minutes. , Meanwhile, in a saucepan, combine the first five sauce ingredients; cook and stir over medium heat until thickened. Cook and stir 2 minutes longer. Stir in apple. Serve warm over French toast.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 562 calories, Fat 15g fat (7g saturated fat), Cholesterol 107mg cholesterol, Sodium 1413mg sodium, Carbohydrate 79g carbohydrate (10g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 28g protein.