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Cheesy Mushroom Casserole

Cheesy Mushroom Casserole

This Cheesy Mushroom Casserole is a comforting and creamy dish bursting with rich, melted sharp cheddar cheese and the earthy flavor of fresh mushrooms. Easy to prepare with simple ingredients and minimal prep time, it’s perfect for family dinners and leftovers, delivering warm, satisfying flavors that please kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

Scale

Mushroom Mixture

  • 1 lb fresh button or cremini mushrooms, cleaned and sliced
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Creamy Cheese Sauce

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme or parsley, chopped
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Topping

  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (regular or gluten-free)
  • Additional chopped fresh parsley or thyme for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Mushrooms: Begin by cleaning and slicing your mushrooms. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat and sauté diced onion and minced garlic until fragrant. Add the mushrooms and cook until tender and any released moisture has evaporated, which intensifies their flavor.
  2. Make the Creamy Sauce: Pour the heavy cream into the skillet with the mushrooms and bring to a gentle simmer. Let it thicken slightly while stirring regularly, then add salt, pepper, and fresh herbs. This silky sauce is the base of your cheesy mushroom goodness.
  3. Combine with Cheese: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in shredded sharp cheddar cheese until fully melted and incorporated. This combination creates a luscious, gooey texture that is simply irresistible.
  4. Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the mushroom and cheese mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle evenly with breadcrumbs to create that sought-after crispy top, which adds beautiful texture to contrast the creamy interior.
  5. Bake to Perfection: Place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 20-25 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbling. Let it cool slightly before serving to allow flavors to meld beautifully.

Notes

  • Use fresh mushrooms: Avoid canned or frozen for the best texture and earthy flavor.
  • Don’t skip browning: Sauté the mushrooms thoroughly to deepen the casserole’s overall taste.
  • Grate your own cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains additives that affect melting quality.
  • Let it rest before serving: Allow the casserole to sit 5 minutes for the sauce to thicken up perfectly.
  • Add herbs last: Fresh herbs lose their brightness if cooked too long, so stir them in near the end.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheesy mushroom casserole, comfort food, creamy mushroom bake, vegetarian casserole, easy family dinner, mushroom and cheese dish