Cinnamon-orange French Toast Casserole

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Details

24 Ingredients

• French Toast
• 1 1/2 cups whole milk
• 1 1/2 cups half-and-half
• 8 large eggs
• 1 Tbsp light brown sugar
• 1 tsp lightly packed orange zest
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 12 (1-inch thick) slices sweet brioche or 16 (1/2-inch) baguette slices
• 3 or 4 Tbsps unsalted butter (1/2 stick)
• Dark Chocolate Orange Butter
• 4 oz. dark chocolate chips [my preference is Ghirardelli 60% Cacao Bittersweet chocolate chips]
• 1 1/2 tsps confectioners sugar
• 1/2 tsp instant espresso powder
• 2 Tbsps orange liquor [my preference is grand marnier]
• 1 tsp fresh orange juice concentrate
• 1 Tbsp fresh grated orange zest
• 1 lb. unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• Cinnamon-Orange Syrup
• 3/4 cup water
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• 1 cup (packed) dark brown sugar
• 2 Tbsps whipping cream