Baked Apple Cinnamon Cheddar French Toast

Instructions

1. Heat oven to 350°F.
2. Arrange bread in a single layer on two rimmed baking sheets. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until toasted, turning once. Cool completely on wire racks.
3. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves; cook and stir for 7-9 minutes or until apples are tender. Cool completely.
4. Combine the apple mixture, bread, cheddar and ham in a large bowl.
5. Whisk the eggs, milk, maple syrup, cinnamon and vanilla in another large bowl; pour over bread mixture, pressing down lightly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
6. Heat oven to 350°F. Transfer bread mixture to a greased 12-inch ovenproof or cast-iron skillet.
7. Bake, covered, for 20 minutes. Uncover; bake for 15-20 minutes longer or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean and a thermometer inserted into egg mixture reads 160°F. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving. Dust with confectioners’ sugar. Serve with maple syrup.