Anjali Arora
There are recipes that don’t shout for attention but still manage to impress every time, and Mushroom Duplex is one of them. I first came across it at a friend’s dinner party in Pune, where the aroma of baked mushrooms with garlic and cheese filled the air long before the dish reached the table.
What struck me most was its simplicity—no elaborate sauces, no complicated steps—just mushrooms, thoughtfully layered with flavor, transformed into something elegant and comforting.
Since then, it has become my go-to dish whenever I want to serve something warm and hearty without spending hours in the kitchen.
Much like a Southern Egg Salad that relies on honest, everyday ingredients, Mushroom Duplex proves that the simplest preparations can often be the most memorable.
You can even pair it with a light Beetroot and Cucumber Salad for a complete spread that feels both rustic and refined.
Let’s make a delicious Mushroom Duplex recipe that’s sure to impress your family and friends!
Ingredients Needed For Mushroom Duplex
This recipe relies on a handful of simple yet flavour-packed ingredients that come together to create a comforting dish. Each one has its role in balancing taste, texture, and aroma:
Fresh Mushrooms (400 g, sliced): The star of the dish. Mushrooms bring earthy flavour and a meaty texture that makes this recipe hearty without being heavy.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Provides a subtle pungency and depth that complements the mushrooms beautifully.
Onion (1 small, finely chopped): Adds sweetness and body to the base while enhancing the overall flavour balance.
Olive Oil (2 tbsp): Used for sautéing, it lends richness and a smooth mouthfeel while keeping the recipe light.
Grated Cheese (100 g, optional): For those who enjoy indulgence, cheese forms a golden, bubbling layer on top, adding creaminess and a hint of sharpness.
Salt and Pepper (to taste): Basic yet essential seasonings to elevate the natural flavours of the mushrooms.
Vegetable Broth (50 ml): Keeps the dish moist during baking and introduces subtle savoury undertones.
Step-by-Step Guide To Make Mushroom Duplex
Step 1: Prepare the aromatics
On a clean cutting board, finely chop the onion and mince the garlic cloves. This ensures they cook evenly and infuse the dish with flavour from the very beginning.
Step 2: Sauté the base
Heat a skillet over medium flame and drizzle in the olive oil. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chopped onion and garlic. Stir frequently and cook until the onions turn translucent and aromatic, about 2–3 minutes.
Step 3: Cook the mushrooms
Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Let them cook until they release their natural moisture and begin to brown slightly around the edges. This process should take 8–10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper while they cook.
Step 4: Assemble for baking
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Transfer the mushroom mixture into a baking dish, spreading it out evenly to form a solid base. If using, sprinkle the grated cheese evenly over the top. Pour the vegetable broth gently around the edges to add moisture and create light steam during baking.
Step 5: Bake to finish
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbling. The mushrooms should be fully tender, and if cheese is used, it will have melted into a deliciously crisp topping.
Step 6: Serve
Remove from the oven and allow it to rest briefly before serving. The Mushroom Duplex works well as a standalone dish or as a side with toasted bread, rice, or pasta.
Mushroom Duplex
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Chop the garlic and onion finely on a cutting board using a chef’s knife.2 cloves garlic, 1 small onion
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add olive oil. Once shimmering, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant and translucent, about 2-3 minutes, with onion becoming soft and aromatic.2 cloves garlic, 1 small onion, 2 tbsp olive oil
- Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet with the sautéed aromatics. Cook until they release moisture and become browned around the edges, approximately 8-10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper during cooking.400 g fresh mushrooms (such as cremini or button), to taste salt and pepper
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Transfer the cooked mushroom mixture into a baking dish, spreading evenly to form the first layer.400 g fresh mushrooms (such as cremini or button), 1 small onion, 2 tbsp olive oil, to taste salt and pepper
- If desired, sprinkle grated cheese evenly over the mushroom layer. Pour vegetable broth around the edges to add moisture and help steam during baking.100 g grated cheese (optional), 50 ml vegetable broth
- Place the baking dish in the oven and bake until the top is golden brown and bubbling, approximately 25-30 minutes. The mushrooms should be tender and the cheese melted if used.
Enjoy your Mushroom Duplex! Don’t forget to share your creations with us.
Tips & Tricks to Perfect Your Mushroom Duplex
A dish as simple as Mushroom Duplex shines when you pay attention to the little details. Here are some tried-and-tested hacks to help you make it effortlessly impressive:
- Choose the Right Mushrooms: Button mushrooms work beautifully for this recipe, but cremini or portobello add a deeper, earthier flavour if you want to elevate it.
- Don’t Skip the Cleaning: Wipe mushrooms gently with a damp cloth instead of washing them under running water—this prevents them from becoming soggy.
- Layer Flavours Wisely: A touch of fresh herbs like thyme or parsley can be added to the garlic butter base to bring out a more aromatic finish.
- Cheese Alternatives: If you’re not keen on regular cheese, try crumbled feta or even a sprinkle of parmesan for a sharper bite.
- Bake, Don’t Overbake: Keep a close eye while baking. Mushrooms cook quickly, and overbaking can make them rubbery.
- Pair Smartly: Serve it with a crisp salad like a beet salad with feta and cucumbers or alongside simple white rice for a balanced, fuss-free meal.
These little adjustments can turn an already flavorful dish into something truly memorable—whether you’re serving guests or simply indulging in a cozy evening treat.
Smart Substitutions to Make Mushroom Duplex Your Own
One of the best things about Mushroom Duplex is its flexibility—you can easily adapt it to suit your pantry, preferences, or even dietary needs. Here are some thoughtful swaps to try:
- Mushrooms: While button mushrooms are the classic choice, swap them with portobello for a meatier bite or shiitake for a stronger, umami-rich flavour.
- Cheese: Not a fan of mozzarella or processed cheese? Opt for parmesan for a nutty sharpness, or paneer cubes for an Indian touch. For a vegan version, use dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast.
- Garlic Butter Base: Replace butter with olive oil for a lighter version or use ghee for a richer, more desi flavour.
- Herbs: If fresh parsley isn’t on hand, dried Italian seasoning or even a sprinkle of oregano works well.
- Fillings: Get creative with add-ins—try sautéed spinach, corn, or even a spoon of simple white rice to make the dish more filling.
These substitutions ensure you never feel restricted—whether you’re cooking with what’s available in the kitchen or experimenting to suit your taste. Mushroom Duplex is all about layering flavors, and these swaps allow you to do just that in your own style.
Hi, I’m Anjali Arora — the curious heart behind Feast Chase.
To be honest, I’ve always felt most at ease in my own company. I’m not exactly a people-person (small talk still makes me cringe), but there are two things I’ve always loved deeply: animals and food.