Why You’ll Love this Betty Crocker’s Cheese Sandwich Casserole
Everyone needs a few no-fuss recipes in their back pocket, and this Cheese Sandwich Casserole certainly fits the bill.
You’ll adore how it transforms humble sandwich ingredients into a comforting, golden-brown masterpiece. Think grilled cheese meets savory bread pudding—what’s not to love?
It’s incredibly versatile, too. Running low on groceries? This casserole rescues those last bread slices and cheese bits.
Having unexpected guests? You can prep it ahead, then pop it in the oven when they arrive.
The creamy egg custard soaks into the buttery bread while the cheese gets perfectly melty and gooey.
What Ingredients are in Betty Crocker’s Cheese Sandwich Casserole?
Betty Crocker’s Cheese Sandwich Casserole is comfort food at its finest, requiring just a handful of everyday ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. This nostalgic dish transforms simple sandwich components into a warm, gooey delight that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a cozy dinner alongside a bowl of tomato soup. The beauty lies in its simplicity—just bread, cheese, and a savory custard that brings everything together.
- 12 slices white or wheat sandwich bread
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese or Colby-Jack mix
- 3 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon dry mustard (optional, for flavor boost)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped (optional)
Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your taste preferences or what you have on hand. The optional dry mustard adds a subtle tang that complements the cheese beautifully, while the chopped onion brings a savory depth that elevates the entire dish. For a richer version, you could substitute half-and-half for some of the milk, or mix different cheese varieties for more complex flavor. And don’t worry about using fancy bread—this recipe was designed for regular sandwich bread, making it as budget-friendly as it’s delicious.
How to Make this Betty Crocker’s Cheese Sandwich Casserole
Making this cheese sandwich casserole is surprisingly straightforward, and the results are absolutely worth the minimal effort.
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. Next, take your 2 tablespoons of softened butter and spread it lightly over one side of each of your 12 bread slices. This creates a delicious crispy texture on the outside of your casserole—much like the perfect grilled cheese sandwich.
Arrange 6 slices with the buttered side facing down in your prepared baking dish, creating the foundation of your casserole.
Now comes the good part—cheese! Sprinkle 1 cup of your shredded cheddar or Colby-Jack mix evenly over those bottom slices. If you’re using the optional chopped onion (which, honestly, adds such a lovely savory note), scatter that over the cheese layer.
Then, place your remaining 6 bread slices on top, this time with the buttered side facing up, and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheese over everything.
In a separate bowl, whisk together 3 large eggs, 2 cups of whole milk, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, and that ¼ teaspoon of dry mustard if you’re using it. The custard should be smooth and well-blended before you pour it evenly over the entire dish.
Let the casserole sit for about 10 minutes—this resting period is essential as it allows the bread to soak up that flavorful custard mixture. Can you imagine how the bread is transforming during this time?
Then pop it into your preheated oven, uncovered, and bake for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top turns golden brown and the custard has set.
The casserole should be slightly puffy and the cheese melted to perfection. Let it cool for just a few minutes before serving, which allows it to set up a bit more and makes serving easier.
Betty Crocker’s Cheese Sandwich Casserole Substitutions and Variations
While the classic recipe for Cheese Sandwich Casserole is absolutely delicious as written, one of the joys of this comfort food staple is how incredibly adaptable it can be to whatever ingredients you have on hand.
Don’t have cheddar? No problem. Try Swiss for a nutty flavor, pepper jack for heat, or even brie for something fancy. Whole grain bread adds fiber, while sourdough brings tangy notes.
Vegetable lovers can tuck in spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers between layers. For protein, add crispy bacon, ham, or turkey slices.
Dairy-free? Plant-based cheese and milk work surprisingly well here.
What to Serve with Betty Crocker’s Cheese Sandwich Casserole
A perfect cheese sandwich casserole deserves equally delightful accompaniments that balance its rich, gooey texture and comforting flavor profile.
Try serving it with a crisp garden salad dressed with tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts offer wonderful textural contrast. Isn’t it nice when flavors complement each other so perfectly?
For a heartier meal, add a simple tomato soup alongside. It’s practically made for dunking.
Fresh fruit can brighten the plate too—apple slices or berries provide a sweet-tart counterpoint that refreshes the palate between bites of that creamy, cheesy goodness.
Final Thoughts
Betty Crocker’s Cheese Sandwich Casserole stands as a tribute to the enduring appeal of comfort food done right.
You’ll find yourself returning to this recipe whenever life calls for something warm, cheesy, and soul-satisfying.
The beauty lies in its simplicity—just bread, cheese, and a creamy custard that transforms into something greater than the sum of its parts.
Can you think of a more perfect weekend breakfast or midweek dinner solution?
Make it your own with different cheeses or add-ins.
This humble casserole proves that sometimes, the most memorable dishes are also the most straightforward.
Betty Crocker’s Cheese Sandwich Casserole
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spread the 2 tablespoons of softened butter over one side of each of the 12 bread slices.
- Arrange 6 slices, buttered side down, in your prepared baking dish to form the base of the casserole.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded cheese evenly over the bottom layer. If using, scatter the finely chopped onion over the cheese.
- Place the remaining 6 bread slices on top with the buttered side facing up, and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheese over them.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the 3 large eggs, 2 cups of whole milk, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard (if using) until well blended.
- Pour the custard mixture evenly over the assembled casserole and let it sit for about 10 minutes so the bread can soak up the liquid.
- Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes until the custard is set and the top turns golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.
