Sunday Creamy Mushroom Rice Bake

Name: Sunday Creamy Mushroom Rice Bake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked rice; 1 cup mushrooms, sliced; 1 onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup vegetable stock; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I absolutely love my Sunday Creamy Mushroom Rice Bake! It's a comforting dish that combines the earthy flavors of mushrooms with creamy rice, perfect for a cozy family gathering. When I first made it, I was pleasantly surprised at how simple yet satisfying it was. The combination of sautéed onions, garlic, and fresh herbs elevates the creamy base, making it a delightful main dish or a side. Plus, it’s great for using up any leftover rice or mushrooms in your fridge, making this recipe a versatile favorite in our home.

Created by

Amelia Grant

Last updated on 2026-01-14T00:52:17.324Z

When I first started making my Sunday Creamy Mushroom Rice Bake, I was amazed at how easy it was to elevate basic pantry ingredients into something truly delicious. The secret is in slowly cooking the mushrooms and onions until they're caramelized, which brings out their natural sweetness and flavor. I always make sure to add a splash of white wine to deepen the taste and enhance the creaminess of the dish.

One of the best things about this recipe is its adaptability. You can throw in any leftover vegetables you have, such as spinach or peas, making it perfect for a clean-out-the-fridge meal. Each time I make it, I feel like I'm discovering new flavor combinations, especially when I play around with different herbs and spices!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Rich and creamy flavor that comforts your soul
Perfect for using up leftovers while impressing your guests
Easy to customize with different vegetables and spices

      

Texture and Flavor Balance

The combination of sautéed mushrooms and onions offers a delightful depth of flavor that marries beautifully with the creaminess of the heavy cream. The mushrooms should be cooked until they are golden brown, which enhances their natural umami. This means cooking them over medium heat long enough for moisture to evaporate; approximately 5-7 minutes will do the trick. This step ensures that the final bake has a rich, savory flavor profile instead of a watery texture.

Parmesan cheese plays a pivotal role here, contributing both creaminess and a hint of nutty flavor. I recommend using freshly grated Parmesan rather than pre-packaged options for the best melting properties and flavor. This cheese will not only enrich the rice bake but also create a slightly crispy top layer that contrasts nicely with the smooth interior.

Customizing Your Bake

One of the great advantages of this recipe is its versatility. While the ingredients listed are a fantastic base, feel free to experiment with other vegetables, such as spinach or bell peppers. Adding about a cup of chopped spinach right before combining with the rice can introduce a lovely color and additional nutrients. If you have kale or broccoli on hand, they can also be sautéed alongside the mushrooms for a hearty twist.

For those looking to spice things up, consider adding a teaspoon of dried thyme or a pinch of chili flakes to elevate the flavor. These additions can bring warmth and complexity without overpowering the comforting nature of the dish. If you're minimizing dairy, try using a plant-based cream and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a similar creamy texture and flavor.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

2 cups cooked rice
1 cup mushrooms, sliced
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup vegetable stock
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish

Gather all your ingredients for a hassle-free cooking experience!

Instructions

Sauté the Vegetables

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms, cooking until the mushrooms are soft and golden brown.

Season with salt and pepper.

Mix with Rice

In a large bowl, combine the sautéed vegetables with the cooked rice, cream, and vegetable stock. Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Bake the Mixture

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the rice mixture into a greased baking dish. Bake for about 20 minutes or until golden brown on top.

Garnish and Serve

Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Enjoy your warm, creamy mushroom rice bake!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, try using a mix of mushrooms like cremini and shiitake. You can also add some cooked chicken or sausage for a heartier meal.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This dish is excellent for make-ahead meals; you can prepare everything up to the baking step, then cover it with foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, simply bake at 350°F (175°C) for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and golden on top. This makes it a great option for busy days or family gatherings, where you want to spend quality time rather than in the kitchen.

If you have leftovers, this creamy mushroom rice bake stores well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until just warmed through; be careful not to dry it out. If desired, add a splash more cream or vegetable stock while reheating to restore some of its original creaminess.

Scaling the Recipe

This recipe can be easily doubled if you're expecting a larger crowd. Just make sure you have a sufficiently large baking dish to accommodate the increased volume. When doubling the ingredients, keep the same oven temperature and baking time, but check for doneness a few minutes earlier, as a larger amount can sometimes take longer to heat through thoroughly.

Alternatively, if you want to make a smaller portion, simply divide the ingredients by half and use a smaller baking dish. Reducing the baking time slightly is advisable; around 15 minutes should suffice. Keeping an eye on it will prevent overcooking while ensuring that the texture remains creamy and decadent.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, brown rice will work, but you may need to adjust the cooking time since it takes longer to cook.

→ How can I make it vegan?

Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast for the cheesy flavor.

→ Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare it the day before and store it in the fridge. Just bake before serving.

→ What other vegetables can I add?

You can add spinach, peas, or even roasted bell peppers for some variety and nutrition!