This Cheese Dreams Breakfast Casserole is a rich, cheesy, and savory dish perfect for breakfast or brunch. Inspired by the classic Cheese Dreams appetizer, this casserole combines buttery brioche, eggs, crispy bacon, and extra-sharp cheddar cheese for a deliciously satisfying meal. Whether you’re making it for a weekend breakfast, holiday brunch, or meal prepping for the week, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

4 oz extra-sharp yellow Cheddar cheese, finely shredded (about 1 cup)
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
¼ tsp smoked paprika
1 ½ tsp Worcestershire sauce, divided
1 ¼ tsp dry mustard, divided
½ tsp cayenne pepper, divided
14 slices brioche (½-inch thick), crusts trimmed and lightly toasted (from a 14-oz loaf)
8 large eggs
2 cups half-and-half
1 tsp kosher salt
6 thick-cut bacon slices, cooked and crumbled
1 tbsp finely chopped chives

Directions

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 13×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
Make Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, beat together shredded cheese and butter with an electric mixer on medium speed until blended (about 15 seconds). Add smoked paprika, ½ tsp Worcestershire sauce, ¼ tsp dry mustard, and ¼ tsp cayenne; mix until well combined.
Assemble the Cheese Dreams: Spread 1 tbsp of the cheese mixture onto one side of each toasted brioche slice. Cut each slice into four squares.
Layer the Casserole: Starting at one corner of the dish, arrange the bread squares in a shingled pattern down the length of the dish, slightly overlapping each piece. Repeat to create four rows of 14 squares.
Make the Egg Mixture: In the same bowl, whisk together eggs, half-and-half, salt, remaining Worcestershire sauce, dry mustard, and cayenne. Pour over the arranged bread squares in the baking dish. Sprinkle the crumbled bacon over the top. Cover with foil.
Bake: Bake for 30 minutes until the cheese is melted and the egg mixture is puffed. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until lightly browned and fully set.
Serve: Let the casserole sit for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped chives and serve warm.

Nutrients

Calories: 350 kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 180mg
Sodium: 600mg
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 4g

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Cheese Dreams Breakfast Casserole is an effortless, make-ahead dish that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. Here’s why you’ll want to make it again and again:

Rich & Cheesy: Made with extra-sharp cheddar, it’s bursting with bold, tangy cheese flavor.
Savory & Crispy: The combination of crispy bacon, buttery brioche, and toasted edges creates the perfect texture.
Perfect for Meal Prep: Make it ahead of time and reheat for a quick and satisfying breakfast.
Great for Gatherings: It’s big enough to feed a crowd, making it perfect for brunches, potlucks, and holidays.
Customizable: You can easily switch up the ingredients to fit your taste and dietary preferences.

What Makes This Breakfast Casserole Special?

This isn’t just another breakfast casserole—it’s a luxurious twist on a classic appetizer. Traditionally, Cheese Dreams are toasted bread rounds topped with melted cheese. This version elevates the idea by layering buttery brioche with creamy eggs, cheddar cheese, and smoky bacon, then baking it all together until it’s golden, gooey, and irresistible.

The Star Ingredients

Each ingredient plays an essential role in making this cheesy breakfast casserole a showstopper:

Brioche Bread: The Buttery Base

Brioche is a rich, slightly sweet bread that soaks up the egg mixture beautifully, giving the casserole a soft, custard-like interior while maintaining a crisp, golden top. If you don’t have brioche, you can substitute with:

Challah (for a slightly denser texture)
Texas Toast (for a thicker, heartier bite)
French Bread (for a rustic feel)

Cheddar Cheese: The Sharp, Melty Goodness

The extra-sharp cheddar gives the casserole a deep, tangy, and slightly nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the smoky bacon. If you prefer a different cheese twist, you can swap cheddar for:

Gruyère (for a nutty, gourmet touch)
Smoked Gouda (for a smoky, creamy bite)
Monterey Jack (for a mild, melty texture)

Bacon: The Crispy, Savory Crunch

Crispy, thick-cut bacon adds a smoky, salty element that enhances the richness of the cheese and eggs. You can also use:

Turkey bacon (for a leaner option)
Sausage crumbles (for a heartier casserole)
Vegetarian bacon bits (for a meatless alternative)

Eggs & Half-and-Half: The Creamy, Fluffy Base

This casserole is light yet rich, thanks to the combination of eggs and half-and-half. The eggs create a fluffy, custard-like texture, while the half-and-half adds creaminess without making it too heavy.

Seasonings & Worcestershire Sauce: The Flavor Boosters

A blend of dry mustard, smoked paprika, and Worcestershire sauce adds an umami depth that brings out the cheese’s sharpness while balancing the richness of the bacon and eggs. These small but powerful ingredients give the dish a gourmet touch.

How to Make It Ahead of Time

One of the best things about this Cheese Dreams Breakfast Casserole is that you can prepare it ahead of time. Here’s how:

Prepare the night before: Assemble everything in the baking dish, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. This allows the bread to soak up the egg mixture, making the casserole even more flavorful.
Bake when ready: Simply remove it from the fridge 30 minutes before baking to bring it to room temperature, then bake as directed.
Reheat leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes.

How to Customize This Recipe

While this Cheese Dreams Breakfast Casserole is already delicious, you can customize it to suit your taste preferences or make it fit different dietary needs. Here are some ideas:

Make it spicy – Add chopped jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or hot sauce for an extra kick.
Add veggies – Mix in sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for added nutrition.
Use different meats – Try chorizo, breakfast sausage, or ham instead of bacon for a different flavor profile.
Go meatless – Swap bacon for roasted red peppers, caramelized onions, or sun-dried tomatoes.
Make it dairy-free – Use dairy-free cheese and plant-based milk for a lactose-free version.

What to Serve with This Casserole

This cheesy, savory breakfast casserole is satisfying on its own, but you can pair it with other dishes for a complete meal:

Fresh fruit salad – The sweetness balances the richness of the casserole.
Crispy hash browns – For an extra layer of texture and crunch.
Avocado slices – A creamy, fresh contrast to the cheesy flavors.
Mimosas or coffee – Because every brunch needs the perfect drink pairing!

Final Thoughts: A Must-Try Breakfast Casserole

This Cheese Dreams Breakfast Casserole is a true crowd-pleaser, combining buttery brioche, sharp cheddar, crispy bacon, and creamy eggs into one indulgent dish. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion, meal prep, or a cozy weekend brunch, this casserole is easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and guaranteed to impress.

If you love cheese, bacon, and a comforting breakfast, you need to give this recipe a try. The crispy, golden-brown top and creamy, cheesy inside make every bite absolutely irresistible.