Name: Grilled Cheese Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 slices thick-cut white or sourdough bread,; 2 tablespoons butter (softened); 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 6 large eggs; 1 ½ cups whole milk; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; ½ cup cooked and crumbled bacon or breakfast sausage; 2 tablespoons chopped chives or green onions

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

If you’ve ever wished you could eat grilled cheese for breakfast and get away with it, here’s your answer: Grilled Cheese Breakfast Casserole. This indulgent dish brings together buttery, crisp bread, layers of gooey cheddar, and fluffy eggs in a make-ahead casserole that guarantees golden, melty bites in every forkful. Whether you’re feeding a family crowd or just want the coziest morning treat, this recipe delivers comfort and nostalgia with practically zero fuss.

Grilled Cheese Breakfast Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your Grilled Cheese Breakfast Casserole ingredients couldn’t be easier. Each one is a pillar of the dish, creating the ideal contrast of creamy, savory, and toasty flavors while allowing for a little delicious customization.

Thick-cut white or sourdough bread (8 slices): This is the heart of your casserole—choose a sturdy, flavorful loaf for the perfect texture and structure.
Butter (2 tablespoons, softened): Spreads like a dream and ensures golden, crispy edges on every bite.
Cheddar cheese (2 cups, shredded): Makes each slice extra gooey and gives that signature sharp cheesy kick.
Large eggs (6): The magic binder that transforms your casserole into a fluffy, hearty delight.
Whole milk (1 ½ cups): Adds richness and makes the casserole perfectly tender.
Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): Delivers a subtle savoriness that wakes up the flavors.
Salt (½ teaspoon): Just the right amount for balance—don’t skip it!
Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): A hint of warmth to finish the egg mixture.
Cooked and crumbled bacon or breakfast sausage (½ cup, optional): Adds smoky, savory depth if you want to go all out.
Chopped chives or green onions (2 tablespoons, optional): For color, freshness, and a gentle bite right at the end.

How to Make Grilled Cheese Breakfast Casserole

Step 1: Butter and Layer the Bread

Start by buttering one side of each bread slice—you really want to work that softened butter to the very edges. In your prepared 9×13-inch baking dish, lay down half of the bread slices, butter side down. This ensures the bread gets toasty on the bottom, just like your favorite grilled cheese sandwich.

Step 2: Add the Cheese and Second Layer

Sprinkle half the shredded cheddar evenly over the first layer of bread. Top with the remaining bread slices, again making sure that the buttered side faces up. Finish by scattering the rest of the cheese over the top for a beautifully golden crust.

Step 3: Whisk the Egg Custard

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. The result is a luscious custard that will soak into the bread, delivering that luxurious, almost soufflé-like texture after baking.

Step 4: Pour, Top, and Soak

Carefully pour the egg mixture over the layered bread and cheese. Make sure all the corners get a little love. Sprinkle on your bacon or sausage and a handful of fresh chives if you want extra savory depth and color. Now, cover and let the whole casserole chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or overnight. This soaking step makes all the difference for flavor and texture!

Step 5: Bake and Rest

When you’re ready, set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the Grilled Cheese Breakfast Casserole uncovered for 40 to 45 minutes, or until it’s golden on top and the center is set. Let it rest out of the oven for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing. That short wait helps the casserole firm up for perfect, neat squares.

How to Serve Grilled Cheese Breakfast Casserole

Garnishes

Top your slices with a scatter of extra chives or green onions just before serving. A little fresh herb on top makes each portion look fresh and inviting, and it adds a subtle pop of flavor that brings out the best in the cheesy, eggy casserole.

Side Dishes

This casserole partners well with almost anything—you could pair it with a big green salad, a bowl of fresh fruit, or crispy roasted potatoes for a more substantial brunch. Even a dollop of tangy salsa or a spoonful of apple butter can create a sweet-salty contrast that wakes up your palate.

Creative Ways to Present

You can cut the Grilled Cheese Breakfast Casserole into squares and serve them as hand-held bites for a brunch buffet, or use a round biscuit cutter for mini individual servings. For something extra fun, layer slices onto a platter with arugula and cherry tomatoes for a picnic-style breakfast board.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, lucky you! Simply transfer the cooled casserole to an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to four days. The flavors even deepen as it sits, so every reheated bite stays deliciously satisfying.

Freezing

To freeze, slice the fully cooled casserole into portions and wrap them individually in plastic wrap or foil. Place the wrapped pieces in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep beautifully for up to two months, so you can have a cozy breakfast ready to go any day.

Reheating

Reheat your Grilled Cheese Breakfast Casserole slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10–15 minutes, or until hot and melty again. If you’re in a hurry, you can use the microwave, but a quick oven bake helps bring back the crusty edges and gooey cheese texture.

FAQs

Can I make Grilled Cheese Breakfast Casserole vegetarian?

Absolutely! Just skip the bacon or sausage, or swap them for sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or chopped bell peppers to keep the casserole hearty but meat-free.

What other cheeses work well in this casserole?

Try Monterey Jack for creaminess, mozzarella for lots of stretch, or even a mix for extra flavor. Don’t be afraid to experiment with your favorites—just use the same total amount.

Can I prepare the casserole the night before?

Yes, and it actually tastes even better this way. Letting everything soak overnight means the flavors come together, the bread absorbs the egg mixture fully, and the texture becomes perfectly fluffy after baking.

Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?

You can absolutely use your favorite gluten-free bread to substitute for the white or sourdough, without sacrificing any of the yum factor.

How do I know when the casserole is fully cooked?

The top should be golden and puffed, and when you insert a knife into the center, it should come out clean with no runny egg. If it needs a few more minutes, just tent it loosely with foil to prevent over-browning.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a brunch recipe that promises comfort, flavor, and ease, you truly can’t beat Grilled Cheese Breakfast Casserole. Whether you make it for a special weekend or meal-prep it for busy mornings, it’ll quickly become a favorite in your kitchen. Give it a try and get ready for smiles around your breakfast table!

Grilled Cheese Breakfast Casserole Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 21 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour (plus optional chilling)
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Grilled Cheese Breakfast Casserole is a delicious twist on a classic grilled cheese sandwich, perfect for a comforting breakfast or brunch. With layers of bread, cheese, eggs, and optional bacon or sausage, it’s a hearty and satisfying dish that can be prepared ahead for easy mornings.

Ingredients

Scale

Bread:

8 slices thick-cut white or sourdough bread,

Butter:

2 tablespoons butter (softened)

Cheese:

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Eggs:

6 large eggs

Milk:

1 ½ cups whole milk

Seasonings:

½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

Optional Additions:

½ cup cooked and crumbled bacon or breakfast sausage
2 tablespoons chopped chives or green onions

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prepare Bread Layers: Butter one side of each bread slice. Place 4 slices, butter side down, in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese evenly over the bread.
Layer and Add Egg Mixture: Top with the remaining bread slices, butter side up, and sprinkle the rest of the cheese on top. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the sandwich layers in the dish.
Final Touches and Bake: Sprinkle cooked bacon or sausage and chives over the top, if using. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes until golden and set. Let rest before serving.