Cheesy Mushroom Casserole Recipe
This Cheesy Mushroom Casserole is like a warm, savory hug on a chilly evening, with tender mushrooms mingling with creamy rice and loads of gooey cheese. Not only is it soul-satisfying and simple to assemble, but you’ll love that magical moment when you pour mixture into a greased 9×9-inch baking dish, sprinkle with more cheese, and watch it bubble away to golden perfection in the oven. Every bite is pure comfort and guaranteed to be a hit around your table!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need a long grocery list to make magic happen with this recipe; just a handful of reliable staples come together, each playing a key role in flavor and texture. Every ingredient brings its unique charm, ensuring this casserole is anything but boring.
- Fresh Mushrooms: Choose button, cremini, or even a mix for earthy depth and juicy texture.
- Cooked Rice: White or brown rice both work, soaking up the creamy sauce and holding everything together.
- Shredded Cheese: Cheddar adds punchy sharpness and a melty finish, but you can blend in mozzarella for more goo.
- Heavy Cream or Sour Cream: Pick your favorite for rich, luscious binding power; Greek yogurt also works if you crave tang!
- Onion: A finely chopped onion adds a sweet, aromatic base.
- Garlic: Minced cloves give the casserole a subtle, savory glow.
- Olive Oil: Use this to sauté veggies, bringing out their flavors.
- Dried Thyme: Just a teaspoon brings a hint of herby warmth that sings with mushrooms.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning—taste and adjust!
- Potential Substitutions: Try quinoa or cauliflower rice instead of regular rice; swap in Greek yogurt for cream, or opt for mozzarella or dairy-free cheese if you prefer!
How to Make Cheesy Mushroom Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Getting the oven hot and ready is the first step to a perfect casserole experience. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s primed for when you pour mixture into a greased 9×9-inch baking dish, sprinkle with more cheese, and you’re ready to bake.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Heat that olive oil in a big skillet over medium heat, then toss in your chopped onion and minced garlic. You want them to get soft and fragrant—this only takes about three minutes. Next, stir in the fresh mushrooms and dried thyme, letting everything cook down until the mushrooms are tender and all those lovely flavors have melded.
Step 3: Combine the Filling
In a large bowl, combine your sautéed mushrooms, onions, and garlic with the cooked rice, heavy cream (or sour cream/Greek yogurt), and shredded cheese. Don’t forget a generous sprinkle of salt and pepper—taste as you go and adjust so you love it. The mixture should look invitingly creamy and flecked with cheesy goodness.
Step 4: Pour mixture into a greased 9×9-inch baking dish, sprinkle with more cheese
This is the part that transforms everything: pour mixture into a greased 9×9-inch baking dish, sprinkle with more cheese right on top for that classic bubbly, golden crust. The aroma alone as it bakes is reason enough to love this step.
Step 5: Bake Until Bubbly and Golden
Slide your prepared dish into the hot oven and bake for 25–30 minutes. The top should be gloriously golden, the edges bubbling, and your kitchen filled with cheesy, garlicky aromas. Let it cool for about five minutes—just enough to make serving easier, but not so much that you miss out on the gooey cheese pull!
How to Serve Cheesy Mushroom Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A little something extra on top can make this casserole feel extra special. Try a handful of chopped fresh parsley for color and freshness, or sprinkle on some chives or even a pinch of red chili flakes for a tiny kick. When you pour mixture into a greased 9×9-inch baking dish, sprinkle with more cheese, adding a pop of fresh herbs at the end makes each serving just a little more memorable.
Side Dishes
This casserole is hearty enough to stand alone, but it also loves company! Serve it alongside a crisp green salad with a lemony vinaigrette, some roasted broccoli, or crunchy garlic bread to scoop up all the cheesy goodness. The contrast in textures and flavors will round out your meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For dinner parties or fun family nights, try making individual servings by dividing the mixture among small ramekins—just be sure to pour mixture into a greased 9×9-inch baking dish, sprinkle with more cheese accordingly, or adjust to mini ceramic tins. You can even layer in sautéed spinach or swap in your favorite seasonal veggies to keep things interesting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cheesy Mushroom Casserole is just as fabulous the next day! Transfer any extras to an airtight container while still slightly warm, and refrigerate. It will keep beautifully for up to three days, maintaining both flavor and creamy texture.
Freezing
Want to enjoy this comfort food another time? After you pour mixture into a greased 9×9-inch baking dish, sprinkle with more cheese, wrap it tightly in foil and freeze before baking. When you’re ready, bake straight from the freezer, adding about 10 extra minutes to the cook time. You can also freeze baked portions for up to two months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To bring leftovers back to their full, melty glory, reheat individual portions in the microwave, or pop the whole dish back in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, until hot throughout. That way, the cheese gets gooey again, and the casserole stays deliciously moist.
FAQs
Can I use other types of mushrooms?
Definitely! Cremini, baby bella, shiitake, or even a mix of wild mushrooms will work wonderfully here and add unique flavors and textures to your Cheesy Mushroom Casserole.
Is it possible to make this casserole dairy-free?
Absolutely. Simply swap the cheese for your favorite dairy-free substitute and use a dairy-free cream or unsweetened plant-based yogurt. The result will still be creamy, comforting, and delicious.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just use a larger baking dish (such as a 13×9-inch) and double every ingredient, making sure to pour mixture into a greased 9×9-inch baking dish, sprinkle with more cheese, or scale up for your larger pan accordingly. You might need a few extra minutes in the oven.
Can I make it ahead of time?
This casserole is perfect for prepping ahead! Assemble and pour mixture into a greased 9×9-inch baking dish, sprinkle with more cheese, then cover and refrigerate up to 24 hours in advance. Bake when you’re ready to serve and enjoy stress-free hosting.
What do I do if I don’t have rice?
No rice? No problem! Quinoa or cauliflower rice make fantastic substitutes, and they soak up all that creamy goodness just as well. This is an easy swap if you’re looking to change up the flavor or make it gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
There’s a real joy in sharing something so satisfying and simple as Cheesy Mushroom Casserole. From the moment you pour mixture into a greased 9×9-inch baking dish, sprinkle with more cheese, to the last cheesy forkful, this recipe will surely become a comfort food staple in your home. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed by how much happiness can come from just a few delicious ingredients!
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Cheesy Mushroom Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and savory flavors of this Cheesy Mushroom Casserole. A comforting dish that combines earthy mushrooms, creamy cheese, and aromatic thyme for a delightful meal that is sure to please.
Ingredients
Fresh Mushrooms:
- 2 cups fresh mushrooms (sliced)
Cooked Rice:
- 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
Shredded Cheese:
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or a blend)
Cream:
- 1 cup heavy cream or sour cream
Onion:
- 1/2 cup onion (finely chopped)
Garlic:
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
Olive Oil:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Dried Thyme:
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and Pepper:
- To taste
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C).
- Sauté the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a skillet, add onion and garlic, sauté until translucent. Add mushrooms and thyme, cooking until soft.
- Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, mix sautéed vegetables with cooked rice, heavy cream, and cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour mixture into a greased 9×9-inch baking dish, sprinkle with more cheese.
- Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Cool and Serve: Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 410mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Cheesy Mushroom Casserole, Mushroom Bake, Comfort Food
