unstuffed mushroom casserole

Here is a dish that resides in two of my favorite places to eat: in the land of side dishes and luxurious party snacks. I have nothing against stuffed mushrooms — I’ll always eat them — but anything that involves an often complex sauté of ingredients scooped tinily and mounded carefully into mushroom caps (that frequently get dry or leathery in the oven, I know you’re nodding in agreement right now) that need to be served warm is not exactly going to fall in the unfussy category. This recipe rejects the scoops, the caps, and even the fine chop of stems and homes in instead on the flavors that make stuffed mushrooms awesome, baked messily in a pan for scooping onto plates or toasts. My friend Ang brought it to my place two Friendsgivings ago and I took the dish over this year because there would have been a riot without it. I’ve probably sent no fewer than 200 of you the link to the original recipe on the Food Network site but after making it this year, I realized there were some details that missing that help keep it from becoming chewy or overcooked, which brings it here today. The recipe as written is very simple — just cheese, garlic, parsley, and an abundance of crunch from breadcrumbs — but should you prefer your stuffed mushrooms with anything else [sausage, bacon, spinach, etc.] you could add that right to the mixture in the pan. Serve it right from the oven as a show-stealing side or at a party, scooped onto crackers or toast and vow with me to bring cozy cooking back in 2020. Six months ago:Simplest Spaghett a LimoneOne year ago:Baklava BabkaTwo years ago:Dutch Apple PieThree years ago:Homemade Irish CreamFour years ago:Eggnog WafflesFive years ago:Jelly DoughnutsandEndives with Orange and AlmondsSix years ago:Linzer TorteandBreakfast Slab PieSeven years ago:Cashew Butter BallsEight years ago:Peppermint Hot Fudge SauceNine years ago:Iced Oatmeal CookiesandBroiled MusselsTen years ago:Vanilla Roasted PearsandCreamed Mushrooms on Chive-Butter ToastEleven years ago:Cranberry-Vanilla Coffee CakeandSeven-Layer CookiesTwelve years ago:Espresso-Chocolate Shortbread CookiesandPeanut Butter CookiesThirteen years ago:Boozy Baked French ToastandParmesan Black Pepper Biscotti