Description
A comforting and creamy Mushroom Polenta Casserole with a crisp cheese topping, perfect for gatherings and cozy meals.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup polenta (coarse cornmeal)
- 4 cups vegetable broth (low-sodium recommended)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 16 ounces assorted mushrooms, sliced (cremini, shiitake, button)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly with olive oil.
- In a medium saucepan, bring the vegetable broth to a boil. Gradually whisk in the polenta, reduce heat to low, and stir frequently until thickened and smooth, about 5–7 minutes. Remove from heat.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 4–5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add the sliced mushrooms, dried thyme, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Sauté until the mushrooms soften and release their liquids, about 8–10 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Fold the polenta into the skillet with the mushroom mixture until evenly combined and creamy.
- Stir in half of the mozzarella and half of the Parmesan cheese until melted and incorporated.
- Pour the mixture into the greased baking dish and spread evenly.
- Top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden. Broil for 1–2 minutes if extra browning is desired.
- Let cool for 5–10 minutes to set slightly, then garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
For a vegan version, use plant-based cheeses. This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Vegetarian Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 30mg