Mix all ingredients, including optional items, in a large bowl until well combined. Bake in one 1 qt. or two 1/2 qt. oven proof baking dishes at 375 degrees for 40 to 60 minutes until bubbling around the edges and a nice golden brown. Serve hot, warm or room temp. with sturdy crackers or you could make some crostinis out of a thin baget by slicing it on an angle about 1/4 inch thick, place on a baking sheet, sprinkle with olive oil and bake at 350 degrees for about 15 minutes turning once until dry and crisp.