One-Dish Blackberry French Toast - Make ahead

I have been on a kick of making Breakfast Casseroles.  I found this one in an older Southern Living.  I love the idea of blackberry and cream cheese and of course, the idea of making it in advance.

I didn't really have a reason for making this - I just thought it sounded yummy.  I made it and took it to preschool the next morning.  We loved it.   It could be eaten with or without a topping.  Some teachers enjoyed it with a little maple syrup and others enjoyed it with a squirt of Reddi-Wip!   Don't hurry the baking as you will want to get it done all the way through!

Excuse my picture - once again.  I took this picture with my phone at preschool so not great quality!

One-Dish Blackberry French Toast (adapted from Southern Living)

1 cup blackberry jam
1 (12 oz) French bread loaf, cut in to 1 1/2 inch cubes
1 (8 oz) pkg 1/3 less fat cream cheese
4 large eggs
2 cups half and half
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
Toppings - maple syrup, whipped cream

Cook jam in small saucepan over medium heat for 1 - 2 minutes until melted and smooth - stirring once.  Place half of bread cubes in the bottom of a lightly greased 9 x 13 baking dish.  Top with cream cheese cubes, and drizzle with melted jam.  Top with remaining bread cubes.  Whisk together eggs and next 3 ingredients.  Pour over bread mixture and sprinkle with brown sugar.  Cover tightly and chill 8 to 24 hours.  Bake in a preheated 325 oven covered for 20 minutes.  Uncover and bake 10 - 15 minutes or until bread is golden and mixture is set.  Serve with toppings.

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