Okay, friends, let me tell you about this.What is a mushroomIs this one of those recipes that just makes you feel warm and cozy inside? What are the tuna noodle casseroles that Grandma used to make? Is this like the sophisticated, grown-up cousin of that? What are some of the easiest recipes to throw together? Honestly, I stumbled upon this years ago when I was trying to use up some leftover mushrooms, and I haven’t used them for a long time. Has been a family staple ever since. What are some comfort food recipes? What is the best part? Even my pickiest eaters gobble it right up.
What is Mushroom Casserole?
Think of a mushroom casserole as a warm hug on a chilly evening. It’s essentially a baked dish filled with sauteed mushrooms in a creamy, savory sauce, often topped with something crunchy and delicious. The beauty of it is its simplicity and versatility. While some casseroles can be complicated with tons of ingredients, this one is pretty straightforward. It’s not just mushrooms swimming in cream; it’s about coaxing out the rich, earthy flavor of the mushrooms and complementing them with the perfect blend of seasonings and textures. The “casserole” part just refers to how it’s prepared – baked in a single dish until bubbly and golden brown. This makes it perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or even just a cozy night in by yourself.
Why you will love this recipe?
What are some of the best reasons to fall in love with someone.What is a mushroom, but here are a few of my absolute favorites. First off, the flavor is incredible. You get that deep, umami-richness from the mushrooms that’s balanced perfectly by the creamy, savory sauce. I always add a touch of thyme, which just elevates the whole dish. The simplicity of this recipe is another huge win. Seriously, you can whip this up in under an hour, even on a busy weeknight. And let’s not forget about cost-efficiency. Mushrooms are generally budget-friendly, and the other ingredients are things you probably already have in your pantry. What I love most about this is its versatility. You can serve it as a main course with a side salad, or as a comforting side dish alongside roasted chicken or steak. It’s also easily adaptable – you can add different types of mushrooms, throw in some vegetables, or switch up the topping to suit your taste. This reminds me a bit of my creamy spinach dip, but honestly, sometimes you just need something a bit more substantial, and this casserole definitely delivers. It’s just more of a meal!
How do I make Mushroom Casserole?
Quick Overview
What makes this creamy soup creamy?What is a mushroom is easier than you might think! You’ll start by sautéing your favorite mushrooms until they’re perfectly tender and browned. Then, you’ll whip up a simple but delicious creamy sauce right in the same pan. Combine the mushrooms and sauce, pour it into a baking dish, and top it with something crispy – I usually go for breadcrumbs or fried onions. Bake it until golden and bubbly, and you’re done! The best part is that you can adjust the flavors to your liking. This method is special because it maximizes the mushroom flavor while keeping the cleanup to a minimum.
Ingredients
For the Mushroom Base:
* 1 tablespoon olive oil: This helps to sauté the mushrooms and bring out their flavors.
* 1 large onion, chopped: Adds a sweet and savory base to the casserole.
* 2 cloves garlic, minced: Gives the casserole a pungent and aromatic kick.
* 1 pound mixed mushrooms, sliced (cremini, shiitake, oyster): Using a mix of mushrooms adds depth and complexity of flavor. I always use cremini as my base.
* 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme: This earthy herb complements the mushrooms perfectly.
* 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a touch of spice and balances the richness of the dish.
What is Creamy Sauce?
* 1/4 cup butter: Adds richness and flavor to the sauce.
* 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: This helps to thicken the sauce.
* 2 cups milk (whole or 2%): Makes the sauce creamy and smooth. I’ve even used unsweetened almond milk in a pinch, and it turned out great!
* 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth: Adds depth of flavor to the sauce.
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty and savory element to the sauce.
* 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: Brightens up the sauce and adds a fresh flavor.
For the Topping:
* 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular): Adds a crispy and crunchy topping. Panko are the best here, I think!
* 2 tablespoons melted butter: Helps to bind the breadcrumbs together and adds flavor. OR: 1 can (6 ounces) French fried onions: Adds a classic crunchy and savory topping. I always go for this, if I’m honest!
What are the steps in
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. This prevents the casserole from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Make sure to get the corners!
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, or it will taste bitter!
Step 3: Sauté Mushrooms
Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook until they are tender and browned, about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally and season with thyme, salt, and pepper. The mushrooms will release their moisture, so keep cooking until the liquid evaporates and they start to brown nicely.
Step 4: Make the Cream Sauce
Melt butter in the same skillet over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to create a roux. Slowly whisk in milk and broth until smooth. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese and parsley.
Step 5: Combine Mushrooms and Sauce
Pour the creamy sauce over the sautéed mushrooms and stir to combine. Make sure the mushrooms are evenly coated in the sauce.
Step 6: Assemble Casserole
How do you spread the mushroom mixture in a baking dish?
Step 7: Add Topping
In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs with melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the mushroom mixture. Alternatively, sprinkle the French fried onions evenly over the mushroom mixture.
Step 8: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly. Keep an eye on it so the topping doesn’t burn!
Step 9: Cool and Serve
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly. Garnish with extra fresh parsley, if desired. Enjoy!
What is the best way to serve it?
This mushroom casserole is incredibly versatile, which is why I love it so much!
What’s a good weeknight dinner? A simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette is a perfect light and refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole. I also love serving it with a side of roasted asparagus or green beans.
For a Special Occasion: If you’re serving this for a holiday or dinner party, try pairing it with roasted chicken or a juicy steak. It also goes well with mashed potatoes or creamy polenta for an extra comforting meal.
What is a good cozy lunch? Leftover mushroom casserole is delicious all on its own for lunch! Just reheat a portion in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
My family’s tradition: My Family My grandma always served this casserole with a side of cranberry sauce during the holidays. It might sound a little strange, but the sweetness of the cranberries really complements the savory flavors of the mushrooms.
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Mushroom Casserole
Okay, I’ve made this mushroom casserole *a lot*, so I’ve picked up a few tricks along the way!
Mushroom Prep: Don’t wash your mushrooms! Instead, gently wipe them clean with a damp paper towel. Washing them can make them absorb too much water, which will prevent them from browning properly. Also, try to slice the mushrooms evenly so they cook at the same rate.
Cream Sauce Magic: For the smoothest cream sauce, make sure your milk is warm (not cold) when you add it to the roux. And whisk, whisk, whisk! Constant stirring will prevent lumps from forming. If you do get lumps, you can use an immersion blender to smooth it out.
Topping Tweaks: If you’re using breadcrumbs, try toasting them lightly in a skillet with the melted butter before adding them to the casserole. This will give them an extra layer of crispiness. Also, experiment with different toppings! Crushed crackers, potato chips, or even a sprinkle of shredded cheese can add a fun twist.
Substitutions: If you don’t have fresh parsley on hand, you can use dried parsley (use about 1 teaspoon). You can also substitute the chicken or vegetable broth with beef broth for a richer flavor. If you want to make this casserole vegetarian, make sure to use vegetable broth.
Baking Perfection: Keep an eye on the casserole while it’s baking, especially towards the end. If the topping starts to brown too quickly, you can tent it with aluminum foil to prevent it from burning. I usually bake it until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly around the edges.
Spice it up!: I love a dash of red pepper flakes in the sauce. The little kick is nice!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Here’s how to keep your mushroom casserole tasting its best!
Room Temperature: I wouldn’t recommend leaving this casserole at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Dairy-based dishes can spoil quickly, so it’s best to refrigerate any leftovers promptly.
Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover mushroom casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure it’s completely cooled before storing it to prevent condensation from forming.
Freezer Instructions: You can freeze this casserole, but the texture might change slightly. To freeze, let the casserole cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the casserole for 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave. If the topping starts to dry out during reheating, you can add a little bit of butter or olive oil.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
This creamy mushroom casserole is one of those recipes that I turn to time and time again. It’s simple, comforting, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re looking for a cozy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing side dish for a special occasion, this casserole is sure to hit the spot. And honestly, the leftovers are just as good (if not better!). If you love this recipe, you might also enjoy my creamy chicken and Mushroom Pasta bake. It’s another family favorite that’s packed with flavor. Happy cooking, friends! I can’t wait to hear how your mushroom casserole turns out. Leave a comment below and let me know if you tried it, and if you made any fun variations. And don’t forget to rate the recipe – it helps other people find it!
Mushroom Casserole
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Mushrooms
- 1 cup Onion Chopped
- 2 cloves Garlic Minced
- 1 cup Heavy Cream
- 0.5 cup Milk
- 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Sauté onions and garlic in butter until softened.
- Add mushrooms and cook until tender.
- Stir in heavy cream, milk, and seasonings. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Pour mixture into a greased casserole dish. Top with cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown.
