Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole

I know, I know. Thanksgiving is all about dinner. The turkey. The mashed potatoes. The green beans. The rolls. The cranberry sauce. The stuffing. The gravy. The pies. The eating way too much that you have to loosen your belt. The falling into a food coma while watching the Lions play (and maybe win this year?). The "we should take a walk" because we ate too much. The leftover turkey sandwiches on Friday.

            Side bar-- is anyone else hungry now? I'm so ready for all that food to be in my mouth on Thursday. Can. Not. Wait.

But in addition to dinner, you'll probably be eating breakfast; you know, to stretch out your stomach and warm up for the real show. Or maybe you'll need breakfast on Friday or Saturday before the family leaves to head back to reality. If so, you'll probably want something that doesn't take a lot of effort (since you're putting so much time and energy into dinner). I have the perfect solution for you! Overnight french toast-- specifically this apple cinnamon french toast. It is delicious and so easy. It's kinda like sweet stuffing that you eat in the morning. Feel free to multiple to feed the hoards of people at your house.

I expect this to be on your holiday menu (doesn't have to be Thanksgiving, but certainly around Christmastime). You'll enjoy it. I promise :)

Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole
Ingredients:
4 cups white bread (I used Vienna bread), cut into 1 inch cubes
1 apple, cored and diced
2 oz cream cheese, diced
4 eggs, beaten
2/3 cup milk
2 tbsp maple syrup
1/2 tsp cinnamon

Directions:
Grease a 8 X 8 inch baking dish. Place half of the bread and half of the apple in the dish. Top with the cream cheese. Top with the rest of the bread and apple.

Combine the eggs, milk, syrup and cinnamon. Pour over the bread. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.

Preheat oven to 375 F. Bake for 45 minutes until set. Serve topped with more syrup (and alongside crispy bacon!).

Serves 3-4.