Mushroom-Swiss Mac & Cheese

Mushroom-Swiss Mac & Cheese is an upscale twist on the classic casserole dish. Created by Dawn Moore from Pennsylvania, this recipe elevates the traditional mac and cheese by adding flavorful baby portobello mushrooms and a combination of three delicious cheeses. With the option to include cubed cooked chicken, it can be transformed into a satisfying entree.

The rich and creamy sauce is the star of this dish, featuring a blend of cream cheese, Swiss cheese, Parmesan and Romano cheese, and bacon. The sautéed mushrooms and onions add a delightful earthy flavor and a pleasant texture to each bite.

Perfectly cooked mini penne pasta is combined with the mushroom mixture and creamy sauce, creating a mouthwatering base for this indulgent casserole. Topped with a mixture of panko bread crumbs, minced fresh parsley, and melted butter, the dish is baked to golden perfection.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 package (16 ounces) mini penne pasta
• ½ pound baby portobello mushrooms, chopped
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 garlic clove, minced

SAUCE:

• 5 tablespoons butter
• 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, cubed
• 1¼ cups whole milk
• 1¼ cups half-and-half cream
• 2½ cups (10 ounces) shredded Swiss cheese
• 1¼ cups grated Parmesan and Romano cheese blend
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• 6 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled

TOPPING:

• ⅓ cup panko (Japanese) bread crumbs
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted

PREPARATIONS:

1. Cook the mini penne pasta according to the package directions.
2. In a large skillet, sauté the chopped baby portobello mushrooms and finely chopped onion in butter and olive oil until tender. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Set aside.
3. For the sauce, melt butter in a large saucepan. Stir in cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add the whole milk and half-and-half cream, heating through. Stir in the shredded Swiss cheese, grated Parmesan and Romano cheese blend, salt, and pepper until the cheeses are melted and the sauce is well blended. Stir in the crumbled bacon.
4. Drain the cooked pasta and toss it with the mushroom mixture and sauce. Transfer the mixture to a greased 13×9-inch baking dish.
5. Combine the panko bread crumbs, minced fresh parsley, and melted butter. Sprinkle the mixture over the pasta mixture in the baking dish.
6. Bake, uncovered, at 375°F for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown.

YIELD:

Makes 8 servings.

PREP/BAKE TIME:

Preparation: 40 minutes. Baking: 25-30 minutes.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:

• Make sure to cook the pasta al dente, as it will continue cooking during the baking process.
• Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preference, adding more salt and pepper if desired.
• Customize the recipe by adding 2 cups of cubed cooked chicken for a heartier entree option.
• Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking to allow it to set before serving.

TIPS:

• Use mini penne pasta for its compact size, allowing the sauce to cling to the pasta better.
• Experiment with different types of mushrooms to add variety to the dish, such as cremini or shiitake.
• Serve Mushroom-Swiss Mac & Cheese as a main course with a side salad or as a side dish to accompany roasted meats or grilled vegetables.

In conclusion, Mushroom-Swiss Mac & Cheese takes the classic casserole to new heights by incorporating baby portobello mushrooms and a blend of three delightful cheeses. This recipe, created by Dawn Moore from Pennsylvania, offers a gourmet twist on the beloved comfort food, resulting in a rich and indulgent dish.

The combination of sautéed mushrooms, onions, cream cheese, Swiss cheese, Parmesan and Romano cheese blend, and bacon creates a decadent and flavorful sauce that coats the perfectly cooked mini penne pasta. Topped with a mixture of panko bread crumbs, fresh parsley, and melted butter, the casserole bakes to a golden brown finish.

Whether served as a main course with the addition of cubed cooked chicken or as a side dish, Mushroom-Swiss Mac & Cheese is sure to impress your family and guests. The earthy flavors of the mushrooms, the creaminess of the cheeses, and the crunch of the bread crumb topping create a delightful symphony of flavors and textures.

Take the opportunity to explore variations by using different types of mushrooms or experimenting with additional seasonings. The versatility of this dish allows for customization to suit your preferences.

So gather your ingredients, follow the simple preparations, and indulge in the decadent goodness of Mushroom-Swiss Mac & Cheese. This upscale take on a classic casserole will satisfy your cravings for comfort food with a gourmet twist.