ULTIMATE BACON-MAPLE FRENCH TOAST

Ultimate Bacon-Maple French Toast image

A savory update to baked French toast, this is an easy make-ahead dish that is excellent for brunches and showers. The combination of maple syrup, bacon and nuts makes it impressive and satisfying. -John Whitehead, Greenville, South Carolina

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 1h10m

Yield 10 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 21

Ingredients

8 large eggs
2 cups half-and-half cream
1 cup 2% milk
1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Dash salt
Dash cayenne pepper
1 loaf (1 pound) French bread, cut into 1-inch slices
TOPPING:
6 thick-sliced bacon strips, cooked and crumbled
1 cup butter, melted
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup chopped pecans, toasted
2 tablespoons corn syrup
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
Maple syrup

Steps:

Grease a 13x9-in. baking dish; set aside., In a large shallow bowl, whisk the first 10 ingredients. Dip each slice of bread into egg mixture. Arrange slices in prepared dish. Pour remaining egg mixture over top. Cover and refrigerate overnight., Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Preheat oven to 350°. In a small bowl, combine the first 8 topping ingredients. Spread over top., Bake, uncovered, 40-45 minutes or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Let stand 10 minutes before serving. Drizzle with syrup.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 612 calories, Fat 36g fat (18g saturated fat), Cholesterol 250mg cholesterol, Sodium 694mg sodium, Carbohydrate 57g carbohydrate (29g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 16g protein.