Gratinated Portobello Mushrooms – Savory, Cheesy, and Perfect for Elegant Meals
Rich, meaty Portobello mushrooms topped with bubbling, golden cheese — these Gratinated Portobello Mushrooms are pure comfort with an elegant twist. They’re one of those dishes that feel indulgent yet effortless, delivering big flavor from simple ingredients.
With their hearty texture and deeply savory flavor, Portobellos are the perfect base for simple gratin recipes that feel both rustic and refined. If you love hearty vegetarian dishes, you might also enjoy our Mushroom Risotto, rich with earthy goodness and perfect for cozy evenings.
Ideal as a starter, a side dish, or even a light vegetarian main course, these cheesy mushrooms are an easy way to create something special with just a handful of ingredients. And if you’re planning a spread of rustic favorites, our Savory Tart with Bok Choy, Bacon, and Parmesan offers another delicious, savory option to complete the table.
Recipe Summary
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 2–4 servings
Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
- 4 large Portobello mushrooms
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (15ml)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ cup grated mozzarella cheese (60g)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (30g)
- 1 clove garlic, finely minced
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. - Gently clean the Portobello mushrooms and remove the stems.
Brush both sides with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and thyme. - Place the mushrooms gill-side up on the prepared baking sheet.
- In a small bowl, combine mozzarella, Parmesan, and minced garlic.
- Spoon the cheese mixture evenly over the mushroom caps.
- Bake for 18–20 minutes, until the mushrooms are tender and the cheese is golden and bubbling.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
Remove excess moisture from mushrooms with a paper towel before baking. Adjust seasoning depending on the saltiness of your cheese. Serve immediately while the cheese is hot and melted.
Variations & Add-ons
Add cooked spinach or sautéed onions under the cheese for extra flavor. Swap mozzarella for Gruyère or sharp cheddar for a stronger cheese flavor. Drizzle with balsamic glaze just before serving for a sweet contrast.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Protein: 14g
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
Background Story
Portobello mushrooms have long been prized for their rich, hearty texture — so much so that they are often called the “steaks” of the vegetable world.
Gratinated dishes, meanwhile, have their roots in French cuisine, where layering ingredients with cheese or creamy toppings and baking until bubbly creates irresistible comfort food.
Gratinated Portobello Mushrooms blend these two traditions beautifully, marrying the rustic depth of earthy mushrooms with the indulgent pull of melted cheese.
This recipe is a modern favorite for good reason: it feels luxurious while being surprisingly simple.
Whether you’re preparing a casual dinner or a more refined meal, this dish brings warmth, satisfaction, and a little elegance to the table.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Gratinated Portobello Mushrooms with a fresh green salad for a balanced meal, or alongside roasted vegetables and crusty bread.
They also pair beautifully with light red wines like Pinot Noir or a crisp white like Sauvignon Blanc.
FAQs About Gratinated Portobello Mushrooms
Can I prepare them in advance?
Yes — assemble them up to a few hours ahead, refrigerate, and bake just before serving.
Can I make them dairy-free?
Yes — use a plant-based mozzarella and Parmesan alternative.
Do I need to remove the gills?
Not necessarily, but if they seem too dark or messy, you can gently scrape them out with a spoon.
What else can I add inside the mushrooms?
Chopped cooked spinach, sautéed onions, or breadcrumbs mixed with herbs work beautifully.
Can I grill them instead of baking?
Absolutely — grill over medium heat, covered, until the mushrooms are tender and the cheese has melted.
Final Thoughts
Rich, savory, and meltingly delicious, these Gratinated Portobello Mushrooms are a simple but luxurious dish you’ll want to make again and again.
Elegant, rustic, and totally satisfying.
