Baked Cheesy Mushrooms Casserole

This Baked Cheesy Mushroom Casserole is a rich and creamy dish loaded with tender mushrooms, savory herbs, and a decadent cheese blend, all baked to golden perfection. Topped with buttery breadcrumbs, it has the ideal balance of creamy and crispy textures, making it a delicious side for any main course or a cozy comfort food option on its own. Just add a sprinkle of fresh parsley before serving for a pop of color and flavor!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Creamy and Cheesy: The combination of cheddar, Parmesan, and heavy cream makes for a rich, cheesy casserole that’s incredibly satisfying.
Easy to Make: With simple prep and minimal ingredients, this recipe is easy to put together and doesn’t require much time.
Versatile Side Dish: It pairs wonderfully with a wide variety of main courses, making it a great side for family dinners or special gatherings.
Perfect Texture: The creamy sauce and tender mushrooms are perfectly balanced by a crispy breadcrumb topping, making each bite a textural delight.

Key Ingredients:

Button Mushrooms: Button mushrooms are mild and tender, but you can substitute with cremini or baby bella mushrooms for a slightly deeper flavor.
Garlic Powder and Thyme: These seasonings bring out earthy flavors in the mushrooms, adding a savory touch that complements the creaminess.
Cheddar and Parmesan Cheese: Cheddar melts beautifully, providing a gooey texture, while Parmesan adds a rich, nutty flavor.
Heavy Cream: Heavy cream forms the base of the sauce, creating a rich, velvety texture that brings all the ingredients together. For a lighter option, you could use half-and-half.
Breadcrumbs: Adding breadcrumbs with melted butter gives a crispy finish, but you can omit if you prefer a gluten-free version or want to reduce carbs.
Fresh Parsley: Adds a fresh, herbaceous note and vibrant color to the final dish.

Complete list of ingredients with quantities and instructions is located in the recipe card below

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.

Season the Mushrooms:
In a mixing bowl, combine the sliced mushrooms with olive oil, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Toss until the mushrooms are evenly coated with the seasoning.

Layer the Dish:
Spread the seasoned mushroom mixture evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

Add the Cheese:
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the mushrooms, creating a cheesy layer.

Pour the Cream:
Pour the heavy cream evenly over the mushrooms and cheese, which will form a creamy sauce as it bakes.

Prepare the Breadcrumb Topping:
In a separate bowl, combine the melted butter with breadcrumbs, stirring until well mixed. Sprinkle this breadcrumb mixture over the top of the casserole for a crispy topping.

Bake the Casserole:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling around the edges.

Optional Broil:
For an extra crispy topping, broil the casserole for an additional 2-3 minutes after baking. Watch closely to avoid burning.

Rest and Garnish:
Let the casserole rest for a few minutes to set. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a touch of color and flavor before serving.

Serving Suggestions:

This cheesy mushroom casserole pairs beautifully with many main dishes. Here are a few ideas:

Grilled Chicken or Steak: The rich creaminess of the casserole complements the smokiness of grilled meats.
Roast Beef or Pork: Serve alongside a hearty roast for a classic comfort-food meal.
Pasta: Pair with a simple pasta or risotto for a filling vegetarian meal.
Roasted Vegetables: Add a side of roasted asparagus or Brussels sprouts to balance out the richness.

Storage and Reheating Tips:

This casserole stores well, making it ideal for leftovers or make-ahead prep.

Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: If you’d like to freeze it, cool the casserole completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. Add a splash of cream if the casserole has thickened too much.

Recipe Variations:

Add Spinach: Add a handful of fresh spinach to the mushroom layer for extra nutrients and flavor.
Low-Carb: Omit the breadcrumbs for a low-carb version, or use crushed pork rinds for a keto-friendly topping.
Different Cheese: Swap cheddar for mozzarella or Gruyère for a slightly different flavor.
Herbed Variation: Add fresh herbs like basil, rosemary, or thyme for a fragrant twist.
Spicy Kick: Mix a pinch of red pepper flakes into the breadcrumb topping for a bit of heat.

Conclusion:

This Baked Cheesy Mushroom Casserole is an easy-to-make, comforting dish that brings together earthy mushrooms, savory cheeses, and a creamy sauce with a touch of crunch on top. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, holiday meals, or any time you’re craving something rich and satisfying.

Give this recipe a try and savor every cheesy, creamy bite!