Savory Breakfast Casserole with a Trio of Toppings: Mushroom and Onion Jam, Tomato and Pesto and Avocado Black Bean Salsa

Elevate your weekend brunch or holiday breakfast with a show-stopping Savory Breakfast Casserole, a hearty and satisfying dish that goes far beyond your standard egg bake. This isn’t just any casserole; it’s a flavorful foundation designed to be customized and celebrated with a vibrant trio of complementary toppings. Forget the ordinary – get ready to indulge in a comforting blend of eggs, cheese, ham, and croutons, perfectly paired with the sweet and savory depth of Mushroom and Onion Jam, the bright freshness of Tomato and Pesto Salad, and the creamy, zesty punch of Avocado Black Bean Salsa. Prepare to impress your guests and delight your taste buds with this versatile and delicious breakfast experience.

Recipe Summary:

  • Difficulty Level: Easy

  • Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes

  • Preparation Time: 15 minutes

  • Inactive Time: 5 minutes (resting the casserole)

  • Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (includes casserole baking and jam cooking)

  • Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients

Savory Casserole:

  • Cooking spray: For greasing the baking dish.

  • 10 large eggs: The primary binding ingredient for the casserole.

  • 3 cups milk: Provides moisture and richness to the egg mixture.

  • 1 (10.75-ounce) can cream of mushroom soup: Adds a creamy texture and savory flavor.

  • 2 (5-ounce) bags large-cut croutons (recommended: Chatham Village): Forms the base and adds texture to the casserole.

  • 1 (8-ounce) package diced ham: Contributes a salty, savory element.

  • 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese: Melts and creates a cheesy topping and interior.

  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: For garnish and a fresh, herbal note.

  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: To season the casserole mixture.

Mushroom and Onion Jam:

  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil: Used for sautéing the vegetables.

  • 2 (12-ounce) bags frozen chopped onions, thawed: Provides a sweet and savory base for the jam.

  • 2 (8-ounce) packages sliced mushrooms: Adds earthy flavor and texture.

  • 1 tablespoon sugar: Balances the savory flavors and helps caramelize the onions.

  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar: Adds a tangy element to the jam.

  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: For seasoning the jam.

Tomato and Basil Salad:

  • 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained: The base of the salad, providing a fresh and slightly acidic flavor.

  • 1/2 cup prepared pesto: Adds a flavorful combination of basil, pine nuts, garlic, and cheese.

  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar: Provides acidity and balances the richness of the pesto.

  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: To season the salad.

Avocado and Black Bean Salsa:

  • 1 pint prepared guacamole: The creamy base of the salsa, providing rich avocado flavor.

  • 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained: Adds a hearty and earthy component.

  • 1 canned jalapeno, finely chopped: Provides a spicy kick.

  • 1 tablespoon lime juice: Adds brightness and acidity to the salsa.

Directions

For the Savory Casserole:

  1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (approximately 175 degrees Celsius).

  2. Prepare the baking dish: Lightly coat a 9 by 13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

  3. Combine wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the 10 large eggs and 3 cups of milk until they are thoroughly combined and smooth.

  4. Add croutons: Incorporate the 2 (5-ounce) bags of large-cut croutons into the egg and milk mixture. Gently toss until the croutons are well coated.

  5. Add remaining ingredients: Add the 1 (10.75-ounce) can of cream of mushroom soup, 1 (8-ounce) package of diced ham, 2 cups of shredded Cheddar cheese, and 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley to the bowl. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking.

  6. Mix: Gently mix all the ingredients together until evenly distributed.

  7. Pour and bake: Pour the entire mixture into the prepared 9 by 13-inch baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the casserole is golden brown and appears puffy.

  8. Rest: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before cutting and serving.

For the Mushroom and Onion Jam:

  1. Heat oil: In a large skillet, add 3 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat.

  2. Sauté ingredients: Once the oil is hot, add the 2 (12-ounce) bags of thawed frozen chopped onions, 2 (8-ounce) packages of sliced mushrooms, 1 tablespoon of sugar, 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, and kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

  3. Initial cooking: Mix all the ingredients together in the skillet and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

  4. Caramelize: Reduce the heat to low and continue to cook, stirring frequently to prevent burning, until the onions are deeply caramelized and soft. This will take approximately 20 to 25 minutes.

  5. Season and cool: Taste the jam and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Remove the jam from the pan and let it cool completely.

  6. Store: Cover the cooled mushroom and onion jam and refrigerate until you are ready to serve.

For the Tomato and Basil Salad:

  1. Combine ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the 1 (15-ounce) can of drained diced tomatoes, 1/2 cup of prepared pesto, and 1 tablespoon of red wine vinegar.

  2. Mix and season: Stir the ingredients together until well combined. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

  3. Store: Cover the tomato and basil salad and refrigerate until ready to serve.

For the Avocado and Black Bean Salsa:

  1. Combine ingredients: In a bowl, mix together the 1 pint of prepared guacamole, 1 (15-ounce) can of drained black beans, 1 finely chopped canned jalapeno, and 1 tablespoon of lime juice.

  2. Store: Cover the avocado and black bean salsa and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Serving:

  • Serve slices of the hot savory casserole with the prepared mushroom and onion jam, tomato and basil salad, and avocado and black bean salsa as assorted toppings on the side.

With its satisfying base and the exciting variety offered by the Mushroom and Onion Jam, Tomato and Pesto Salad, and Avocado Black Bean Salsa, this Savory Breakfast Casserole truly transforms a simple meal into a memorable occasion. Whether you enjoy a little bit of everything or find your favorite combination, each bite offers a delightful interplay of textures and flavors. Easy enough for a relaxed morning yet impressive enough for entertaining, this recipe is a testament to the power of thoughtful toppings. So gather your ingredients, prepare your trio of delights, and savor the delicious possibilities of this exceptional breakfast casserole.

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