Baked Tofu with Mushrooms and Marinara Sauce Recipe

Introduction

Baked tofu with mushrooms is a delicious and comforting dish that combines tender tofu with savory mushrooms and a flavorful marinara sauce. It’s perfect for a satisfying vegetarian dinner that’s easy to prepare and full of rich, melty cheese.

Ingredients

• 1 pack organic firm or extra firm tofu
• 1/2 lb organic baby Bella mushrooms (approximately 1/2 pack)
• 4 garlic cloves, crushed
• 1 1/2 cup marinara sauce or any other sauce
• 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 2-3 sprigs lemon thyme (optional, fresh recommended)
• 1 to 1 1/2 cup shredded cheese (aged Provolone and sharp cheddar recommended, dairy-free options work too)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare the tofu by soaking it in a large bowl of warm water mixed with 2 tablespoons salt for about 10 minutes. Remove tofu and press it lightly under a heavy skillet or pot to remove excess water. Pat dry with kitchen paper towels.
2. Step 2: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
3. Step 3: In a smaller baking dish, spread 3 to 4 tablespoons of marinara sauce.
4. Step 4: Place the tofu in the center of the dish and drizzle half of the remaining sauce over and around it.
5. Step 5: Clean and halve the mushrooms, crush the garlic cloves.
6. Step 6: Arrange mushrooms and garlic around the tofu. Sprinkle chili flakes, salt, pepper, dried oregano, and fresh lemon thyme evenly over the dish. Pour the remaining sauce on top and gently move tofu and mushrooms to coat them with sauce.
7. Step 7: Shred the cheese if needed and sprinkle evenly over the tofu and vegetables. Drizzle olive oil over everything.
8. Step 8: Bake in the oven for 30 to 40 minutes on medium-low heat (300°F to 350°F). Keep an eye on the dish starting at 30 minutes to achieve a golden melted cheese and fully cooked mushrooms.

Tips & Variations

• You can substitute baby Bella mushrooms with cremini, white mushrooms, or any mushrooms you prefer.
• Adding other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini can add more flavor, but adjust baking time as needed.
• Use a tofu press if you have one for faster and more efficient water removal.
• Try different cheese blends or use a plant-based cheese for a dairy-free version.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. For best texture, reheat in the oven to keep the cheese melty and the mushrooms tender.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular tofu instead of firm tofu?

Firm or extra firm tofu is recommended because it holds its shape better during baking. Silken or soft tofu will likely become too fragile and watery.

Do I need to press the tofu before baking?

Yes, pressing tofu removes excess water, which helps it absorb flavors better and prevents it from becoming soggy while baking.

Baked Tofu with Mushrooms and Marinara Sauce Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 72 reviews

• Author: anna
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Baked Tofu with Mushrooms recipe is a flavorful, vegetarian dish featuring firm tofu baked with baby Bella mushrooms, garlic, chili flakes, herbs, marinara sauce, and melted aged Provolone and sharp cheddar cheese. The tofu is first pressed to remove excess moisture, then baked in a savory sauce for 30-40 minutes until mushrooms are tender and the cheese is golden and bubbly. Perfect as a comforting main course packed with umami and rich textures, this recipe merges simple ingredients into an exquisite baked delight.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Tofu Preparation

• 1 pack organic firm or extra firm tofu
• 3 cups warm water (for soaking)
• 2 tablespoons sea salt (for soaking)

Main Ingredients

• 1/2 lb organic baby Bella mushrooms (or any mushrooms available, approximately 1/2 pack)
• 4 garlic cloves, crushed
• 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce (or any other preferred sauce)
• 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 2–3 sprigs lemon thyme (optional, fresh used here)
• 1 to 1 1/2 cups cheese, shredded (aged Provolone and sharp cheddar used; dairy-free alternatives acceptable)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

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Instructions

1. Prepare and Press Tofu: In a large bowl, dissolve 2 tablespoons of sea salt in 3 cups of warm water. Remove tofu from packaging and submerge it in this salted water for about 10 minutes. After soaking, remove tofu and press it lightly using a heavy skillet, pot, or a tofu press for about 5 additional minutes to expel excess moisture. Pat the tofu dry with kitchen paper towels.
2. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and allow it to preheat while you prepare the other components.
3. Prepare Baking Dish: In a smaller baking dish, spread a thin layer of about 3 to 4 tablespoons of marinara sauce to prevent sticking and build flavor.
4. Arrange Tofu and Sauce: Place the pressed tofu block in the center of the baking dish. Drizzle approximately half of the remaining marinara sauce over and around the tofu, coating it lightly.
5. Prepare Mushrooms and Garlic: Gently clean the mushrooms to remove any dirt and slice them in halves. Peel and crush the garlic cloves.
6. Layer Mushrooms and Seasonings: Scatter the mushrooms and crushed garlic evenly around the tofu in the baking dish. Sprinkle chili flakes, salt, pepper, dried oregano, and lemon thyme sprigs over the mushrooms and tofu. Then pour the remaining sauce over everything, spreading gently to coat but not completely submerge.
7. Add Cheese and Oil: Shred your choice of cheese if not pre-shredded. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the tofu, mushrooms, and sauce. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over all the ingredients to enhance flavor and browning.
8. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake on medium-low heat setting for 30 to 40 minutes. The exact time and temperature can vary based on your oven, ideally between 300°F to 350°F (148°C to 176°C). Look for golden, bubbly cheese and fully cooked, tender mushrooms as indicators of readiness.
9. Serving: Once baked, carefully remove from the oven. The tofu should be infused with marinara flavors, the mushrooms tender, and the cheese melted with a rich golden hue. Serve warm as a hearty main dish or a complementary side.

Notes

• Pressing the tofu thoroughly is key to removing excess water for better texture and to allow it to absorb the sauce well.
• You can substitute marinara sauce with any tomato-based or savory sauce of your preference.
• If you avoid dairy, feel free to use dairy-free cheese alternatives successfully in this recipe.
• Keep an eye on the baking during the last 10 minutes to prevent cheese from burning and to achieve the desired golden crust.
• Fresh herbs like lemon thyme add bright aroma, but dried oregano is essential for a classic flavor.
• This dish pairs nicely with cooked grains, salads, or crusty bread.
• Adjust chili flakes according to your preferred spice level.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Vegetarian American/Italian-inspired

Keywords: baked tofu recipe, tofu with mushrooms, vegetarian baked dish, tofu dinner, easy baked tofu, garlic mushroom tofu, healthy vegetarian meal