This Grilled Cheese Brunch Bake is perfect for lazy weekend mornings or a special brunch. It is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines the goodness of grilled cheese sandwiches with a creamy eggy filling. The bread soaks up the custard, becoming moist and tender, while the cheese melts into a gooey, golden layer on top. Serve it with a side of fresh salad or fruit for a complete meal. It's a crowd-pleasing recipe that will leave everyone satisfied and asking for more!
Ingredients
- 12 slices of bread (white or whole wheat)
- 6 tablespoons butter, softened
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- Additional butter for greasing the baking dish
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Butter one side of each bread slice.
- Place half of the bread slices, buttered side down, in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the bread slices in the dish.
- Top with the remaining bread slices, buttered side up.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread slices in the dish.
- Press down on the bread slices slightly to make sure they are well soaked in the egg mixture.
- Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for best results.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the cheese is melted and golden.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes to crisp up the top.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Cut into squares or rectangles and serve warm.
- You can garnish with fresh parsley or chives if desired.
Interesting Facts
Grilled cheese sandwiches are a classic American comfort food.
Adding a custard-like mixture elevates the sandwich into a delicious brunch bake.
The combination of cheddar and Parmesan cheeses gives this dish a rich and savory flavor.
Refrigerating the dish before baking allows the bread to fully absorb the custard, resulting in a moist and tender texture.
This recipe is versatile and can be customized with your favorite cheese or add-ins like cooked bacon or vegetables.