Make-Ahead French Toast With Strawberry Sauce

• loaf challah (16-ounce loaf) or 1 loaf French bread, cubed (16-ounce loaf)↗1 loaf
• cream cheese↗1 package

  cut into pieces

• eggs↗6 large
• half-and-half↗4 cups
• butter or margarine↗1⁄2 cup

  softened

• maple syrup↗1⁄4 cup
• fresh strawberries↗2 cups

  sliced

• strawberry preserves↗1 jar

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   Arrange half of the challah bread (or French bread) in a lightly greased 13-x9-inch pan. Sprinkle with cheese pieces, and top with remaining bread.

2. 2

   Whisk together eggs and next 3 ingredients; pour over bread mixture, pressing bread cubes to absorb egg mixture. Cover and chill 8 hours or overnight.

3. 3

   Bake, covered, at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 25 minutes. Uncover and bake 20 more minutes.

4. 4

   Heat sliced strawberries and strawberry preserves in a saucepan over low heat, and serve over toast.