Stuffed Mushroom Casserole

This Stuffed Mushroom Casserole combines earthy mushrooms with creamy cheeses, garlic, and crispy breadcrumbs to create an irresistible dish. Inspired by family gatherings, it’s a comforting, flavorful dish that’s perfect for both casual dinners and special occasions. The creamy filling, crispy topping, and the rich, savory mushrooms make it a crowd favorite every time.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

  • 1.5 pounds white mushrooms, cleaned and quartered

  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

  • 4 cloves garlic, finely minced

  • 6 ounces cream cheese, cubed for even melting

  • ½ cup freshly grated mozzarella cheese

  • ¾ cup breadcrumbs

  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

  • 3 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

  • 1 ½ tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Directions

Preparation:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

  2. In a large skillet, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Add the quartered mushrooms and sauté with salt and pepper for 7-9 minutes, until the mushrooms soften and the liquid evaporates.

  3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

  4. Stir in the cubed cream cheese and let it melt evenly, coating the mushrooms well. Remove the skillet from heat.

Combine the Ingredients:
5. Add the mozzarella, half of the breadcrumbs, and a quarter cup of Parmesan cheese to the skillet and mix until fully combined.
6. Transfer the mushroom mixture to a greased 8×8-inch baking dish.

Topping:
7. In a small bowl, mix the remaining breadcrumbs, melted butter, remaining Parmesan, and parsley. Sprinkle this mixture over the mushroom filling.

Baking:
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden and crispy.

Serve:
9. Serve warm as a delightful side dish or as a hearty main course for a vegetarian meal.

Nutrients

(Nutritional estimates per serving; values may vary)

  • Calories: ~220

  • Fat: ~16g

  • Saturated Fat: ~8g

  • Carbohydrates: ~15g

  • Sugars: ~3g

  • Protein: ~8g

  • Fiber: ~3g

Earthy Mushrooms as the Perfect Base

At the heart of this casserole are the mushrooms. White mushrooms are used here, chosen for their mild flavor and tender texture. When sautéed, they release their natural juices, which add depth and richness to the dish. The mushrooms are cooked until softened, and the excess liquid evaporates, leaving behind a concentrated, savory flavor that forms the perfect base for the creamy filling.

Mushrooms are not only flavorful but also incredibly nutritious. They are low in calories and provide essential nutrients like fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. Their earthy taste pairs wonderfully with the creamy cheeses and crispy breadcrumbs, making them the star ingredient in this casserole.

Creamy Cheese Filling: Rich and Indulgent

The filling of this casserole is what makes it so irresistible. The base is made with cream cheese, which adds a luscious creaminess that perfectly coats the sautéed mushrooms. As the cream cheese melts, it combines seamlessly with the natural juices from the mushrooms, creating a rich, velvety texture. Mozzarella cheese is also added to the mixture for a mild, gooey stretch that enhances the creamy consistency. This cheese mixture gives the casserole a soft, smooth texture that contrasts beautifully with the crunchy topping.

The addition of Parmesan cheese in the filling adds a sharp, nutty flavor that balances the richness of the cream cheese and mozzarella. This combination of cheeses creates a flavorful and indulgent filling that will have your taste buds dancing.

Crispy Topping: A Perfect Crunch

What sets this casserole apart is the crispy breadcrumb topping that adds a satisfying crunch to each bite. The topping is made by mixing the remaining breadcrumbs with melted butter, Parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley. This mixture is then spread over the mushroom filling before baking. As the casserole bakes, the breadcrumbs absorb the butter and Parmesan, turning golden brown and crispy. This topping provides the perfect contrast to the creamy filling, offering both texture and flavor that elevate the dish.

The fresh parsley in the topping adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness that lightens up the richness of the cheese and breadcrumbs. This crispy, golden topping is what makes every bite of the casserole so satisfying.

Easy Preparation and Baking

Making Stuffed Mushroom Casserole is straightforward and quick. The first step is sautéing the mushrooms with garlic, salt, and pepper. This step ensures that the mushrooms are cooked down and tender, with their natural flavors enhanced. After that, the cream cheese and other cheeses are stirred in until melted and smooth. The mixture is transferred to a greased baking dish, and the breadcrumb topping is sprinkled on top.

Once everything is assembled, the casserole is baked in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes. During this time, the flavors meld together, and the topping becomes golden and crispy. The result is a beautifully baked casserole that is bursting with flavor and texture.

A Versatile Dish for Any Meal

Stuffed Mushroom Casserole is incredibly versatile and can be served in many ways. It makes a fantastic side dish to complement a variety of main courses, from roasted meats to pasta dishes. It’s also hearty enough to serve as a vegetarian main course. The richness of the cheesy filling, combined with the earthiness of the mushrooms and the crispy topping, makes for a satisfying and comforting meal that can be enjoyed by everyone.

This casserole is also an excellent dish for special occasions or family gatherings. Its rich flavors and appealing presentation make it a standout dish at any dinner table. Whether you’re preparing it for a holiday meal, a casual weeknight dinner, or a potluck, Stuffed Mushroom Casserole is sure to be a hit.

Nutritional Information: A Comforting Yet Balanced Dish

Each serving of Stuffed Mushroom Casserole contains approximately 220 calories, making it a moderate-calorie option for a side dish or main course. With 16 grams of fat, including 8 grams of saturated fat, it’s a rich and indulgent dish. However, the dish provides a good amount of protein (8 grams) from the cheese and mushrooms, along with 3 grams of fiber, which helps promote digestion and satiety.

This casserole is a balanced choice that provides both comfort and nutrients. The mushrooms add fiber and antioxidants, while the cheese provides calcium and protein. The breadcrumbs and butter offer some richness, but the dish remains light enough to enjoy as part of a well-rounded meal.

Conclusion: A Comforting, Flavorful Dish for All Occasions

Stuffed Mushroom Casserole is a truly comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a variety of occasions. The earthy mushrooms, creamy cheese filling, and crispy topping come together to create a satisfying meal that will please any crowd. Whether served as a side dish or a vegetarian main course, this casserole is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. With its easy preparation and irresistible flavors, it’s a dish that will be enjoyed by everyone at the table. Try it for your next dinner or gathering, and enjoy the delicious combination of flavors and textures in every bite!

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