Maximalist Grilled Cheese Casserole – A Cheesy Comfort Feast

When the craving for something melty, crispy, and irresistibly cheesy hits, few dishes deliver pure comfort like a Maximalist Grilled Cheese Casserole. This over-the-top creation takes the nostalgic magic of a classic grilled cheese and transforms it into a bubbling, golden casserole that feeds a crowd and fills your kitchen with the buttery scent of happiness. Imagine layers of crusty bread soaked in savory custard, gooey cheese stretching with every forkful, and pops of roasted tomatoes, caramelized onions, and crisp bacon woven throughout. This is comfort food in its most generous form — big, bold, and unapologetically indulgent.

This recipe isn’t just about feeding hunger — it’s about gathering people around the table, serving up warmth and laughter in every bite. The buttery crunch of baked sourdough contrasts beautifully with the molten layers of cheddar and mozzarella, while hints of red onion and herbs keep each mouthful vibrant. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a hug after a long day, equally perfect for a family brunch, weeknight dinner, or cozy weekend meal.

Ingredients:

• 8 slices thick sourdough or rustic bread
• 2 tablespoons softened butter
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
• 6 slices cooked bacon, chopped
• 4 large eggs
• 1 ½ cups whole milk
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons chopped chives (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Preheat and prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter.
2. Toast the bread: Butter one side of each bread slice, then toast them in a skillet over medium heat until golden and crisp. This helps them hold up in the casserole.
3. Layer the casserole: Arrange half the toasted bread slices in the baking dish, buttered side up. Sprinkle with half the cheddar, mozzarella, tomatoes, onions, spinach, and bacon. Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients.
4. Make the custard: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well blended. Pour evenly over the layered bread and cheese.
5. Rest: Let the casserole sit for 15 minutes so the bread absorbs some of the liquid.
6. Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15–20 minutes, until golden brown, bubbly, and crisp on top.
7. Serve: Sprinkle with fresh chives and let cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Tips & Tricks

• For extra flavor, mix Dijon mustard or a splash of hot sauce into the egg mixture.
• Want a smoky note? Swap regular bacon for smoked pancetta or turkey bacon.
• Add a sprinkle of Parmesan on top before baking for a crisp, cheesy crust.

Variations

• Vegetarian: Skip the bacon and add sautéed mushrooms or roasted red peppers.
• Spicy: Add jalapeños, pepper jack cheese, or a drizzle of sriracha.
• Breakfast style: Mix in cooked sausage and top with fried eggs before serving.

Maximalist Grilled Cheese Casserole

A rich, layered casserole inspired by the classic grilled cheese sandwich, featuring melted cheddar, mozzarella, crispy bacon, tomatoes, and spinach baked between buttery sourdough slices.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Servings: 6 portions

Course: Dinner, Main Dish

Cuisine: American, Comfort Food

Calories: 420

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 8 slices sourdough bread thick-cut
• 2 tablespoons butter softened
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
• 1 small red onion thinly sliced
• 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
• 6 slices cooked bacon chopped
• 4 large eggs
• 1.5 cups whole milk
• 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons chopped chives for garnish

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Baking dish
• Whisk
• Oven

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Butter one side of each bread slice and toast until golden.
3. Layer half the bread, cheese, vegetables, and bacon in dish; repeat.
4. Whisk eggs, milk, and seasonings, then pour over layers.
5. Let rest 15 minutes, cover, and bake 25 minutes; uncover and bake 20 minutes more.
6. Garnish with chives and serve warm.

Notes

This casserole is ideal for brunch, lunch, or dinner and reheats beautifully.

Serving Suggestions
Serve this casserole with a simple green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette, or a cup of creamy tomato soup for the ultimate comfort combo. It’s also fantastic reheated the next morning — a delicious twist on breakfast leftovers.

Storage Information
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes until warm and crisp. To freeze, wrap tightly in foil and store up to 1 month. Thaw overnight and reheat before serving.

FAQ
Can I prepare it ahead of time? Yes! Assemble the casserole the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Bake it fresh the next day.
Can I use different cheese? Absolutely — gouda, provolone, or Monterey Jack all melt beautifully.
Can I use gluten-free bread? Yes, just make sure to toast it first so it holds texture during baking.

History / Fun Facts
Grilled cheese sandwiches date back to the early 1900s when sliced bread and processed cheese became popular. Over time, home cooks began turning their favorite sandwich into casseroles for potlucks and family dinners. This Maximalist Grilled Cheese Casserole celebrates that heritage, combining classic American comfort food with modern flair — extra cheese, extra layers, and extra love baked right in.