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
Scale
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
