Creamy Parmesan Mushroom Rice Bake
Indulge in the rich, creamy goodness of this Parmesan Mushroom Rice Bake, a comforting dish that is perfect for family dinners or as a delightful side for any gathering. The combination of tender long-grain rice, luscious cream of mushroom soup, and the nutty depth of Parmesan cheese creates an irresistible flavor profile that everyone will love. Enhanced with sautéed onions and garlic, this oven-baked dish can be easily customized with the addition of thawed frozen peas or sautéed mushrooms, making it versatile and hearty. Ideal for those who crave the creamy texture of risotto, but without the constant stirring. Enjoy it hot from the oven for a delightful taste of comfort in every bite!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Oil (or butter)
3 tablespoons (Enough to cover the bottom of the saucepan.)
Onion
1 medium (Finely chopped.)
Garlic
3 cloves (Chopped (adjust to preference; can substitute with garlic powder).)
Cream of mushroom soup
1 (10 3/4 ounce) can (Undiluted.)
Water
1 1/2 cups (No preparation required.)
Milk
1 cup (No preparation required.)
Grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (More to mix in after cooking if desired.)
Uncooked long grain white rice
1 cup (No preparation required.)
Fresh ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (Or to taste.)
Salt
To taste (Optional.)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Parmesan Mushroom Rice Bake?
It is a rich and comforting oven-baked dish combining long-grain rice, cream of mushroom soup, and Parmesan cheese.
What type of rice is best for this bake?
Uncooked long-grain white rice is recommended for the best texture in this recipe.
Can I use brown rice instead of white?
While possible, brown rice requires more liquid and a longer cooking time than white rice, so adjustments would be necessary.
Do I need to stir the rice while it bakes?
No, this recipe is designed to reach a creamy risotto-like consistency without any constant stirring.
What kind of soup is used in this dish?
The recipe calls for one 10 3/4 ounce can of undiluted cream of mushroom soup.
Can I add extra vegetables to the rice bake?
Yes, you can easily customize the dish by adding thawed frozen peas or extra sautéed mushrooms.
How much Parmesan cheese is required?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, with more optional for mixing in after cooking.
Can I substitute fresh garlic?
Yes, you can substitute the 3 cloves of fresh garlic with garlic powder if preferred.
Is this rice bake recipe vegetarian?
Yes, the ingredients listed are vegetarian-friendly, assuming the soup and cheese meet your dietary standards.
What is the best way to prepare the onion?
The onion should be finely chopped and sautéed in oil or butter before adding other ingredients.
What liquid is used to cook the rice?
The rice is cooked in a combination of 1 1/2 cups of water and 1 cup of milk.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While best served hot from the oven, you can prepare the base and bake it just before serving.
How should I store leftovers?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Can I use butter instead of oil for sautéing?
Yes, the recipe allows for 3 tablespoons of either oil or butter to cover the bottom of your saucepan.
How do I reheat the leftovers?
Reheat in the microwave or oven with a splash of milk to restore the creamy texture.
What are good side dishes for this rice bake?
It pairs well with roasted chicken, a fresh green salad, or steamed vegetables.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
While Parmesan is recommended for its nutty depth, you could experiment with Pecorino Romano or Gruyère.
Is salt necessary in this recipe?
Salt is optional and should be added to taste, as the soup and Parmesan already provide significant saltiness.
What seasoning is used besides salt?
The recipe suggests 1/2 teaspoon of fresh ground black pepper, or more to taste.
Why do I need to sauté the garlic and onion first?
Sautéing the aromatics first enhances the flavor profile and ensures they are tender in the final dish.
Can I use water instead of milk for the whole recipe?
Using milk makes the dish much creamier, so substituting it with water will result in a less luscious texture.
Is the cream of mushroom soup diluted?
No, the recipe specifically requires the cream of mushroom soup to be used undiluted.
What makes this dish like risotto?
The combination of starch from the rice, the cream soup, and the milk creates a thick, velvety texture similar to risotto.
Can I add protein like chicken to the bake?
Yes, cooked shredded chicken or sautéed shrimp can be stirred in to make it a more substantial main meal.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
This recipe consists of 10 simple ingredients including pantry staples like rice, oil, and spices.
Is this recipe easy for beginners?
Yes, it is considered an easy recipe because it involves simple sautéing followed by hands-off oven baking.
How do I get a more intense mushroom flavor?
Adding extra sautéed fresh mushrooms to the mixture before baking will intensify the earthy flavor.
Can I use garlic powder?
Yes, if you do not have fresh cloves, garlic powder is a suitable substitute.
Is this a good dish for gatherings?
Absolutely, it is a crowd-pleasing comfort food that works well as a side dish for large groups.
Should the rice be cooked before going in the oven?
No, use uncooked long-grain white rice as it will cook completely in the oven with the added liquids.