French Toast Casserole

1 loaf (1 pound) French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
8 eggs, lightly beaten
3 cups 2% milk
4 teaspoons sugar
1 teaspoon Spice Islands® pure vanilla extract
3/4 teaspoon salt

TOPPING:
2 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Maple syrup

Instructions:

Place bread cubes in a greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking dish. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla and salt. Pour over bread. Cover and refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight.

Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Dot with butter. Combine sugar and cinnamon; sprinkle over the top.

Cover and bake at 350° for 45-50 minutes or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Let stand for 5 minutes. Serve with maple syrup if desired.

Yield: 12 servings.