Step #1 Arrange half of challah bread in a lightly greased 13- x 9-inch pan.
Step #2 Sprinkle top with cheese pieces, & top this with remaining bread.
Step #3 Whisk together eggs & next 3 ingredients; pour over bread mixture, pressing bread cubes to absorb egg mixture.
Step #4 Cover up & chill 8 hrs.
Step #5 Bake, covered, at 350° for 25 mins.
Step #6 Uncover & bake 20 more mins.
Step #7 Heat sliced strawberries & strawberry preserves in a saucepan over low heat/flame, & serve over toast.
Step #8 *French bread may be substituted.
Step #9 To Lighten: Substitute 1 (8-oz) package Neufchâtel cheese for cream cheese, 1 1/2 c egg substitute for eggs, & 4 c fat-free milk for half-and-half.
Enjoy the Make-Ahead French Toast with Strawberry Sauce recipe