French Toast Casserole

1 16oz French bread loaf (cubed)

1 8oz pkg cream cheese cut in pieces

6 lg eggs

4 C half and half

½ c butter melted

½ c maple syrup

2 C fresh strawberries

1 10 oz jar strawberry preserves

Arrange ½ of bread in greased 13x9 pan. Spread cheese over bread and top with remaining bread. Whisk eggs, half and half and butter. Pour over bread. Press so that all bread soaks up the mixture. Cover and chill 8 hours. Bake 350 for 25 minutes covered. Then bake 350 for 20 minutes uncovered. Cool 5 minutes then serve with strawberries and syrup on top.