Description
This Baked Cheesy Mushrooms Casserole is a delightful and comforting weeknight dish featuring tender button mushrooms baked in a creamy, cheesy sauce topped with a crispy breadcrumb crust. Perfectly seasoned with garlic and thyme, it’s an easy-to-make casserole that delivers rich flavors and satisfying textures, ideal for a cozy family dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Mushrooms and Seasoning
- 1 lb button mushrooms, sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Cheese and Cream Mixture
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
Topping
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional)
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
- Toss Mushrooms: In a bowl, combine sliced mushrooms with olive oil, garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Toss well until the mushrooms are evenly coated with the seasoning and oil.
- Arrange Mushrooms: Spread the seasoned mushroom mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish to create a uniform layer for even cooking.
- Add Cheeses: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan evenly over the mushrooms to add rich flavor and a creamy texture.
- Pour Cream: Slowly pour the heavy cream over the entire dish, allowing it to seep through the mushrooms and cheese for a luscious, creamy finish.
- Prepare Topping: In a separate bowl, mix melted unsalted butter with breadcrumbs until well combined, then sprinkle this mixture evenly over the casserole to form a crispy topping.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling, indicating the casserole is cooked through.
- Optional Broil: For an extra crispy topping, broil the casserole for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Rest and Garnish: Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after removing it from the oven, then garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving for a fresh herbal note.
Notes
- You can omit the breadcrumbs topping for a gluten-free version, though it adds a delightful crunch.
- If you prefer a lighter dish, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a lower-fat cream alternative.
- This casserole can be prepared in advance; assemble it and refrigerate before baking.
- Fresh thyme can be used instead of dried for a more aromatic flavor.
- To enhance flavor, consider adding finely chopped onions or shallots along with mushrooms.
