If you are looking for a dish that combines earthy mushrooms with fluffy, perfectly cooked rice, then this Baked Mushroom Rice Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a comforting, soul-satisfying meal that feels both rustic and elegant, bringing together simple ingredients in a way that bursts with flavor and amazing textures. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe transforms humble pantry staples into something truly special with just a little bit of love and an oven’s warm embrace.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Preparing this Baked Mushroom Rice Recipe is wonderfully straightforward thanks to its few but essential ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in adding depth of flavor, richness, and that incredible savory aroma that fills your kitchen while baking.
- Mushrooms (650g, quartered): The star ingredient that gives earthy flavor and a meaty texture, making the dish satisfying and hearty.
- Butter (50g melted, plus optional 1-2 tbsp): Adds creaminess and richness, melting into the rice for that indulgent finish.
- Garlic cloves (2-3, minced): Infuses the dish with pungent warmth and aromatic depth, especially when you use three for that garlicky punch.
- Salt and Pepper: The fundamental seasoning duo that highlights and balances all flavors perfectly.
- Olive oil (1.5 tbsp): Helps brown the mushrooms while adding a subtle fruity note and smooth texture.
- Long grain rice (1½ cups, uncooked): Provides light and fluffy grains that absorb all the savory mushroom juices and broth.
- Chicken or vegetable broth (1½ cups, low sodium): Vital for cooking the rice with flavor; low sodium lets you control the saltiness.
- Water (1¼ cups): To balance the moisture level for perfect rice texture.
- Dried thyme (1 tsp): Adds subtle herbal notes that complement the mushrooms beautifully.
- Garlic powder (1 tsp): Deepens the garlic flavor throughout the dish.
- Shallots, green onions, or scallions (3, finely sliced): Fresh and bright counters that add a pop of color and mild sharpness when tossed through at the end.
How to Make Baked Mushroom Rice Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 180 degrees Celsius (350 Fahrenheit) and let it reach the perfect baking temperature. This ensures the rice cooks evenly and the mushrooms develop a lovely golden color on top.
Step 2: Prepare the Mushrooms
In a large bowl, combine the quartered mushrooms with the hot melted butter, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Toss everything well to coat the mushrooms evenly. This early mingling of butter and garlic allows the mushrooms to soak up all those flavors during baking, turning wonderfully tender and flavorful.
Step 3: Combine the Rice Ingredients
Grab a baking pan about 22 by 33 centimeters (9 x 13 inches). Pour in the uncooked long grain rice along with the broth, water, dried thyme, and garlic powder. Give everything a good stir, then gently shake the pan to spread the rice out evenly. This layering is key to ensuring each grain cooks uniformly and absorbs all the delicious liquids.
Step 4: Add the Mushroom Topping
Now, spread the butter-garlic mushrooms over the rice. They won’t be completely submerged but should cover almost the entire surface, acting like a flavorful lid. While baking, these mushrooms steam the rice beneath them while roasting on top, creating contrasting textures and deep notes of umami.
Step 5: Drizzle Olive Oil and Bake
Finish by drizzling olive oil over the mushrooms to help them brown beautifully as they bake. Pop the pan into the oven and bake for about 35 to 40 minutes until the mushrooms are golden and the rice is cooked through. Once out of the oven, let it rest for 5 minutes to allow flavors to settle and the rice to firm up slightly.
Step 6: Final Touches
Just before serving, stir in the optional butter and the finely sliced shallots or scallions. This gives the dish a buttery sheen and a fresh pop of color and flavor that elevates every bite of your Baked Mushroom Rice Recipe.
How to Serve Baked Mushroom Rice Recipe
Garnishes
To make your presentation irresistible, sprinkle extra chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme over the top. You can also add a little grated Parmesan or a squeeze of lemon juice for a subtle, bright contrast that pairs beautifully with the earthy mushrooms.
Side Dishes
This Baked Mushroom Rice Recipe is hearty on its own but pairs amazingly with a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or grilled chicken for added protein. Steamed greens like broccoli or asparagus also complement the dish’s rich flavors for a well-rounded meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this dish in individual ramekins or small cast iron skillets for a charming rustic look. Layer the mushrooms on top with an extra pat of butter melting just before serving for that restaurant-quality touch. It makes the experience feel special and invites everyone to savor the comforting flavors at their own pace.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep leftover Baked Mushroom Rice Recipe fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen, so it’s perfect for easy lunches or quick dinner reheats.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well too. Portion the rice into freezer-safe containers or bags once cooled, and freeze for up to 2 months. Just be sure to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently to maintain the creamy texture.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers in a microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the rice if it seems dry. Cover the dish while reheating to keep moisture trapped, ensuring your Baked Mushroom Rice Recipe comes out warm, fluffy, and delicious just like freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use other types of mushrooms for this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with cremini, button, shiitake, or even wild mushrooms. Each variety adds its own unique flavor and texture, which can make the dish even more exciting.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, simply swap out the chicken broth for vegetable broth to keep it vegetarian-friendly while maintaining deep, savory flavor.
Can I use brown rice instead of long grain rice?
You can, but keep in mind brown rice will require a longer cooking time and potentially more liquid. Adjust the baking time accordingly and check for doneness before serving.
What can I do if I don’t have fresh scallions?
Finely chopped mild onion or chives work well as a substitute. You can also just omit them if needed, as the butter and herbs will still make the dish delicious.
How do I make this recipe vegan?
Replace the butter with a plant-based alternative and use vegetable broth. Drizzle with olive oil instead of butter for finishing, and you’ll have a vegan-friendly version that’s just as comforting.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Baked Mushroom Rice Recipe a try because it’s a dish that brings warmth and joy in every spoonful. With its perfect blend of flavor, texture, and simplicity, it’s a meal that feels like a big, comforting hug. Whether as a weeknight dinner or a side for your next gathering, it’s bound to become a favorite you return to again and again.
Print
Baked Mushroom Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A comforting and flavorful baked mushroom rice recipe that combines tender mushrooms with perfectly cooked long grain rice, infused with garlic, thyme, and shallots for a delicious one-pan meal.
Ingredients
Mushrooms and Seasoning
- 650g (1.3 lb) mushrooms, quartered
- 50g (3.5 tbsp) butter, melted (hot, not cooled)
- 2 – 3 garlic cloves, minced (3 recommended for a garlicky flavor)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1.5 tbsp olive oil
Rice Mixture
- 1 1/2 cups long grain rice, uncooked
- 1 1/2 cups (375 ml) chicken or vegetable broth, low sodium
- 1 1/4 cups (315 ml) water
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Finishing Touches
- 3 shallots / green onions / scallions, finely sliced
- 1 – 2 tbsp butter, optional
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) to prepare for baking the rice and mushrooms.
- Prepare Mushrooms: In a large bowl, combine the quartered mushrooms with the hot melted butter, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Toss well to coat all mushrooms evenly with the butter and seasonings.
- Combine Rice Ingredients: In a baking pan approximately 22 x 33 cm (9 x 13 inches), add the uncooked long grain rice, low sodium broth, water, dried thyme, and garlic powder.
- Mix Rice Mixture: Mix the ingredients in the pan well and gently shake the pan to spread the rice out evenly for uniform cooking.
- Add Mushrooms: Spread the buttered mushrooms evenly over the surface of the rice. The mushrooms should cover the rice completely, forming a natural ‘lid’ during baking.
- Drizzle Olive Oil: Drizzle 1.5 tablespoons of olive oil over the mushrooms to enhance flavor and browning.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the mushrooms are golden and rice is cooked through. Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes.
- Finish and Serve: Add the optional 1 to 2 tablespoons of butter and the finely sliced shallots or scallions. Toss gently through the rice to combine. Serve warm as a hearty side or main dish.
Notes
- For a more garlicky flavor, use 3 garlic cloves as suggested.
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
- Using a baking pan close to recommended size ensures even cooking; avoid pans that are too large or too small.
- Resting the dish after baking helps the rice absorb any remaining liquid and enhances flavors.
- Optional butter at the end adds richness but can be omitted for a lighter dish.
