Description

This Baked Cheesy Mushrooms Casserole is a creamy, indulgent dish packed with the earthy flavors of mushrooms and the savory richness of cheddar and Parmesan cheeses. It’s a perfect side dish for any meal or can be served as a main course by adding your choice of protein. The mushrooms are coated with aromatic garlic powder and thyme, then baked in a blanket of melted cheese and heavy cream. For those who love a crunchy contrast, an optional breadcrumb topping provides an irresistible golden crust. Easy to prepare and versatile, this casserole will quickly become a go-to recipe for family dinners or entertaining guests.

Ingredients

Scale

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
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup heavy cream
2 tbsp unsalted butter melted
1/2 cup breadcrumbs optional
fresh parsley chopped, for garnish

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a bowl, toss the sliced mushrooms with olive oil, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper until well coated.
Spread the mushroom mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan over the mushrooms.
Pour the heavy cream evenly over the entire dish.
In a separate bowl, mix the melted butter with breadcrumbs until well combined. Sprinkle this mixture over the top of the casserole.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling.
Optionally, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes to achieve an extra crispy topping.
Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before garnishing with chopped parsley and serving.

Notes

Mushroom Substitutions: Feel free to substitute button mushrooms with cremini or portobello mushrooms for a heartier texture. For a more robust, earthy flavor, shiitake mushrooms are also a great option.
Cheese Variations: If you’d like to experiment with other cheeses, mozzarella, Swiss, or Gruyère can be used for a different flavor profile. You can also add a spicy kick with pepper jack cheese.
Make Ahead: This casserole can be assembled ahead of time, making it ideal for meal prepping or hosting. Simply refrigerate it before baking, then pop it in the oven when you’re ready.
Optional Breadcrumb Topping: While the breadcrumb topping adds a nice crunchy texture, it’s completely optional. You can omit it for a gluten-free version or swap it with crushed nuts or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Additions: You can easily customize this casserole by adding cooked proteins like chicken, ham, or bacon. You can also bulk it up with vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or onions to create a more filling main dish.
Storage and Reheating: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F to maintain the crispiness of the topping.
Dietary Adaptations: This casserole can be made dairy-free by using plant-based cream and vegan cheese, and it can be adapted for low-carb or keto diets by omitting the breadcrumbs.