In the world of culinary creations, few dishes can compete with the heartiness and comfort of a breakfast casserole. Combining the rustic flavors of earthy mushrooms, creamy Swiss cheese, and tender potatoes, this Mushroom-and-Swiss Potato Breakfast Casserole is a celebration of flavors that transcend borders and cultures. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the history and culture of mushrooms and breakfast casseroles, followed by a tantalizing recipe that brings these elements together in a perfect morning dish.

Mushrooms, often dubbed as “nature’s umami bombs,” have a long history in global cuisine. They were highly revered by ancient civilizations like the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans for their unique texture and taste. These fungi were believed to possess medicinal and even magical properties. In Asian cultures, particularly Chinese and Japanese, mushrooms have been a staple for centuries, valued not only for their culinary appeal but also for their potential health benefits.

Mushrooms’ cultural significance extends to various modern culinary traditions. They’ve found their way into gourmet French cuisine, where delicate morel and chanterelle mushrooms are prized ingredients. Similarly, Italian cuisine showcases the earthy richness of mushrooms in dishes like risotto and pasta. Across cultures, mushrooms have an uncanny ability to elevate any dish they grace.

The concept of breakfast casseroles can be traced back to the United States, gaining popularity in the mid-20th century. These versatile dishes quickly became a cherished part of American home cooking, offering a convenient and flavorful way to start the day. The beauty of breakfast casseroles lies in their adaptability; they can be customized with various ingredients to suit different tastes and preferences.

As with many traditional dishes, breakfast casseroles often bring families together around the table. They evoke a sense of warmth and comfort, providing sustenance and a shared experience that transcends cultural boundaries.

This recipe is inspired by the WW recipe of the same name, at only 2 points per serving, you can have your casserole ready to eat in just 90-minutes. The original recipe utilizes a slow-cooker and takes over 7 hours to make, setting it up at night before bedtime, and waking up to a ready made breakfast. I opted to modify the recipe for the oven, reducing the cook time to just 90-minutes, or less.

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2 Points® – Total Time: 1 hour 30 min – Prep Time: 30 min – Cook Time: 1 hour – Serves: 9

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Ingredients

• 4 sprays Cooking spray
• 2 medium, thinly sliced onions
• 16 oz, sliced (two 8-oz packages) Cremini mushrooms
• 1 tsp kosher salt, divided
• ½ tsp black pepper, divided
• 3 large garlic cloves, minced
• 1 Tbsp fresh Rosemary, minced
• 10 oz, frozen shredded hash brown potatoes or refrigerated variety
• 1 cup shredded low fat Swiss cheese
• 6 large eggs
• ¾ cup 2% low fat milk
• 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard, grainy variety
• 1 Tbsp chives, for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350˚ F. Coat a large nonstick skillet with cooking spray; heat over medium-high heat. Add onions, mushrooms, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp pepper; cook, stirring often, until vegetables soften, 10 minutes. Stir in garlic and rosemary; cook, stirring, 1 more minute.
2. Coat inside of a 9 x 9 pan with cooking spray. Place a third of potatoes in bottom; top with half vegetable mixture and ½ cup cheese. Repeat layers with another third of potatoes, remaining vegetables and ½ cup cheese; top with remaining potatoes.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, mustard, remaining ½ tsp salt, and remaining 1/4 tsp pepper; pour over casserole in pan and sprinkle with remaining cheese. Bake in oven for 1 hour, or until eggs are set. Serve sprinkled with chopped chives.
4. Serving size: 1 cup

The Mushroom-and-Swiss Potato Breakfast Casserole beautifully marries the rich cultural history of mushrooms with the cozy charm of breakfast casseroles. As you savor each bite of this delightful dish, take a moment to appreciate the way it brings together flavors and traditions from around the world, all within the confines of a humble baking dish. Whether shared with family or enjoyed alone, this casserole is a testament to the magic that happens when food and culture unite on your breakfast table.