Grilled Cheese Breakfast Casserole (Printable Version)
Layers of grilled cheese and a savory egg custard baked until golden and set, perfect for breakfast or brunch.
# Ingredients Required:
→ Bread and Cheese
01 -
8 slices white or sourdough bread, buttered on one side
02 -
360 ml shredded cheddar cheese (approximately 1 1/2 cups)
→ Egg Mixture
03 -
6 large eggs
04 -
310 ml whole milk (1 1/4 cups)
05 -
1/2 teaspoon salt
06 -
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
07 -
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
08 -
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika, optional
→ Protein (Optional)
09 -
120 ml cooked bacon or sausage crumbles (1/2 cup), optional
→ Other
10 -
Butter or nonstick spray for greasing baking dish and bread
# Guide to Cooking:
01 -
Preheat oven to 175°C and lightly grease a 23×33 cm baking dish with butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
02 -
Butter one side of each bread slice. Assemble sandwiches by placing shredded cheddar between pairs of bread slices with buttered sides facing out. Grill on a skillet over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes per side until bread is golden and cheese is melted. Let cool slightly, then cut each sandwich into four quarters.
03 -
Place grilled cheese quarters evenly in the prepared baking dish, layering as needed to fill the dish.
04 -
Whisk together eggs, whole milk, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika (if used) until fully combined. Stir in cooked bacon or sausage crumbles if including protein.
05 -
Pour egg mixture evenly over grilled cheese pieces in the dish. Gently press bread pieces down to help them absorb the custard for a cohesive texture.
06 -
Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake in preheated oven for 25 minutes to set the custard and meld flavors.
07 -
Remove foil and continue baking for 10 to 15 minutes until casserole is puffed, golden, and fully set in the center.
08 -
Let casserole rest for 5 minutes before slicing into squares and serving warm.
# Extra Suggestions:
01 -
Using sourdough bread adds a tangy depth, whereas white bread offers a classic texture and flavor.