If you’re craving the ultimate comfort food with a gourmet twist, look no further than this Bacon Grilled Cheese Casserole Recipe. It’s everything you love about a classic grilled cheese sandwich—melty American cheese, crispy bacon, and buttery brioche—layered into a warm, cozy casserole that’s perfect for brunch, dinner, or any time you want a satisfying, crowd-pleasing meal. This recipe strikes the perfect balance between indulgent and simple, delivering rich flavors and tender textures in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to mastering this dish. Each component plays a vital role, from the rich buttery brioche to the smoky bacon and creamy cheese, while the egg-and-milk custard ties it all together, ensuring a luscious, bake-to-perfection casserole.
- Brioche bread: Choose a loaf with a soft, buttery crumb that will soak up the egg mixture without falling apart.
- Bacon: Opt for thick-cut to get that perfect balance of crispy and chewy in every bite.
- American cheese: The classic for that melty, gooey texture that defines grilled cheese.
- Unsalted butter: Essential for giving the bread a rich, golden crust and controlling saltiness.
- Milk: Creates a creamy custard when combined with eggs, adding moistness to the casserole.
- Eggs: These bind the casserole and provide structure and richness.
- Kosher salt: Balances flavors without overpowering the dish.
- Optional drinks ingredients (Middle Sister Red Blend wine, mandarins, gin, elderflower syrup): For a refreshing elderflower sangria to pair with your savory casserole, elevating your meal experience.
How to Make Bacon Grilled Cheese Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Bacon
Start by cooking the bacon to your preferred crispiness. Baking it on a wire rack in the oven ensures even cooking and less mess. Once cooked and cooled, slice the bacon halves to distribute the smoky goodness evenly throughout the casserole.
Step 2: Butter and Layer the Bread
Butter each slice of brioche generously; this not only flavors the bread but also guarantees a beautifully golden and crisp finish. Arrange half of the slices in your casserole dish as the first layer.
Step 3: Add Bacon and Cheese
Sprinkle the bacon pieces evenly over the bread, then top with two slices of American cheese per bread slice. This layering is key for getting those ooey-gooey cheese pulls in every bite.
Step 4: Top with the Remaining Bread and Butter
Place the remaining buttered bread slices on top, butter side up, to complete the sandwich layers, creating a stack ready for soaking up the custard mixture.
Step 5: Mix and Pour the Egg Custard
Whisk together the milk, eggs, and kosher salt until silky smooth. Pour this custard gently over the layered sandwiches until it reaches halfway up the sides. This soaking step ensures your casserole stays moist and tender when baked.
Step 6: Let It Rest
Allow the casserole to absorb the custard for at least 20 minutes at room temperature, or refrigerate covered for up to 8 hours. This pause makes all the difference by infusing flavor and moisture deeply into the bread.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C), remove any plastic wrap, and bake the casserole for 40 to 45 minutes. The top should be beautifully golden brown, signaling it’s ready to delight your taste buds.
Step 8: Serve While Warm
Once out of the oven, let the casserole rest briefly before slicing and serving warm. This dish is best enjoyed fresh to appreciate the luscious cheese and crisp edges.
How to Serve Bacon Grilled Cheese Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like fresh parsley or chives add a pop of color and a fresh note that balances out the richness of the casserole. A light sprinkling of cracked black pepper also enhances the smoky bacon flavors.
Side Dishes
Pair this bacon grilled cheese casserole with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables. Something light and fresh contrasts beautifully with the dense, cheesy casserole, making your meal well-rounded and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a brunch gathering, serve the casserole in individual ramekins or layer mini versions in muffin tins for personal servings. This playful presentation makes it easy for guests to enjoy and adds a fun twist to the familiar flavors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The casserole reheats wonderfully and tastes almost as good as fresh when warmed properly.
Freezing
You can freeze the prepared but unbaked casserole covered tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to one month. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.
Reheating
Reheat leftover casserole in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes until warmed through and the edges regain their crispness. Avoid microwaving if possible, to maintain that lovely texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of bread for this casserole?
Absolutely! While brioche’s buttery softness is ideal, you can use other sturdy breads like challah or sourdough. Just make sure it’s thick enough to hold the custard without getting too soggy.
Can I substitute cheeses other than American?
For sure! Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even mozzarella make excellent alternatives. Just keep in mind that American cheese melts the best for that classic grilled cheese texture.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the bacon or replace it with vegetarian bacon options or smoked tempeh for that umami, smoky flavor.
Can I prepare the casserole the night before?
Definitely. One of the great things about this Bacon Grilled Cheese Casserole Recipe is that you can assemble it, cover it, and refrigerate overnight. It’s perfect for busy mornings or easy entertaining.
What makes this recipe different from a regular grilled cheese sandwich?
Aside from being baked in casserole form, this recipe incorporates a creamy egg custard that soaks the bread for a richer, custardy interior that elevates it from simple sandwich to comfort-food sensation.
Final Thoughts
If you want a dish that’s endlessly comforting, irresistibly cheesy, and packed with bacon-y goodness, this Bacon Grilled Cheese Casserole Recipe is your new go-to. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or simply savoring a cozy meal alone, it’s a recipe that brings warmth and smiles every time. Give it a try—you deserve that perfect slice of comfort food heaven.
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Bacon Grilled Cheese Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes (plus soaking and chilling time for sangria and casserole)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
A decadent Bacon Grilled Cheese Casserole that combines crispy bacon, gooey American cheese, and buttery brioche bread soaked in a rich egg and milk custard, baked to golden perfection. Paired with a refreshing homemade Elderflower Sangria, this comforting casserole makes a delicious and hearty meal perfect for brunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Casserole
- 1 loaf brioche bread (about 12 slices)
- 1 lb bacon (about 12 slices)
- 12 slices American cheese
- Unsalted butter (for buttering bread and dish)
- 2 1/2 cups milk
- 6 eggs
- Kosher salt (generous pinch)
Elderflower Sangria
- 6 mandarins (3 juiced and seeded, 3 sliced)
- 1/2 cup gin
- 1/2 cup elderflower syrup
- 1 bottle Middle Sister Red Blend wine (750ml)
Instructions
- Cook the bacon: Preheat the oven to 400°F (190°C). Place a wire rack over a foil-lined baking tray and arrange the bacon strips on the rack. Bake for 10-15 minutes until the bacon reaches your desired crispiness. Remove and let cool, then cut each slice in half.
- Prepare the casserole dish and bread: Butter a 9 x 13 inch baking dish. Place 6 slices of brioche bread inside the dish and butter each slice thoroughly.
- Assemble the sandwiches: Layer the bacon evenly over the bread slices. Top each with 2 slices of American cheese, then place another slice of bread on top. Butter the tops of these sandwiches as well.
- Make the egg custard: In a bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, and a generous pinch of kosher salt until smooth. Pour this mixture evenly over the assembled sandwiches, letting it soak up about halfway.
- Soak the casserole: Allow the casserole to sit uncovered for at least 20 minutes to let the custard soak into the bread. Alternatively, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 8 hours.
- Bake the casserole: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Remove any plastic wrap and bake the casserole for 40-45 minutes until the top turns golden brown and the custard is set. Let cool slightly before serving.
- Serve: Cut the casserole into portions and serve warm for best flavor and texture.
- Prepare Elderflower Sangria – Juice mandarins: Juice 3 mandarins, remove the seeds, and slice the remaining 3 mandarins. Transfer both juice and slices to a large jug.
- Add spirits and wine: Pour in 1/2 cup gin and 1/2 cup elderflower syrup. Then add the entire bottle of Middle Sister Red Blend wine and stir well to combine.
- Chill sangria: Refrigerate the sangria jug overnight to allow flavors to meld. Serve chilled alongside the casserole.
Notes
- For crispier bacon, adjust oven time according to thickness.
- Choosing brioche bread ensures a rich, buttery texture but you can substitute with other sturdy sandwich breads.
- Butter all sides of the bread slices for even browning and flavor.
- The casserole can be prepared the night before and refrigerated, making it perfect for meal prep or hosting brunch.
- Serving the casserole warm is key to enjoy the gooey cheese and tender custard.
- You can substitute American cheese with cheddar or your preferred melting cheese for a different flavor profile.
- The elderflower sangria pairs perfectly with the rich casserole, balancing the saltiness and richness.
- Leftover sangria can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
