Betty Crocker’s Cheese Sandwich Casserole
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This Betty Crocker's Cheese Sandwich Casserole is the kind of cozy, old-fashioned baked dish that turns simple sandwich bread and cheddar into a golden, creamy comfort food dinner.
It is perfect for busy weeknights, brunch, potlucks, or anytime you want something warm, cheesy, budget-friendly, and easy to slice straight from the baking dish.
Why This Recipe Works
This casserole works because it combines the comfort of grilled cheese with the richness of a baked cheese strata.
The bread soaks up creamy cheddar sauce and egg mixture, creating a soft, custardy center with lightly crisp golden edges.
The cheese sauce is the key to the flavor.
A simple roux helps the sauce thicken smoothly, so the cheddar melts into a creamy coating instead of becoming greasy or separated.
The egg mixture helps the casserole set as it bakes.
That gives each serving structure, so it slices cleanly while still staying soft and cheesy inside.
The top becomes golden and slightly crisp, while the inside stays rich, tender, and comforting.
It is simple food, but the texture makes it feel much more satisfying than a basic cheese sandwich.
Key Ingredient Notes
Sandwich bread is the base of this recipe.
White bread gives the softest, most classic casserole texture, while whole wheat adds a heartier flavor and a slightly firmer bite.
Cheddar cheese brings sharp, savory flavor.
A medium or sharp cheddar works especially well because it gives the casserole a bold cheesy taste without needing many extra seasonings.
Milk keeps the cheese sauce smooth and creamy.
Using warm or room-temperature milk helps the sauce come together more easily and reduces the chance of lumps.
Eggs help bind everything together.
They turn the casserole into a soft baked dish instead of loose bread with sauce, giving it that classic breakfast casserole or savory bread pudding texture.
Easy Substitutions & Variations
You can use white bread, wheat bread, brioche, Texas toast, or even slightly stale sandwich bread.
Slightly dry bread actually works well because it absorbs the cheese sauce and egg mixture without becoming too mushy.
For cheese, cheddar is classic, but you can mix in Monterey Jack, Colby, mozzarella, Swiss, or a little pepper jack.
A blend of cheeses gives the casserole more depth and a creamier pull.
For a heartier meal, add cooked ham, turkey, bacon, sausage, or leftover roasted chicken.
Keep the pieces small so they distribute evenly between the bread layers.
Green onions add freshness and a gentle bite.
You can also use chives, caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms, or roasted peppers for extra flavor.
For a meatless version, keep it simple with just bread and cheese sauce.
Serve it with a crisp salad, tomato soup, or roasted vegetables to balance the richness.
Pro Tips for Success
Use room-temperature or warm milk when making the cheese sauce.
Cold milk can cause the roux to tighten too quickly, which may create lumps before the sauce becomes smooth.
Whisk the sauce constantly while adding the milk.
This helps the flour and butter mixture blend evenly, giving you a creamy cheddar sauce instead of a grainy one.
Let the casserole rest after baking.
A short resting time allows the center to finish setting, making it easier to slice and preventing the cheese sauce from running out too quickly.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
It will keep well for up to 3 to 4 days.
To freeze, let the casserole cool completely, then wrap individual portions tightly.
Freeze for up to 2 months for best texture.
Reheat refrigerated portions in the oven or air fryer for the best results.
This helps bring back the lightly crisp top while warming the creamy center.
The microwave works for quick reheating, but the bread will be softer.
For the best microwave texture, cover loosely and heat in short intervals until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions FAQ
Can I make this cheese sandwich casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble it ahead and refrigerate it before baking.
For best results, let it sit at room temperature briefly before baking so the dish heats more evenly.
Can I use stale bread?
Yes, slightly stale bread is actually a good choice.
It absorbs the cheese sauce and egg mixture well without falling apart too quickly.
Why is my cheese sauce grainy?
Cheese sauce can turn grainy if the heat is too high or if the cheese is added too quickly.
Remove the sauce from direct heat before stirring in the cheese, and mix until just melted and creamy.
Betty Crocker's Cheese Sandwich Casserole
Ingredients
- Sandwich Base
- 8 slices sandwich bread white or whole wheat
- 2 tablespoon butter softened
- Cheese Sauce
- 3 tablespoon butter
- 3 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk warm or room temperature
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder optional
- Egg Mixture
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup milk
- Optional Add-Ins
- ½ cup diced cooked ham or turkey
- ¼ cup chopped green onions
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 180°C / 350°F.
- Lightly grease a 9x13-inch / 23x33 cm baking dish.
- Lightly butter the sandwich bread slices.
- Cut each bread slice into halves or quarters.
- In a saucepan, melt 3 tablespoon butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to create a roux.
- Slowly pour in the milk while whisking constantly until the sauce is smooth and thickened.
- Add the shredded cheddar cheese, salt, black pepper, and mustard powder if using.
- Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy, then remove from heat.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and ½ cup milk.
- Layer half of the bread pieces in the prepared baking dish.
- Pour half of the cheese sauce evenly over the bread.
- Add diced ham, turkey, or green onions if using.
- Add the remaining bread pieces on top.
- Pour the remaining cheese sauce evenly over the casserole.
- Drizzle the egg mixture evenly over everything.
- Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until golden on top and set in the center.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.
