I called this recipe "Cheaters Casserole" because it tastes amazing, yet only takes minutes to make. The key to this recipe is fresh ingredients. Get your bread on the day, spend a bit extra getting beautiful tomatoes, and make sure your basil is fresh and fragrant. Slide into the Italian mindset for this one and make the highlight of the dish the ingredient rather than the method.
When throwing together this casserole, please do not be exact - rip the bread with your hands, roughly chop the tomatoes and toss with your hands. We are going for rustic here, which not only saves you time but adds to the overall presentation of the dish. Also, don't be afraid to toss in whatever you have on hand. Extra mushrooms? A handful of sun-dried tomatoes? Some fresh parsley? All can be great additions, as long as you remember that anything added must be of a good quality.
Personally I like this dish vegetarian and eat it on it's own, but it would also be wonderful served as a side to some lightly grilled white fish or simple baked chicken. And of course, a glass of wine!
Cheaters' Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 large french baguette (crusty!)
- 1 lb varied tomatoes
- 2 cloves garlic, finely sliced
- 1/2 c. olives, roughly chopped
- 1/2 c. fresh basil, roughly chopped
- 1/2 c. olive oil
- 8 oz feta cheese
- Salt & pepper (to season)
- Extra basil (to garnish)
Directions
- Step 1 Preheat your oven to 400F
- Step 2 Rip up your baguette into 1-to-2 inch chunks and place into a 9x13 casserole dish. This is a rustic dish so don't worry if the pieces are different sizes - that is what makes the dish yum!
- Step 3 Roughly chop your olives, tomatoes, feta and basil and toss into the casserole alongside your bread. Drizzle with 1/3 c. olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Toss to combine.
- Step 4 Place your dish into a preheated oven for 15min. Take out and give a quick toss, then place back in for another 15min. Garnish with basil and serve!
