Perfect-Combo Breakfast Bake | Cooking Professionally

Ingredients

• 1 loaf challah or brioche bread, cut into 1/2-inch-thick slices
• 6 large eggs
• 2 cups half-and-half
• 2 cups Gruyère cheese, grated
• 1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon maple syrup, divided
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• salt, to taste
• pepper, to taste
• 4 slices bacon, chopped