French Toast Casserole

1 loaf (10 ounces) bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (10 cups)

8 eggs

3 cups milk

4 tsp sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

³/₄ tsp salt, optional

Topping:

2 Tb butter or margarine, cubed

3 Tb sugar

2 Tsp ground cinnamon

Maple syrup, optional

Place bread cubes in a greased 13x9-inch baking dish.  In a mixing bowl, beat eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla and salt if desired.  Pour over bread.  Cover and refrigerate for 8 hour or overnight.  Remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking.  Dot with butter.  Combine sugar and cinnamon; sprinkle over the op.  Cover and bake at 350° for 45-50 minutes or until knife inserted near center comes out clean.  Let stand for 5 minutes.  Serve with syrup if desired.  Makes 12 servings.