{Overnight Baked French Toast}

I am switching up the order of this weeks recipes!! I apologize, I was re-looking at the photos last night for the kale salad and couldn't find one I liked! So at last I  am recreating the salad again to take more photos!  Forgive me!  However I think you will love this easy breezy French Toast Casserole that can be made for your 4th of July brunch (think red white and blue with the bread and berries) or whip it up for a little breakfast for dinner!! My favorite!

Now let's just take a brief moment to discuss my obsession with breakfast foods and brunch.  There is no doubt in anyone's mind that brunching (is that even a word?) is one of my favorite weekend activities!  I think that deep love for brunch came from my childhood!  I can distinctly remember growing up and my parents whipping up a huge Saturday morning breakfast (brunch)!

My dad would whip up his famous homemade pancakes, and the meal would be completed with scrambled eggs, bacon and of course cookie cutters (because what 5 year old wants to eat pancakes that look like boring old circles).  Saturday morning brunch was always a huge production but always delicious and memorable!  Now a days I could eat breakfast food for pretty much any meal, yes I am that obsessed.

Side note about my love for brunch is now over!  Let's put the focus back on this little Overnight Baked French Toast Casserole which in my mind is perfect for a lazy Saturday brunch (like the one you might have on the 4th of July) or for your next breakfast for dinner!  This little breakfast beauty is the ultimate no fuss meal, simply throw all the ingredients in a baking dish the night before, toss it in the fridge and bake the next morning (or night)!  Easy peasy!  Top with fresh berries and maple syrup for a little pizzazz! And if you want something hearty to go along with your French Toast serve up some scrambled eggs or your favorite breakfast meat!  I am partial to serving this Baked French Toast on its own with fruit, maple syrup and of course peanut butter!   

Overnight Baked French Toast

Brunch N'Cupcakes 

Serves 4-6

Ingredients:

3 1/2 Cups Bread Cubed (I used 10 Slices of Whole Wheat Great Harvest Bread)

1/2 Cup Greek Yogurt - I used Fage 0%

2 Tablespoons Maple Syrup + More for Serving 

1/2 Cup Milk of Choice

Teaspoon Vanilla Extract 

2 Egg Whites 

3 Teaspoons Brown Sugar 

2 Teaspoons Cinnamon Divided 

2 Tablespoons Sliced Almonds

For Serving:
1-2 Cups Fresh Berries
Greek Yogurt - If you like
Peanut Butter
Maple Syrup 

Directions:

1  - Toss bread cubes in a large bowl and set aside. 

2- In a large glass measuring cup combine Greek Yogurt, Maple Syrup Milk, Vanilla Extract, teaspoon of cinnamon and Egg Whites.  Whisk together until combined. 

3- Pour Yogurt mixture over bread crumbs and toss bread crumbs in yogurt mixture until evenly coated. 

4- Pour bread cubes into a greased baking dish (I used a 8x8 inch glass dish).  Cover and place in refrigerator overnight. 

5- In the morning combine brown sugar, remaining teaspoon of cinnamon and almonds.  Stir to combine and spread evenly over french toast. 

6- Bake french toast in a 350 degree oven for 35-40 minutes or until middle of French Toast is set and top is lightly browned! 

Enjoy and happy brunching!