Elevate Your Vegetarian Game with These Decadent Stuffed Mushrooms
Looking for a show-stopping vegetarian main course that’s sure to impress? Look no further than these French onion soup-inspired stuffed mushrooms. With caramelized onions, toasted bread, and melted Gruyère cheese, these portobello mushrooms are transformed from humble hors d’oeuvre to elegant centerpiece.
Preparation is Key
To make this recipe a success, it’s essential to plan ahead. The caramelized onions can be cooked up to 2 days in advance, refrigerated, and reheated on low before stuffing the mushrooms. This allows you to focus on roasting the mushrooms and toasting the bread on the day of serving.
A Symphony of Flavors
This recipe is all about layering flavors. First, the onions are slowly cooked in butter until golden brown, infused with the subtle flavor of thyme. Meanwhile, the portobello mushrooms are roasted to perfection, their earthy flavor enhanced by a drizzle of olive oil. The toasted bread adds a satisfying crunch, while the Gruyère cheese brings a rich, creamy element to the dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Heat the Oven: Preheat to 400°F and arrange a rack in the top third.
- Caramelize the Onions: Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the onions and thyme, seasoning generously with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring rarely, until golden brown, about 35 minutes.
- Roast the Mushrooms: Clean the mushrooms and remove the stems. Brush both sides with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Arrange cap-side down on a wire rack and roast for 8 minutes. Flip and roast for an additional 8 minutes.
- Toast the Bread: Melt the remaining tablespoon of butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Cut the bread into 1/2-inch cubes, add to the bowl, and season with salt and pepper. Transfer to a baking sheet and toast until golden brown, stirring halfway through, about 10 minutes.
- Assemble and Broil: Place the mushrooms cap-side down on a baking sheet. Divide the onions over the mushrooms, followed by the toasted bread. Sprinkle with Gruyère cheese and broil until heated through and the cheese is melted and starting to brown, about 2 minutes. Serve immediately.
Yield and Difficulty
This recipe yields 8 servings and is classified as easy, with a total cooking time of 1 hour.
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