Description
A savory and comforting Grilled Cheese Breakfast Casserole that combines crispy grilled cheese sandwiches with a rich egg custard, bacon, and melted cheddar. Perfect for a hearty breakfast or brunch, this make-ahead casserole is easy to prepare and bake to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread & Cheese
- 8 slices white or sourdough bread (buttered on one side)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Egg Mixture
- 6 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
Toppings & Garnishes
- 4 slices cooked bacon (chopped)
- 2 tablespoons chopped chives or green onions (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare dish: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Make grilled cheese sandwiches: Assemble 4 grilled cheese sandwiches using the buttered bread and shredded cheddar cheese. Cook them in a skillet over medium heat until golden and crispy on both sides. Allow them to cool slightly.
- Cut and layer sandwiches: Cut each grilled cheese sandwich into quarters and arrange all the pieces in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.
- Whisk egg mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and dry mustard until smooth and fully combined.
- Pour egg mixture over sandwiches: Evenly pour the egg mixture over the sandwich pieces in the baking dish, ensuring the bread is well soaked.
- Add bacon and press down: Sprinkle the chopped cooked bacon over the top. Gently press the sandwich pieces down to help them absorb more of the egg mixture.
- Rest the casserole: Cover the dish and let it rest at room temperature for 15 minutes, or refrigerate overnight for a make-ahead option, allowing the bread to fully soak up the custard.
- Bake the casserole: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 40–45 minutes, until the egg is fully set and the top is golden brown and slightly crispy.
- Garnish and serve: Let the casserole cool slightly before garnishing with chopped chives or green onions, then serve warm for a satisfying breakfast or brunch.
Notes
- Swap bacon for sausage or omit the meat to make a vegetarian version.
- Add diced tomatoes or spinach to the egg mixture for extra flavor and nutrition.
- This casserole can be prepared the night before and baked fresh in the morning for convenience.
- Use sourdough for a tangier flavor or white bread for a classic taste.
- For a crispier top, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 215mg
