Don't want to wake up at 5am to make breakfast for the clan? Try this make-ahead Upside Down Apple French Toast Bake! Assemble everything the night before and just pop it in the oven the next morning. Easy and delicious.
In a large heavy skillet, combine butter and apples over medium heat. Allow butter to melt, cooking and stirring for 5 minutes. Add brown sugar, cider, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and pinch of salt. Cook and stir 7 minutes or until apples are tender and sauce is thickened. Spread mixture into a 9x13 baking dish.
Layer bread slices over the apples, covering the entire surface. Trim pieces of bread to fit, if needed.
In a bowl, beat eggs until foamy. Whisk in the milk, maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until well combined. Slowly and gently pour egg mixture over the bread slices, taking time to let the liquid soak through tops of bread to ensure even coating. Press down lightly on bread to ensure soaking. Cover dish with plastic wrap and chill 8 hours or overnight.
Remove casserole from fridge 30 minutes before baking; meanwhile, preheat oven to 350F. Bake uncovered 35-40 minutes or just until bread tops are golden and the edges are crisp. Allow casserole to rest 10-15 minutes at room temp before cutting into it. To serve, carefully cut individual servings and invert pieces so the apples face up. Serve with maple syrup.
Notes
This apple french toast bake is delicious both warm and at room temp! It's perfect for potlucks and brunches, since it keeps well at room temperature.