This unique and delicious savory oatmeal breakfast casserole is an incredible way to start your day. A fusion of flavors with the heartiness of steel-cut oats, the freshness of basil and tomatoes, the creamy texture of eggs and heavy cream, and a tangy punch from feta cheese. It's a versatile dish that can easily be adapted to your taste preferences.
Steel-cut oats might not be a commonplace item in your pantry, but they are worth the trip to the supermarket. Unlike rolled oats, steel-cut oats are whole grain groats (the inner portion of the oat kernel) which have been cut into pieces but not rolled. They are golden in color and resemble mini rice particles. They have a chewier texture and nuttier flavor than rolled oats. They are also more nutritious as they contain more fiber.
Ingredients for Savory Oatmeal Breakfast Casserole
Steel-cut oats: These offer a chewy texture and nutty flavor to the dish, and are more nutritious than rolled oats.
Tomatoes: Adding a fresh and slightly sweet taste.
Fresh basil: For a touch of aromatic sweetness.
Salt: Enhances the other flavors.
Ground black pepper: Adds a bit of heat and complexity.
Egg: Adds a rich and creamy texture.
Heavy whipping cream: Provides luxurious richness.
Feta cheese: Gives a tangy and salty flavor.
One reader, Gunter Moseley says:
This savory oatmeal breakfast casserole recipe is a game-changer! The combination of oats, tomatoes, and feta cheese creates a burst of flavors that's simply irresistible. It's a hearty and satisfying breakfast option that's easy to make and perfect for busy mornings. I highly recommend giving it a try!
Essential Techniques for Making Savory Oatmeal Breakfast Casserole
How to cook steel-cut oats: In a saucepan, bring water to a boil, then add the steel-cut oats. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook until tender, approximately 10 to 15 minutes. Add more water if the oats get too dry.
How to fold ingredients: Gently combine the oatmeal, tomatoes, basil, salt, and pepper together in a bowl. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and cream together, then fold the egg mixture into the oatmeal mixture until just combined.
How to bake the casserole: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Divide the oatmeal mixture between 2 large ramekins or baking dishes, then top with crumbled feta cheese. Bake in the preheated oven until cooked through, about 30 minutes.
How To Make Savory Oatmeal Breakfast Casserole
Oatmeal is mixed with basil and feta cheese in this breakfast casserole dish. The dish itself is made ready with whipped cream. It’s a surprising treat.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1cupwater,more if needed
- ½cupsteel-cut oats
- ¼cuptomatoes,diced
- ¼cupfresh basil,chopped
- 1tspsalt
- ½tspground black pepper
- 2eggs
- 2tbspheavy whipping cream
- ¼cupcrumbled feta cheese
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
-
Bring water to a boil in a saucepan. Add oats, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook until tender, 10 to 15 minutes, adding more water if oats get too dry.
-
Combine oatmeal, tomatoes, basil, salt, and pepper together in a bowl. Beat eggs and cream together in a separate bowl. Fold egg mixture into oatmeal mixture; divide between 2 large ramekins or baking dishes. Top oatmeal mixture with feta cheese.
-
Bake in the preheated oven until cooked through, about 30 minutes.
Nutrition
- Calories: 242.43kcal
- Fat: 15.08g
- Saturated Fat: 7.84g
- Trans Fat: 0.02g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 4.45g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.63g
- Carbohydrates: 16.30g
- Fiber: 2.30g
- Sugar: 2.13g
- Protein: 11.43g
- Cholesterol: 197.20mg
- Sodium: 552.19mg
- Calcium: 149.13mg
- Potassium: 214.51mg
- Iron: 2.01mg
- Vitamin A: 169.79µg
- Vitamin C: 3.18mg
Pro Tip for Perfecting Your Savory Oatmeal Breakfast Casserole
When preparing your oatmeal, ensure that you stir it occasionally as it cooks. This will prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan and burning. Additionally, when adding the eggs and cream to the oatmeal mixture, make sure the oatmeal has cooled slightly. This will prevent the eggs from scrambling upon contact with the hot oatmeal. Lastly, for an even more flavorful dish, consider sautéing the tomatoes and basil in a little olive oil before adding them to the oatmeal mixture. This will enhance their flavors and add a nice depth to the overall dish.
Time-Saving Tips for Making This Savory Oatmeal Casserole
Prep ahead: Prepare the oatmeal mixture the night before and store it in the refrigerator. This will save you time in the morning.
Use pre-cut ingredients: Opt for pre-cut tomatoes and pre-crumbled feta cheese to cut down on prep time.
Bake in bulk: Consider making a larger batch and portioning it into individual servings for quick and easy breakfasts throughout the week.
One-pot cooking: Cook the oatmeal in the same dish you plan to bake it in to minimize cleanup and save time.
Substitute Ingredients For Savory Oatmeal Breakfast Casserole Recipe
water - Substitute with vegetable or chicken broth: Broth will add more flavor to the oatmeal casserole and enhance the savory profile.
steel-cut oats - Substitute with quinoa: Quinoa can be used as a gluten-free alternative and provides a similar nutty texture.
tomatoes - Substitute with roasted red peppers: Roasted red peppers will add a smoky sweetness and a pop of color to the casserole.
fresh basil - Substitute with fresh parsley: Fresh parsley will provide a similar freshness and herbaceous flavor to the dish.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce will add a savory umami flavor to the casserole.
ground black pepper - Substitute with smoked paprika: Smoked paprika will add a smoky, earthy flavor to the casserole.
eggs - Substitute with silken tofu: Silken tofu can provide a similar creamy texture and protein content for a vegan alternative.
heavy whipping cream - Substitute with coconut cream: Coconut cream will add a rich, creamy texture and a hint of coconut flavor to the casserole.
crumbled feta cheese - Substitute with crumbled goat cheese: Goat cheese will provide a tangy and creamy flavor similar to feta.
How to Beautifully Present Your Savory Oatmeal Breakfast Casserole
Elevate the oatmeal: Create a visually appealing presentation by using a ring mold to shape the oatmeal into a perfect round. This will give the dish a refined and elegant look.
Garnish with fresh basil: Add a pop of color and freshness to the dish by garnishing with a sprig of fresh basil. This will not only enhance the visual appeal but also add a burst of flavor.
Incorporate a drizzle of balsamic reduction: Use a small squeeze bottle to delicately drizzle a balsamic reduction on the plate. This will add a touch of sophistication and elevate the overall presentation.
Serve in individual ramekins: Present the savory oatmeal breakfast casserole in individual ramekins for a personalized and upscale dining experience.
Use fine dining plating techniques: Utilize techniques such as quenelling to create a visually stunning presentation. This attention to detail will impress even the most discerning culinary professionals.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making a Savory Oatmeal Breakfast Casserole
- Saucepan: A deep cooking pan with a handle and a lid, used for boiling, stewing, or making sauces.
- Oven: A kitchen appliance used for baking, roasting, and heating food.
- Ramekins or baking dishes: Small, individual-sized ceramic or glass dishes used for baking and serving single portions of food.
- Mixing bowl: A bowl used for combining ingredients, mixing, and stirring.
- Food processor: A kitchen appliance used for chopping, blending, and pureeing ingredients.
- Spatula: A flat, flexible utensil used for lifting, flipping, and spreading food.
- Whisk: A kitchen tool used for whipping, beating, and blending ingredients.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Tools used for accurately measuring and portioning ingredients.
- Cutting board and knife: Used for chopping, slicing, and preparing ingredients.
Storing and Freezing Savory Oatmeal Breakfast Casserole
Let the savory oatmeal breakfast casserole cool completely to room temperature before storing or freezing. This will prevent condensation from forming and making the casserole soggy.
To store in the refrigerator, cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
For longer storage, you can freeze the casserole:
- Wrap the cooled casserole tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, or place it in a freezer-safe container with a tight-fitting lid.
- Label the container with the date and contents for easy reference.
- The savory oatmeal breakfast casserole can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
To reheat the casserole:
- If frozen, thaw the casserole overnight in the refrigerator.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Remove any plastic wrap and cover the casserole with aluminum foil.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. If the casserole is still cold in the center, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes.
- Alternatively, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave. Place a single serving on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 1-2 minutes, or until warmed to your liking.
Note that the texture of the oatmeal and vegetables may change slightly after freezing and reheating, but the flavor should remain delicious.
How To Reheat Leftover Savory Oatmeal Breakfast Casserole
To reheat leftover savory oatmeal breakfast casserole, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp up the top, if desired. This method ensures even heating and helps maintain the casserole's texture.
Another option is to reheat individual portions in the microwave. Place a single serving of the casserole on a microwave-safe plate and heat it on high power for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Stir the casserole halfway through the reheating process to ensure even heating. Keep in mind that microwaving may result in a slightly softer texture compared to oven reheating.
For a quick and easy reheating method, use a skillet on the stovetop. Add a small amount of butter or olive oil to the skillet and heat it over medium heat. Add the leftover casserole and stir occasionally until heated through, about 5-7 minutes. This method allows you to quickly reheat smaller portions and adds a slight crispiness to the casserole.
If you have an air fryer, you can use it to reheat the savory oatmeal breakfast casserole. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place a portion of the casserole in the basket. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until heated through and slightly crispy on top. This method is perfect for achieving a crispy exterior while maintaining a moist interior.
Lastly, you can enjoy the leftover casserole cold or at room temperature. This is a great option if you're short on time or prefer a cold breakfast. Simply remove the casserole from the refrigerator, slice it, and serve. The flavors of the tomatoes, basil, and feta cheese will still be delicious and satisfying.
Interesting Trivia About Savory Oatmeal Breakfast Casseroles
The oatmeal breakfast casserole is a great source of protein and fiber, making it a nutritious and filling breakfast option. Oats are also known to help lower cholesterol levels and are a good source of antioxidants. Additionally, the combination of tomatoes and basil provides a burst of flavor and essential nutrients. This casserole can be a versatile dish, as you can customize it with your favorite vegetables and cheese. It's a convenient make-ahead breakfast option that can be easily reheated, making it perfect for busy mornings.
Is Making Savory Oatmeal Breakfast Casserole Cost-Effective?
The cost-effectiveness of this savory oatmeal breakfast casserole recipe largely depends on the availability and cost of ingredients. Steel-cut oats and eggs are affordable staples, while feta cheese and fresh basil may be pricier. Considering the nutritional value and filling nature of the dish, it can be a budget-friendly breakfast option. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $10-$15. Overall Verdict: 8/10. This recipe offers a nutritious, hearty breakfast that can be prepared in advance, making it a convenient and satisfying choice for busy mornings.
Is This Savory Oatmeal Casserole Healthy or Unhealthy?
The savory oatmeal breakfast casserole recipe is a nutritious and well-balanced meal that incorporates several healthy ingredients. Here's why:
- Oats: Steel-cut oats are a whole grain rich in fiber, which aids in digestion and helps maintain a feeling of fullness.
- Eggs: Eggs provide high-quality protein and essential nutrients like choline, which is important for brain health.
- Tomatoes and basil: These ingredients add vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to the dish, as well as a burst of fresh flavor.
- Feta cheese: While feta is a source of saturated fat, it is used in moderation and provides calcium and protein.
However, there are a few aspects of the recipe that could be improved to make it even healthier:
- Reduce the amount of heavy cream or replace it with a lower-fat alternative like milk or yogurt to decrease the saturated fat content.
- Increase the proportion of vegetables in the recipe by adding more tomatoes or incorporating other nutrient-dense options like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
- Use a reduced-fat feta cheese to further lower the saturated fat content without compromising on flavor.
- Consider adding herbs and spices like garlic, onion, or red pepper flakes to enhance the taste while reducing the need for excessive salt.
Editor's Opinion on This Savory Oatmeal Breakfast Casserole Recipe
The savory oatmeal breakfast casserole recipe is a delightful twist on traditional oatmeal. The combination of steel-cut oats, tomatoes, basil, and feta cheese creates a savory and satisfying dish. The addition of eggs and cream adds richness and depth of flavor, making it a perfect breakfast or brunch option. The casserole bakes to a golden perfection, with the feta cheese adding a delightful tanginess to each bite. This recipe is a wonderful way to elevate your breakfast game and is sure to impress your guests with its unique and delicious flavors.
Enhance Your Savory Oatmeal Breakfast Casserole Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Savory Oatmeal Breakfast Casserole Recipe:
This savory oatmeal breakfast casserole recipe is a delightful twist on a classic breakfast dish. The combination of hearty steel-cut oats with flavorful tomatoes and fragrant fresh basil creates a satisfying and nutritious meal. The addition of crumbled feta cheese adds a rich and creamy texture, while the eggs and heavy whipping cream provide a luscious binding element. This recipe offers a perfect balance of savory flavors and wholesome ingredients, making it a trustworthy choice for a delicious and satisfying breakfast.
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