Baked Mushroom Casserole 🍄🥘

Overview:

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 216.1

Description:

This delightful Baked Mushroom Casserole recipe has a rich history, originating from the beloved “Casserole Cookery” cookbook gifted to the author’s mother in 1965. Rediscovered three years ago, this dish has become a staple at family gatherings, rivaling even the famous “Yucky Beans” casserole. With a few personalized tweaks for health and taste preferences, including the substitution of fresh mushrooms and a reduction in margarine and cream, this recipe embodies both tradition and adaptation. Forgetfulness turned into innovation when the dish was accidentally left uncovered for the first half of baking, resulting in a delightful twist on the original method. Now, let’s dive into crafting this scrumptious casserole!

Ingredients:

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

2. Prepare Casserole Dish: Spray a 1.5-quart casserole dish with cooking spray and set it aside.

3. Saute Onions and Mushrooms: In a skillet, sauté the onions and fresh mushrooms in 2 tablespoons of margarine until they become tender and fragrant. Don’t worry about the liquid released from the mushrooms; it adds flavor to the dish. Set the skillet aside.

4. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the egg substitute, 1% low-fat milk, light cream, crushed Ritz-type crackers, salt, ground black pepper, and cheese spread.

5. Mix Well: Add the cooked onions, mushrooms, and any liquid from the skillet into the mixing bowl with the other ingredients. Mix everything together thoroughly until well combined.

6. Transfer to Casserole Dish: Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.

7. Bake: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes.

8. Cover and Continue Baking: After the initial 30 minutes, cover the casserole dish and continue baking for an additional 30 minutes. This step ensures the casserole cooks through evenly and develops a deliciously golden crust on top.

9. Serve: Once baked to perfection, remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving.

10. Enjoy: Serve this delightful Baked Mushroom Casserole alongside your favorite sides or as a standalone dish, and watch as it becomes a new family favorite!

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: 216.1 per serving
• Fat Content: 12.7g
• Saturated Fat Content: 5.2g
• Cholesterol Content: 17.5mg
• Sodium Content: 593.1mg
• Carbohydrate Content: 16.9g
• Fiber Content: 2.3g
• Sugar Content: 6g
• Protein Content: 11.7g

Tips and Variations:

• Make It Ahead: This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to bake. Simply cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
• Add Some Greens: For an extra burst of color and nutrients, consider adding a handful of chopped spinach or kale to the mushroom mixture before baking.
• Cheese Lover’s Twist: Sprinkle some extra shredded cheese on top of the casserole during the last 10 minutes of baking for an irresistibly cheesy finish.
• Customize the Mushrooms: Experiment with different varieties of mushrooms, such as cremini, shiitake, or portobello, to tailor the flavor to your liking.
• Serve with a Side Salad: Pair this hearty casserole with a crisp green salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette for a well-rounded meal.

Conclusion:

With its rich history and customizable ingredients, this Baked Mushroom Casserole is sure to become a cherished addition to your recipe collection. Whether served as a comforting weeknight dinner or as part of a festive gathering, its hearty flavors and creamy texture are bound to delight friends and family alike. Enjoy the process of making this dish your own, and savor each bite of this timeless classic!