Famous Mushroom Casserole
A hearty mushroom casserole featuring layered bread, cheese, and savory mushrooms, baked to perfection—ideal for family dinners or special occasions with rich flavors and comforting textures.
Ingredients
- 12 slices white bread, crusts removed and cubed ⓘ
- 5 beaten eggs ⓘ
- 2 1/2 cups milk ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard ⓘ
- paprika ⓘ
- pinch red pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 pound sharp Cheddar cheese, grated and divided ⓘ
- 1/2 cup melted butter, divided ⓘ
- 1 pound fresh mushrooms ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons butter
- dash Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon prepared mustard ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice ⓘ
Instructions
- Place half of the bread cubes in the bottom of a buttered 2-quart baking dish.
- In a bowl, beat together eggs, milk, salt, pepper, dry mustard, and red pepper.
- Sauté the stems and caps of the mushrooms in 2 tablespoons of butter until tender.
- Season the mushrooms with Worcestershire sauce, prepared mustard, and lemon juice.
- Layer the mushroom stems over the cheese in the baking dish.
- Add the remaining bread cubes, egg mixture, half of the grated cheese, and 1/4 cup of melted butter.
- Top with the mushroom caps and sprinkle with paprika.
- Refrigerate for 8 hours to 2 days.
- Bake at 350°F for 45 minutes.
- Top with mushroom soup before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using a mix of mushrooms, such as shiitake or cremini, alongside the fresh mushrooms. If you're short on time, pre-packaged cubed bread can save prep time. You can also substitute half-and-half for a richer custard base instead of milk. Don't skip the refrigeration step, as it allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is perfect as a hearty brunch dish, paired with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables. It also goes well with a side of fruit to balance the richness. For a unique twist, serve alongside the Sugar-Free Strawberry Cheesecake Pie for a delightful finish to your meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20-30 minutes, or until heated through. For a quicker option, microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, checking periodically to avoid overheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Famous Mushroom Casserole contains roughly 640 calories, with 16g protein, 125g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (87% of the Daily Value), iron (56% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (45% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 861mg per serving (37% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While sharp Cheddar adds a nice depth of flavor, feel free to experiment with Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or even a non-dairy cheese for a vegetarian option. Each will give the casserole a distinct taste, so choose one that fits your preference.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
This recipe is already vegetarian-friendly, but ensure to use vegetable broth instead of any meat-based sauces if you choose to add additional flavoring. You can also incorporate more vegetables, such as spinach or bell peppers, for extra nutrition.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! This dish is perfect for making ahead. After assembling, cover it tightly and refrigerate for up to 2 days before baking. This allows the flavors to develop. Just remember to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if starting from the fridge.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).