Apple Pie French Toast Casserole

Ingredients:

* 16-18 ½ inch thick slices, day-old, Brioche or Challah bread

* 6 tablespoons butter divided into 2 and 4 tablespoons sections

* 6 Gala apples peeled & sliced

* Juice from 1 lemon

* 1¼ teaspoon apple pie spice divided into 1 & ¼ teaspoon sections

* 8 large eggs

* 2 cups whole milk or half ‘n half

* 2/3 cup granulated sugar

* 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

* 1/8 teaspoon coarse sea salt or kosher salt

* Confectioner’s sugar

* Optional: Maple Syrup

Instructions:

Spray a 9×13 inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.

Place 8 bread slices in prepared dish, slightly overlapping slices. If necessary, cut bread to fill in any empty spaces.

In a large skillet, over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons butter. Add apples and cook just until tender, about 8-10 minutes. Remove from heat and add lemon juice and 1-teaspoon apple pie spice.

Spread apple mixture over bottom layer of bread, then top with remaining bread slices.

In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract and salt until well combined.

Pour the egg mixture over the bread and press down gently with the back of a wooden spoon or a rubber spatula. Cover and refrigerate overnight or at least 8 hours.

When ready to cook, preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Transfer French Toast to countertop and let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes while oven preheats.

In a small skillet or a microwave-safe bowl, melt 4 tablespoons butter and mix with ¼ teaspoon apple pie spice. Drizzle the apple spice butter over the bread.

Bake French toast until center is set and is golden brown, 40-50 minutes. Remove from oven and let stand 10 minutes before serving.

To serve, sprinkle with confectioner’s sugar. The French Toast is rich, but if desired, drizzle with maple syrup.

Enjoy!