Mushroom casserole

Mushroom casserole is a hearty, flavorful dish that can serve as a side or a main course. It's versatile, comforting, and great for using up a variety of mushrooms. Here’s a straightforward recipe for a delicious mushroom casserole:

Mushroom Casserole

Ingredients:

• 1 pound (450 g) mushrooms (button, cremini, or a mix), cleaned and sliced
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 cup (100 g) shredded cheese (cheddar, Gruyère, or a cheese of your choice)
• 1/2 cup (50 g) breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
• 1/4 cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Cook the Mushrooms:

   • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat.
   • Add the chopped onions and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
   • Add the garlic and cook for another 1 minute.
   • Add the sliced mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally, until they release their moisture and become golden brown, about 8-10 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and thyme.

3. Prepare the Casserole Mixture:

   • In a mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream and broth. Stir in half of the shredded cheese and mix until well combined.
   • Add the cooked mushroom mixture to the bowl and mix well.

4. Assemble the Casserole:

   • Transfer the mushroom mixture to a greased 8x8-inch (20x20 cm) baking dish or a similar-sized casserole dish.
   • Spread the mixture evenly in the dish.

5. Add the Topping:

   • In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese.
   • Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the mushroom mixture in the casserole dish.

6. Bake:

   • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.

7. Serve:

   • Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.
   • Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Tips:

• Mushroom Variety: Feel free to use different types of mushrooms for a more complex flavor.
• Creaminess: Adjust the amount of cream and broth to achieve your desired level of creaminess.
• Make-Ahead: You can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Just assemble it, cover, and refrigerate. Bake it when you’re ready to serve, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if baking from cold.

This mushroom casserole is a savory, comforting dish that's perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!