This is the ultimate “emergency dinner” or “lazy weekend” meal. It’s essentially a deconstructed, baked grilled cheese that’s crispy on the outside and gooey in the middle.
Because toast is porous, it soaks up the savory egg-cream wash, turning it into something almost like a savory bread pudding.
🍞 Golden Toast & Mozzarella Casserole
The Ingredients
- 8–10 slices White toast (or brioche for a richer taste)
- 2–3 balls (250g) Fresh mozzarella, sliced
- 3 Large eggs
- 1 cup Heavy cream or whole milk
- 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan
- 1 tsp Dried oregano or Italian herbs
- Topping: Cherry tomatoes (halved) or ham cubes
- Salt & Pepper to taste
The 5-Minute Assembly
- The Prep: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Grease a rectangular baking dish with butter.
- The “Shingle” Stack: Cut your toast slices in half diagonally to make triangles. Stand them up in the dish, alternating with a slice of mozzarella (like a row of falling dominoes).
- Pro Tip: Tuck a slice of ham or a fresh basil leaf between the layers for extra flavor.
- The Liquid Gold: In a bowl, whisk the eggs, cream, Parmesan, herbs, salt, and pepper. Pour this mixture evenly over the bread. Make sure the edges of the toast get some liquid!
- The Garnish: Scatter your cherry tomatoes or extra cheese on top.
- The Bake: Slide it into the oven for 15–20 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and the top edges of the toast are golden brown and crunchy.
💡 Why This Works
- Texture Contrast: The parts of the toast submerged in the egg wash become soft and custardy, while the tips sticking out get super crispy.
- The Mozzarella Factor: Fresh mozzarella provides those iconic “cheese pulls,” while the Parmesan in the wash adds the salty, savory punch.
🥗 Make it a Meal
This casserole is quite rich, so it’s best served with something bright:
- A simple arugula salad with a balsamic glaze.
- A side of marinara sauce for dipping (like a giant pizza-toast).