Some recipes are timeless—not because they’re complicated or trendy, but because they deliver pure comfort with every bite. Betty Crocker’s Cheese Sandwich Casserole is one of those treasures from the golden age of home cooking. It’s a simple, hearty, and budget-friendly meal that combines the coziness of grilled cheese sandwiches with the satisfying warmth of a baked casserole.
This recipe takes the humble cheese sandwich and transforms it into a bubbly, golden-brown dish that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or a nostalgic weekend meal. Layers of soft bread and melty sharp cheddar are enveloped in a rich, custard-like mixture of eggs and milk, then baked until puffed and golden. The result? A soft, savory interior contrasted with a crispy top that’s as comforting as it is delicious.
The genius of this casserole lies in its simplicity—just a handful of pantry staples come together to make something truly satisfying. It’s also endlessly adaptable: you can swap in different cheeses, add herbs or spices, or even tuck in extras like ham, bacon, or tomatoes. And while the original recipe has that mid-century Betty Crocker charm, you can easily modernize it to suit today’s tastes without losing its classic soul.
If you grew up on warm cheese sandwiches, this dish will take you right back to those childhood lunches—but with a richer, heartier twist. If you didn’t, well, you’re about to discover why simple comfort food never goes out of style.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Classic vintage comfort food with a nostalgic twist
- Minimal ingredients—most are pantry staples
- Rich, custard-like texture with a crispy golden top
- Easy to adapt with different cheeses or add-ins
- Perfect for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner
Ingredients
For the Casserole
- 12 slices white bread
- 6 slices sharp cheddar cheese
- 4 egg yolks (or 2 whole eggs), beaten
- 2 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare to Bake
When you’re ready to make the casserole, preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a medium baking dish with butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving later.
Step 2: Build the First Layer
Lay 6 slices of bread in the bottom of the greased baking dish. This will form the base of your “sandwich” layers. White bread is classic for its soft texture, but you can use any bread you prefer.
Step 3: Add the Cheese
Place 1 slice of sharp cheddar cheese on each slice of bread. The cheddar should cover as much of the bread as possible to ensure melty, cheesy goodness in every bite.
Step 4: Complete the Sandwiches
Top each cheese-topped bread slice with another slice of bread, creating a total of six sandwiches arranged in the dish.
Step 5: Make the Custard Mixture
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the beaten egg yolks or whole eggs with the whole milk, salt, pepper, and dry mustard. The dry mustard adds a subtle tang that enhances the cheddar’s flavor.
Step 6: Soak the Sandwiches
Pour the custard mixture evenly over the assembled sandwiches. The bread will gradually soak up the liquid, softening and absorbing the flavors. Cover the dish and chill in the refrigerator until the bread is thoroughly moistened—this step can be as short as 30 minutes or as long as overnight for a richer flavor.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Once the bread is softened, bake the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven for about 1 hour, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set. You’ll know it’s ready when the top springs back lightly when pressed.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Let the casserole cool slightly before slicing into squares or rectangles. Serve warm with a side salad, tomato soup, or fresh fruit for a complete meal.
Tips for Success
- Use day-old bread—it absorbs the custard better than fresh bread.
- For a crispier top, lightly butter the upper bread slices before adding the custard mixture.
- If using pre-shredded cheese instead of slices, measure about 1/2 cup per sandwich layer.
- To check for doneness, insert a knife into the center—it should come out clean with no liquid custard.
- Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving to make slicing easier.
Variations
- Bacon Lover’s Version – Add cooked, crumbled bacon between the cheese and bread layers.
- Tomato Twist – Add thin slices of tomato to each sandwich before baking for a fresh, tangy flavor.
- Herb Upgrade – Sprinkle fresh parsley, thyme, or chives over the top before baking for an herby aroma.
- Cheese Blend – Mix cheddar with mozzarella or provolone for a gooier, more complex cheese flavor.
- Spicy Kick – Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the custard for gentle heat.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigeration – Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing – Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating – Warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes.
Final Thoughts
Betty Crocker’s Cheese Sandwich Casserole is the perfect reminder that comfort food doesn’t need to be complicated. With just a few pantry staples and a little time in the oven, you can create a warm, cheesy, and deeply satisfying dish that feels like a hug on a plate.
Its versatility makes it a winner for all kinds of meals—you can serve it as a savory breakfast, a cozy brunch main, a hearty lunch, or even a no-fuss dinner alongside a simple side salad. And because it can be prepped ahead and baked when you need it, it’s an ideal choice for busy schedules.
Whether you stick to the original mid-century recipe or experiment with modern twists, this casserole will quickly become a comfort classic in your own kitchen. It’s proof that sometimes, the simplest dishes are the ones we return to again and again.
Betty Crocker’s Cheese Sandwich Casserole
Ingredients
For the Casserole
- 12 slices white bread
- 6 slices sharp cheddar cheese
- 4 egg yolks or 2 whole eggs, beaten
- 2 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare to Bake
- When you’re ready to make the casserole, preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a medium baking dish with butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving later.
Step 2: Build the First Layer
- Lay 6 slices of bread in the bottom of the greased baking dish. This will form the base of your “sandwich” layers. White bread is classic for its soft texture, but you can use any bread you prefer.
Step 3: Add the Cheese
- Place 1 slice of sharp cheddar cheese on each slice of bread. The cheddar should cover as much of the bread as possible to ensure melty, cheesy goodness in every bite.
Step 4: Complete the Sandwiches
- Top each cheese-topped bread slice with another slice of bread, creating a total of six sandwiches arranged in the dish.
Step 5: Make the Custard Mixture
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the beaten egg yolks or whole eggs with the whole milk, salt, pepper, and dry mustard. The dry mustard adds a subtle tang that enhances the cheddar’s flavor.
Step 6: Soak the Sandwiches
- Pour the custard mixture evenly over the assembled sandwiches. The bread will gradually soak up the liquid, softening and absorbing the flavors. Cover the dish and chill in the refrigerator until the bread is thoroughly moistened—this step can be as short as 30 minutes or as long as overnight for a richer flavor.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
- Once the bread is softened, bake the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven for about 1 hour, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set. You’ll know it’s ready when the top springs back lightly when pressed.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
- Let the casserole cool slightly before slicing into squares or rectangles. Serve warm with a side salad, tomato soup, or fresh fruit for a complete meal.
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