Our French Toast Casserole, made from layers of sourdough bread soaked in a maple syrup custard, is an impressive crowd-pleaser that can be baked the night before and reheated.
The casserole aspect is brilliant, because soaking and flipping individual pieces of French toast for a crowd can take a while, which will feel like eternity if that crowd is hungry. Sourdough or country bread work best here. Thick slices get soaked in a rich egg custard sweetened with maple syrup and spiced with cinnamon. Layered in too: raisins and crunchy pecans, for an extra festive touch. Bake this dish a day ahead of time (it actually gets better as it sits overnight). Just pop it in the oven, covered with foil, before serving.