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Maximalist Grilled Cheese Casserole


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  • Author: Clara Hastings
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A decadent and cheesy casserole that combines multiple types of cheese and layers of sourdough bread, perfect for a comforting meal.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 slices thick-cut sourdough bread, crusts on
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups whole milk
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 large heirloom tomatoes, sliced
  • 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • 6 strips cooked bacon, chopped (optional; omit for vegetarian)
  • 1/2 cup baby spinach leaves
  • 1/4 cup chives or green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with butter or nonstick spray.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk eggs, whole milk, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until fully combined.
  3. Arrange 6 slices of sourdough bread in the base of the casserole dish, trimming to fit as needed. Evenly spread half the softened cream cheese over the bread slices.
  4. Distribute half of the sharp cheddar, Gruyère, and mozzarella cheeses evenly over the bread. Add half of the sliced tomatoes, red onion, spinach leaves, and chopped bacon if using.
  5. Repeat with remaining bread slices, cream cheese, shredded cheeses, tomatoes, red onion, spinach, and bacon to create a second layer.
  6. Pour the egg and milk mixture evenly over the entire casserole. Gently press down on the layers to help the bread absorb the liquid.
  7. Drizzle melted unsalted butter over the top layer. Sprinkle with chives or green onions.
  8. Cover casserole with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
  9. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes, until golden brown and bubbling.
  10. Allow casserole to rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing into squares. Serve warm.

Notes

  • For a vegetarian option, omit the bacon.
  • This casserole can be prepped ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator before baking.
  • Customize the cheeses and add-ins based on personal preference.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Casserole
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 square
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 30g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 20g
  • Cholesterol: 150mg