WARM MUSHROOM AND TRUFFLE CHEESE CASSEROLE
Inspired by a classic Russian appetizer, this rich and creamy mushroom casserole combines sautéed champignons with a luscious truffle cheese sauce. Perfect for cozy winter evenings, it’s best enjoyed with toasted bread and a glass of young red wine.
🕒 Prep Time: 15 min
🍳 Cook Time: 25 min
🍰 Yields: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 300 g champignon mushrooms, sliced
- 150 g warm sour cream
- 50 ml warm milk
- 1 tbsp butter (about 30 g)
- 1 heaping tbsp all-purpose flour
- 50 g truffle cheese (or a good melting cheese like Emmental), grated
- 2 tbsp oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Sauté the Mushrooms
- Heat 1 tbsp oil in a wide pan over high heat.
- Sauté half of the mushrooms, stirring frequently, until lightly browned.
- Remove and repeat with the remaining oil and mushrooms.
- Season the cooked mushrooms with salt and black pepper, then set aside.
2. Prepare the Sauce
- In the same pan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Stir in flour and cook until fully absorbed, about 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in warm sour cream, stirring until thick and creamy.
- Slowly add warm milk in a thin stream while stirring continuously.
- Simmer for 1 minute to thicken.
Optional: For a more intense flavor, add ½ tsp dried wild mushroom powder to the sauce.
3. Combine and Season
- Add the sautéed mushrooms to the sauce and stir well.
- Remove from heat and adjust salt to taste.
4. Assemble and Bake
- Butter two small ceramic ramekins (about 125 ml each).
- Divide the mushroom mixture evenly between the ramekins.
- Generously sprinkle grated truffle cheese on top.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 200°C (390°F) for 15 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- For a crispier crust, finish under the grill for a few minutes.
5. Serve
- Serve immediately with toasted rustic bread and a glass of young red wine.
💡 Tips
- Sauté mushrooms in batches to avoid overcrowding and ensure even browning.
- Use warm dairy ingredients to prevent the sauce from curdling.
- Wild mushroom powder adds an earthy depth to the sauce.
- Serve with toasted bread to soak up the rich sauce.
🎉 Perfect For
- Cozy winter dinners
- Elegant appetizers or small plates
- Mushroom and cheese lovers seeking a decadent treat
📝 Final Thoughts
This Russian-style warm mushroom and truffle cheese casserole offers a creamy, flavorful comfort dish perfect for chilly evenings. The combination of tender mushrooms and aromatic truffle cheese creates an indulgent experience paired beautifully with simple toasted bread.