French Toast Strata - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 lb French bread, cut into 1 inch cubes
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, cut into 1/2 inch cubes
8 eggs
2 1/2 cups half-and-half cream
6 tablespoons butter, melted
1/4 cup maple syrup

Preparation

Grease a 9x13x2 rectangular baking dish.
Place half the bread cubes in the dish.
Sprinkle with cream cheese cubes and then remaining bread cubes.
Combine eggs, cream, melted butter and syrup.
Mix well and pour over bread and cheese cubes.
Using a spatula, press layers down to moisten.
Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 hours, or overnight.
Remove plastic wrap and bake uncovered for 35- 40 minutes at 350\u00b0F, or until set and golden brown.
Let stand about 10 minutes before cutting.
Top with your favorite syrup, or apple cider syrup (see database), or a big dollop of whipped cream.