Mushrooms Gratin with Bread Croutons and Cheese

To prepare a delicious mushroom and cheese dish, start by sautéing the onion in a large pan with heated oil. Choose a medium-sized onion, which you will chop finely so that the flavor is released quickly. Let the onion sauté until it becomes transparent and slightly golden, which will take about 5-7 minutes.

Once the onion has taken on a pleasant color, add the sliced mushrooms. You can use champignon mushrooms, but a combination with shiitake or pleurotus mushrooms would add a unique flavor and texture. Let the mushrooms cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring often, until they are lightly browned and the juice they release is almost completely evaporated. This step is essential to concentrate the flavors.

When the mushrooms are ready, add the cream along with the broth or water, and let the mixture come to a boil for about 2-3 minutes. This time will allow the ingredients to combine perfectly, and the sauce to achieve a creamy consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then set the mixture aside and allow it to cool slightly.

Meanwhile, prepare the slices of bread. You can use homemade bread or a baguette, cut into slices about 1-2 cm thick. Toast them in a toaster or in a pan until they become golden and crispy. After toasting, spread butter on each slice of bread on both sides for extra flavor, and cut them into cubes.

Place the bread cubes in a buttered ovenproof dish, making sure to arrange them as much as possible in a single layer. Evenly sprinkle half of the grated cheese over the bread cubes, then add the layer of mushroom mixture, ensuring it is distributed evenly. Finally, sprinkle the remaining grated cheese on top to achieve a delicious crust.

Put the dish in the preheated oven at 200 degrees Celsius and let it bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and nicely browned. When you take the dish out of the oven, sprinkle a little chopped fresh parsley on top for a fresh look and pleasant aroma. Serve the dish while it is warm, portioned, and if desired, add a spoonful of cream on top of each serving for extra creaminess. This dish is perfect for a family dinner or to impress friends at a festive meal. Enjoy your meal!