Mushroom Parmesan
This easy Mushroom Parmesan recipe transforms hearty grilled portobello mushrooms into a satisfying vegetarian main. Caps are seasoned, grilled to tenderness, then layered in a baking dish with rich marinara sauce, melty mozzarella, and sharp Parmesan, finished with a touch of butter. Baked until golden and bubbly, it's a comforting, flavorful, and quick dish perfect for a weeknight meal or a light entrée.
Equipment
- 1 Grill Pan Alternatively, a gas or charcoal grill can be used.
- 1 9x13 inch Baking Dish
- 1 Tongs Essential for handling mushrooms on the grill.
Ingredients
Main
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil plus extra for greasing the grill pan
- 4 to 6 portobello mushrooms
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 cup marinara sauce store bought or homemade
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
- 2 tablespoons butter cut into small pieces
Instructions
- Place a grill pan over medium-high heat or preheat a gas or charcoal grill.
- Drizzle 3 tablespoons of olive oil over both sides of the mushrooms. Sprinkle the mushrooms with salt and pepper. Drizzle olive oil on the grill to prevent the mushrooms from sticking. Grill until the mushrooms are heated through and tender, about 5 minutes per side.
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
- Spread 1/2 cup of the marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9 by 13-inch baking dish. Place the grilled mushrooms on top of the marinara sauce and top with the remaining marinara sauce. Sprinkle with the cheeses and top with the butter pieces. Bake until the cheese melts and the top is golden, about 15 minutes. Serve.
Notes
For superior flavor and texture, select firm, fresh portobello caps. Gently wipe them clean rather than washing to prevent water absorption, which can lead to soggy results. Before grilling, consider lightly scraping out the dark gills if you prefer a cleaner aesthetic and less liquid release during cooking. When grilling, ensure your pan is adequately hot and avoid overcrowding to achieve a beautiful char and even cooking. A good quality marinara sauce, homemade if possible, will significantly elevate the dish. Finish with freshly grated Parmesan for a sharper, more complex cheesy layer. The small pieces of butter will melt into the cheese, enriching the topping and aiding in a golden crust.