If you’re craving a breakfast that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then this Grilled Cheese Breakfast Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine crispy, buttery bread layered with gooey cheddar and mozzarella, sprinkled with savory bacon, all soaked in a creamy, flavorful egg custard, and baked to golden perfection. It’s comfort food elevated and perfect for lazy weekend mornings or a crowd-pleasing brunch. Every bite bursts with cheesy, bacon-y goodness, making it a game changer for your breakfast lineup.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create a symphony of flavors and textures. Each item plays a crucial role – from the bread’s crispy base to the cheeses’ melty richness and the eggs’ tender custard binding everything.
- 8 slices of white or sourdough bread: Choose good-quality bread to provide that perfect buttery crunch and sturdy texture.
- 6 large eggs: These create the creamy custard that soaks into the bread, making every bite moist and satisfying.
- 1½ cups whole milk: Adds richness and tenderness to the egg mixture.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp and flavorful, cheddar brings that classic grilled cheese tang.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella offers gooey stretchiness and mild creamy notes.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened): Buttering the bread slices is key to that golden, crisp exterior everyone loves.
- 6 slices cooked bacon (chopped): Bacon adds a smoky, savory punch that elevates the breakfast experience.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Just the right hint of garlic to deepen the overall flavor.
- ½ teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the savory depth without overpowering the dish.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances all the flavors perfectly.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle spiciness and warmth.
- Chopped chives or parsley for garnish (optional): Fresh herbs add a lovely pop of color and bright, fresh flavor.
How to Make Grilled Cheese Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Bread
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter one side of each slice of bread with softened unsalted butter — this not only crisps up the bread but also infuses subtle richness. Then, cut each slice in half diagonally, perfect for layering and getting that crispy edge on every piece.
Step 2: Build the Base Layers
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish gently to prevent sticking. Layer half of your buttered bread, butter side facing up, in the dish’s bottom. This ensures the buttery layer will become golden and crunchy in the oven. Next, evenly sprinkle half of your shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and chopped bacon over the bread layers. Repeat the process with the remaining bread and toppings—you want double the cheesy, bacony goodness stacked high.
Step 3: Make the Custard
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until everything is well combined. This egg mixture is the magic that binds the casserole and infuses the bread with rich, savory flavor as it bakes.
Step 4: Pour and Press
Pour the creamy egg mixture evenly over your layered bread, cheese, and bacon. Use a spatula to gently press down the layers, allowing the bread to soak up the custard fully, which will make the casserole delectably tender inside while keeping that crispy top and edges.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Cover your dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until the casserole is golden brown on top and set in the middle. The aroma while it’s baking is simply unbelievable—comfort food vibes at their peak. Once done, allow it to rest for 10 minutes; this helps it set and makes slicing a breeze.
How to Serve Grilled Cheese Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped chives or parsley sprinkled on top add a lovely pop of green and a mild, fresh bite that perfectly complements the rich, cheesy casserole. You can also drizzle a bit of hot sauce or a creamy hollandaise for those who love an extra layer of flavor.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs beautifully with fresh fruit salad or a light mixed green salad for some balance. For a heartier brunch, consider crispy roasted potatoes or a simple avocado toast to round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the casserole into individual squares and serve on colorful plates with a sprinkle of extra bacon bits or cheese on top. Or, try layering it in small ramekins for a charming single-serve presentation, perfect for brunch parties or cozy mornings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of the Grilled Cheese Breakfast Casserole Recipe keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld even more overnight, making it a fantastic make-ahead option.
Freezing
You can freeze individual portions wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to enjoy later. Just be sure to freeze them within two hours of baking to maintain maximum freshness. Frozen casserole portions can be stored for up to 2 months.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes or until heated through. This helps maintain the crispy edges and creamy interior. Alternatively, a microwave works for convenience but may soften the crust slightly.
FAQs
Can I make the Grilled Cheese Breakfast Casserole Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply skip the bacon or replace it with sautéed vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers. The cheese and egg custard make this dish deliciously satisfying without meat.
What type of bread works best for this casserole?
White or sourdough bread are the best choices due to their sturdy texture and ability to crisp up nicely when buttered. Avoid very soft or thin bread as it may become too soggy once baked.
Can I substitute the cheeses used in the recipe?
Yes! Feel free to swap cheddar and mozzarella for your favorite melting cheeses like Monterey Jack, fontina, or even a bit of pepper jack for some spice. Just use about the same amount to keep the balance.
Is it possible to prepare this casserole the night before?
Definitely! You can assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate it covered. This makes breakfast quick and easy—just bake it fresh in the morning and enjoy!
How do I keep the casserole from getting soggy?
Butter the bread slices well and bake uncovered for the last 15-20 minutes to get a beautifully crisp top. Pressing down the bread in the egg mixture helps with even soaking without sogginess.
Final Thoughts
This Grilled Cheese Breakfast Casserole Recipe has quickly become one of my all-time favorite breakfasts to share with friends and family. Its layers of buttery, cheesy, and bacony goodness create a breakfast experience that feels both indulgent and comforting. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself to a deluxe morning meal, this casserole is sure to bring smiles and satisfied appetites at every table. Give it a try—you might just find your new go-to breakfast tradition!
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Grilled Cheese Breakfast Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and savory Grilled Cheese Breakfast Casserole featuring layers of buttery bread, melted cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, crispy bacon, and a rich egg custard. Perfect for a make-ahead brunch or hearty breakfast, this casserole combines classic grilled cheese flavors with a satisfying baked egg dish.
Ingredients
Bread and Butter
- 8 slices white or sourdough bread
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
Cheeses
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Egg Mixture
- 6 large eggs
- 1½ cups whole milk
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Additional Toppings
- 6 slices cooked bacon, chopped
- Chopped chives or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Bread: Butter one side of each slice of bread thoroughly, then cut the slices diagonally into halves to create triangles. This will help the casserole layers absorb the egg mixture evenly.
- Layer the Casserole: Arrange half of the buttered bread slices in a single layer in the bottom of the baking dish, buttered side up. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and chopped bacon evenly over the bread. Repeat with the remaining bread and toppings to create a layered casserole.
- Mix the Egg Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Combine and Soak: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layered bread and cheese in the baking dish. Use a spatula to gently press the casserole down, encouraging the bread to absorb the egg custard thoroughly for a creamy texture.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes to help set the custard without drying out.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15–20 minutes until the casserole is golden brown on top and fully set in the center.
- Rest and Garnish: Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes after baking to firm up. Garnish with chopped chives or parsley if desired before slicing and serving.
Notes
- This casserole can be assembled the night before and refrigerated overnight to save time on busy mornings.
- For a meat variation, substitute cooked sausage in place of bacon.
- Omit the bacon for a vegetarian version of this dish.
- Enhance flavor and nutrition by adding sautéed spinach, onions, or bell peppers in layers.
- Use whole wheat or gluten-free bread to adjust the recipe for dietary preferences.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
