This delicious make ahead recipe is perfect for a company brunch. If you don't like pineapple, substitute soft cream cheese and a tablespoon or two of your favorite preserves.
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients:
- 16 oz. loaf French bread, cut into 24 3/4" thick slices
- 8 oz. container soft cream cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped dried cherries
- 1/4 cup cherry preserves
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup sugar, divided
- 1/8 tsp. salt
- 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
- 2 Tbsp. butter, melted
Preparation:
Spray 13x9" glass baking dish with nonstick cooking spray or grease with unsalted buttter.
Cut bread into pieces and set aside. In medium bowl, combine cream cheese, 1/4 cup sugar, and dried cherries; mix well. Stir in cherry preserves to marble.
Spread 1 tablespoon cream cheese on one side of 12 bread slices. Top with remaining bread, making 12 sandwiches. Place sandwiches in prepared baking dish in a single layer.
In large bowl, beat together eggs, milk, 3/4 cup sugar, salt and cinnamon and pour over sandwiches. Let stand at room temperature for 5 minutes, then carefully turn sandwiches over, cover tightly and refrigerate for 8-12 hours.
When ready to eat, preheat oven to 400 degrees. Uncover baking dish and drizzle sandwiches with melted butter. Bake at 400 degrees for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Serves 6
