There’s something wonderfully nostalgic about digging into a dish from a bygone era, and Betty Crocker’s Cheese Sandwich Casserole fits that bill perfectly. This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a slice of culinary history, a simple yet incredibly satisfying meal that graced dinner tables across America for decades. It embodies the essence of comfort food: budget-friendly, easy to assemble, and utterly delicious in its simplicity. Think of it as a deconstructed, baked grilled cheese sandwich, transformed into a hearty casserole perfect for a cozy family dinner.
This casserole takes ordinary bread and cheese, soaks them in a savory egg and milk mixture, and bakes them until golden, bubbly, and incredibly flavorful. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the best meals are the ones that don’t try too hard, relying instead on classic combinations and wholesome ingredients to deliver pure, unadulterated comfort.
Why I Love This Recipe
I’m a big fan of recipes that bring back a sense of warmth and familiarity, and this Betty Crocker’s Cheese Sandwich Casserole absolutely does that. What I love most about it is its humble genius. It takes ingredients everyone has on hand – bread, cheese, eggs – and transforms them into something incredibly comforting and satisfying with minimal fuss. It’s a fantastic solution for a quick and easy weeknight dinner, especially when you’re craving something warm, cheesy, and utterly delicious. Plus, it’s a great way to use up slightly stale bread, preventing food waste. It’s simple, it’s classic, and it’s pure comfort.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this classic, comforting casserole:
- 8 slices white bread (day-old or slightly stale is best)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened (for spreading)
- 8 slices American cheese (or mild cheddar, colby)
- 3 large eggs
- 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard (optional, for a subtle tang)
- Pinch of paprika (for garnish, optional)
Swaps and Notes
- Bread: While white bread is traditional, you can use brioche, challah, or even a denser white sandwich bread. Day-old or slightly stale bread works best as it absorbs the custard mixture without becoming too soggy.
- Cheese: American cheese melts incredibly smoothly and is classic for this recipe. However, you can use mild cheddar, Colby, or a blend of your favorite melting cheeses like Monterey Jack.
- Milk: Whole milk will give you the richest, creamiest result, but 2% milk works perfectly fine. Skim milk might make it a bit less rich.
- Seasoning: The dry mustard is optional but adds a subtle tang that complements the cheese well. A pinch of cayenne pepper can be added for a very slight kick if desired.
- Add-ins (Optional): For a heartier casserole, you could add cooked and crumbled bacon, diced ham, or sautéed finely chopped onions into the egg mixture. For a touch of green, a handful of chopped fresh parsley can be stirred in before baking or sprinkled on top.
Steps for the Recipe
Let’s bake some delicious comfort!
- Prep and Preheat: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Prepare Sandwiches: Butter one side of each slice of bread. Place 1 slice of cheese on the unbuttered side of 4 bread slices, then top with the remaining 4 bread slices (buttered side out), creating 4 cheese sandwiches.
- Arrange in Dish: Cut each sandwich in half diagonally, forming two triangles. Arrange the sandwich halves in a single layer in the prepared baking dish, overlapping them slightly if necessary.
- Make the Custard: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, black pepper, and optional dry mustard until well combined.
- Pour and Soak: Carefully pour the egg and milk mixture evenly over the bread and cheese in the baking dish. Gently press down on the bread with a spatula to ensure all slices are soaked. Let stand for 10-15 minutes to allow the bread to absorb the liquid.
- Bake: Sprinkle with a pinch of paprika if desired. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the casserole is puffed, golden brown on top, and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean (no liquid egg mixture).
- Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set slightly, making it easier to serve. Serve warm.
Tips for Success
- Stale Bread: Using day-old or slightly stale bread is key! Fresh bread can become too soggy when soaked in the custard. If your bread is very fresh, you can lightly toast it in a dry pan or toaster before buttering.
- Soak Time: Don’t skip the soaking step. This ensures the bread fully absorbs the custard, leading to a moist, tender interior.
- Even Buttering: Make sure to butter the outside of the sandwiches. This helps create a lovely golden-brown crust.
- Don’t Overbake: Bake until set and golden, but avoid overbaking, which can dry out the casserole. The center should be set but still moist.
- Cover if Browning Too Fast: If the top starts to brown too quickly before the center is set, loosely tent the dish with aluminum foil.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Betty Crocker’s Cheese Sandwich Casserole is a comforting main dish that pairs wonderfully with simple sides. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a nice fresh contrast. A bowl of warm tomato soup is a classic companion, making for a very hearty and nostalgic meal. For a fun, savory accompaniment, consider This Crockpot Nacho Dip Is The Reason I Never Have Leftovers if you’re feeling extra cheesy!
Storage and Leftover Tips
Leftover Cheese Sandwich Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, individual portions can be warmed in the microwave, or you can reheat larger portions in an oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. The texture might be slightly softer upon reheating, but the flavor will still be delicious.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you appreciate the comforting and easy nature of this Cheese Sandwich Casserole, you’ll surely love these other fantastic recipes by Jason Griffith:
- For another take on cheesy, comforting goodness, check out Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders with Marinara Garlic Butter.
- If you love hot, cheesy dips, you absolutely have to try How I Turned a Classic Sandwich Into the Ultimate Cheesy Hot Dip.
- For an effortless appetizer that’s always impressive, explore This Baked Brie Appetizer Is My Favorite Effortless Way to Impress Guests.
- And if you need a quick way to feed a crowd with a savory dish, our These Sheet Pan Quesadillas Are My Favorite Way to Feed a Crowd Fast are a fantastic option.
Final Thoughts
Betty Crocker’s Cheese Sandwich Casserole is a delicious trip down memory lane, offering simple, satisfying comfort that appeals to all ages. It’s proof that sometimes the most straightforward recipes are the most beloved. Give this classic a try, and let its comforting flavors bring a little warmth to your table.
I’d love to hear if this retro casserole brings back memories for you, or if it’s a brand new discovery! Feel free to leave a comment below with your thoughts or any creative twists you added. And don’t forget to follow Chef Maniac on social media for more amazing recipes and culinary inspiration!
Leave a Reply