Description
Hearty mushroom mozzarella bake brings rustic Italian comfort to your dinner table with layers of savory fungi and melted cheese. Creamy, rich flavors meld together, promising a satisfying meal that welcomes you into a world of delicious warmth.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 pounds (680 grams) mushrooms (cremini, white button, or a mix), sliced
- 1 1/2 cups (170 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 3/4 cup (180 milliliters) milk
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream
Aromatics and Seasonings:
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Cooking Fats and Thickeners:
- 2 tablespoons (28 grams) butter
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Prepare the oven to 375°F (190°C) for optimal baking conditions.
- Warm butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, creating a flavorful base.
- Sauté onions until they become translucent and soft, releasing their natural sweetness.
- Introduce minced garlic and quickly toast for 30 seconds to enhance aromatic qualities.
- Add mushrooms to the skillet, allowing them to release moisture and develop a rich brown color over 8-10 minutes.
- Season the mushroom mixture with salt and pepper to elevate the overall taste profile.
- Dust flour over the mushrooms, stirring thoroughly to create a thickening agent for the sauce.
- Slowly incorporate milk and cream, continuously stirring to prevent lumps and achieve a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Evaluate and fine-tune the seasoning to ensure a perfectly balanced flavor.
- Transfer the mushroom mixture into a prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly for consistent cooking.
- Generously cover the surface with shredded mozzarella, ensuring complete coverage.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese melts completely and develops a golden, bubbly texture.
- Optional: Activate the broiler for 2-3 minutes to create a crispy, caramelized cheese topping.
- Allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes, helping the sauce settle and flavors meld.
- Finish by garnishing with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant, aromatic touch before serving.
Notes
- Swap butter with olive oil or vegan butter for a dairy-free version that keeps the rich, savory flavor profile.
- Choose low-fat milk and mozzarella to reduce calorie content without compromising taste and creamy texture.
- Enhance mushroom depth by using a blend of varieties like shiitake, cremini, and oyster mushrooms for complex earthy notes.
- Add crushed red pepper flakes or fresh thyme during cooking to elevate the dish’s aromatic complexity and provide subtle heat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg