Rania's Recipes: Baked Challah French Toast Casserole

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Rania Harris, of Rania's Catering, is in the Pittsburgh Today Live kitchen making a meal perfect for Mother's Day!

Baked Challah French Toast Casserole

Ingredients:

• 1 1-pound loaf challah, crust on, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 6 large eggs
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/3 cup light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, divided
• 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• Maple syrup, confectioner's sugar and fresh berries, for serving

Directions:

1. Lightly grease a 9 x 13 inch baking dish and layer the challah pieces into the dish.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, vanilla, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Pour the egg mixture over the bread, cover the baking dish with plastic wrap, and let rest in the fridge for at least 2 hours, or up to 1 day.
3. When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 375 degrees and remove the dish from the fridge. In a small bowl, stir together the granulated sugar with the remaining 1 teaspoon cinnamon.
4. Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the top of the dish, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar on top. Bake until puffed and deep golden brown, 35 to 45 minutes.
5. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving. Divide onto plates and serve with maple syrup, a dusting of confectioner's sugar, and fresh berries.

In:
• Mother's Day
• Rania's Recipes