Description
A comforting and savory breakfast casserole combining the classic flavors of grilled cheese sandwiches with a rich, custardy egg mixture. Perfect for a make-ahead breakfast or brunch, this dish features buttery grilled cheese bites soaked in seasoned eggs and baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread and Cheese
- 8 slices white or sourdough bread, buttered on one side
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Egg Mixture
- 6 large eggs
- 1 1/4 cups whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
Protein (Optional)
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon or sausage crumbles (optional)
Other
- Butter or nonstick spray (for greasing the baking dish and bread)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking during baking.
- Make Grilled Cheese Sandwiches: Butter one side of each bread slice. Place shredded cheddar cheese between pairs of bread slices with buttered sides facing out. Grill each sandwich on a skillet over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted completely. Once grilled, let them cool slightly to firm up, then cut each sandwich into four quarters.
- Arrange in Baking Dish: Place the grilled cheese quarters evenly in the prepared baking dish, layering them as needed to fill the dish.
- Prepare Egg Mixture: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, whole milk, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika (if using) until fully combined. If you choose to include protein, stir in the cooked bacon or sausage crumbles now.
- Combine and Soak: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the grilled cheese pieces in the baking dish. Gently press down on the bread pieces to help them absorb the egg custard for a more cohesive casserole texture.
- Bake Covered: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, allowing the egg mixture to set and the flavors to meld.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the casserole is puffed, golden on top, and fully set in the center.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes before slicing into squares and serving warm. This resting period helps the casserole firm up for cleaner slices.
Notes
- This casserole can be prepared the night before; assemble fully, cover, and refrigerate overnight before baking the next morning.
- Feel free to customize with vegetables like fresh spinach, sautéed mushrooms, or diced tomatoes added to the egg mixture for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Use gluten-free bread to adapt for gluten sensitivity.
- For a vegetarian version, omit bacon or sausage crumbles.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
