Name: French Toast Strata
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 loaf (1 pound) cinnamon bread, cubed; 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, cubed; 8 eggs, lightly beaten; 2-1/2 cups 2% milk; 6 tablespoons butter, melted; 1/4 cup maple syrup; CIDER SYRUP:; 1/2 cup sugar; 4 teaspoons cornstarch; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 cup apple cider; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 2 tablespoons butter

I'm always on the lookout for different breakfast and brunch ideas. I like to serve this easy make-ahead casserole when we have out-of-town guests. —Jill Middleton, Baldwinsville, New York

Ingredients

1 loaf (1 pound) cinnamon bread, cubed

1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, cubed

8 eggs, lightly beaten

2-1/2 cups 2% milk

6 tablespoons butter, melted

1/4 cup maple syrup

CIDER SYRUP:

1/2 cup sugar

4 teaspoons cornstarch

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 cup apple cider

1 tablespoon lemon juice

2 tablespoons butter

Instructions

1 Arrange half of the bread cubes in a greased 13x9-in. baking dish. Layer with cream cheese and remaining bread. In a blender, combine the eggs, milk, butter and maple syrup; cover and process until smooth. Pour over bread. Cover and refrigerate overnight.

2 Remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 35-40 minutes or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

3 For syrup, in a small saucepan, combine the sugar, cornstarch and cinnamon. Gradually whisk in cider and lemon juice. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Stir in butter until melted. Serve warm with strata.