Cheesy Tomato Bread Casserole

Cheesy Tomato Bread Casserole

Ingredients:

– 1 loaf of Italian or French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
– 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 cup milk
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 4 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. **Preheat the Oven:**
– Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. **Prepare the Bread and Tomatoes:**
– Spread the bread cubes on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil. Toss to coat.
– Place the bread cubes in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until they are slightly toasted. Remove from the oven and set aside.
– In a large skillet, heat a bit of olive oil over medium heat. Add the cherry tomatoes and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until they start to soften. Set aside.

3. **Prepare the Egg Mixture:**
– In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, garlic powder, onion powder, dried basil, salt, and pepper.

4. **Assemble the Casserole:**
– Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
– Spread half of the toasted bread cubes in an even layer in the baking dish.
– Sprinkle half of the cooked cherry tomatoes and half of the mozzarella and cheddar cheeses over the bread cubes.
– Repeat with the remaining bread cubes, cherry tomatoes, and cheeses.
– Pour the egg mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
– Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top.

5. **Bake the Casserole:**
– Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
– Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the casserole is set and the top is golden and bubbly.

6. **Serve:**
– Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
– Garnish with fresh basil, if desired.
– Cut into squares and serve warm.

Enjoy your delicious Cheesy Tomato Bread Casserole!