When you’re craving something warm, cheesy, and oh-so-comforting, this Cheese Sandwich Casserole is your new go-to. Inspired by the classic Betty Crocker recipe, this dish takes the simplicity of a grilled cheese sandwich and transforms it into a heartwarming casserole. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner or a quick, satisfying meal any day of the week. Whether you’re feeding a family or just treating yourself, this casserole is bound to hit the spot.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Who doesn’t love a cheesy, melty, comforting dish that’s easy to throw together? This casserole is just that. It takes the humble grilled cheese sandwich and turns it into a cheesy, eggy masterpiece that’s baked to perfection. It’s warm, filling, and the perfect balance of creamy cheese and soft, savory bread. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile. You can add extra veggies, meats, or even a dash of hot sauce if you like a little spice.
Ingredients
Here’s a quick preview of the ingredients you’ll need (full list below):
- Bread (preferably white or whole wheat)
- Butter
- Eggs
- Milk
- Cheddar cheese (or your favorite variety)
- Salt and pepper
Don’t worry, you’ll find the full list and exact measurements below!
Directions
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, butter your slices of bread generously. You can use white bread, whole wheat, or even some hearty sourdough if you like a bit of extra flavor. Once the bread is buttered, cut it into cubes (about 1-inch cubes should do the trick). This will give the casserole that perfect texture once it’s baked.
Step 2: Make the Egg Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper. This is where all the magic happens! You’ll be pouring this over the bread to create that delicious, custard-like texture in the casserole. If you want a bit of extra flavor, you can add a pinch of garlic powder or a little mustard powder to the mix.
Step 3: Layer the Casserole
Next, place the cubed bread into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish. Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese on top. You want that gooey, melty goodness to shine through in every bite! Once that’s done, pour your egg mixture evenly over the bread and cheese, making sure everything is well-soaked.
Step 4: Bake and Serve
Pop the casserole in the oven for about 30-40 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and puffed up. The top should be slightly crispy, and the inside should be nice and soft. Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing into it. The cheese will be all melted and gooey—just the way you want it!
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Use Extra Cheese: You can never go wrong with more cheese! If you want a cheesier casserole, don’t hesitate to add a little more on top before baking. A combination of cheddar and mozzarella gives it that perfect blend of flavor and melt.
- Add Protein: Want to make it more filling? You can add cooked bacon, sausage, or even ham to the layers for a bit of protein and extra flavor.
- For a Crispy Top: If you like a crispy top, broil the casserole for the last few minutes of baking. Just keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Cheese Varieties: While sharp cheddar is the classic choice, you can mix in mozzarella for a gooey, stretchy texture or Gruyère for a more complex flavor.
- Bread Options: If you have leftover bread, this recipe is perfect for using it up. You can even use croissants or brioche for a richer, more decadent version.
- Add Veggies: Toss in some sautéed onions, bell peppers, or even spinach to add a little extra nutrition and flavor to the dish.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
This casserole is a great stand-alone dish, but you can pair it with a simple side salad or some roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal. If you want to keep it cozy, serve it with a bowl of tomato soup—just like your childhood grilled cheese days, but better.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. It makes for great leftovers!
- Reheating: To reheat, pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quicker option.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Yes! You can assemble the casserole the night before and store it in the fridge. Then, just bake it the next day for a hassle-free dinner.
What if I don’t have cheddar cheese? No problem! You can use any type of cheese you like, such as Swiss, mozzarella, or even a creamy Brie for a more decadent touch.
Can I make this without buttering the bread? While buttering the bread adds flavor and helps with texture, you can skip it if you prefer a lighter version. The casserole will still turn out tasty!
How can I make this casserole spicier? If you love a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the egg mixture or sprinkle some jalapeños over the bread before baking. A dash of hot sauce works wonders too.
Conclusion
This Cheese Sandwich Casserole is the ultimate comfort food. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner that feels like a hug or a dish to feed the whole family, this cheesy, eggy masterpiece has you covered. It’s easy to make, full of flavor, and guaranteed to please even the pickiest eaters. Try it once, and I’m sure it’ll become a new favorite in your kitchen!
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Cheese Sandwich Casserole (Betty Crocker’s): The Ultimate Comfort Food
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-40 minutes
- Total Time: 40-50 minutes
- Yield: 2–4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish, Comfort Food
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cheese Sandwich Casserole is a heartwarming, cheesy masterpiece inspired by the classic grilled cheese sandwich. It’s quick, comforting, and perfect for cozy dinners. Transform the simplicity of a grilled cheese sandwich into a filling casserole that’s great for feeding the whole family or enjoying a quick meal.
Ingredients
- Bread: 4-6 slices (white, whole wheat, or sourdough), cut into 1-inch cubes
- Butter: 4 tablespoons, for buttering bread
- Eggs: 4 large
- Milk: 2 cups
- Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups shredded (or a mix of mozzarella for extra melt)
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon
- Optional: Garlic Powder or Mustard Powder (pinch) for extra flavor
Instructions
- Prep the Bread:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter the bread slices generously, then cut them into 1-inch cubes. - Make the Egg Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, and pepper. Optional: Add garlic powder or mustard powder for extra flavor. - Layer the Casserole:
Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Layer the cubed bread evenly in the dish. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously on top. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread and cheese, ensuring everything is soaked. - Bake and Serve:
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the casserole is golden brown and puffed up. The top should be crispy, and the inside should be soft and cheesy. Allow it to cool for a few minutes before slicing.
Notes
- Cheese Variety: Feel free to mix cheddar with mozzarella for extra gooeyness or Gruyère for a richer flavor.
- Extra Cheese: Add more cheese on top before baking for a cheesier casserole.
- Protein Add-ins: You can add cooked bacon, sausage, or ham to the casserole for more flavor and protein.
- Crispy Top: If you like a crispy top, broil the casserole for a few minutes at the end of baking. Watch it closely to avoid burning.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 145mg