Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound Caciotta dei Monti della Laga cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Special Equipment Needed:
- Large skillet
- Whisk
- Baking dish
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
3. Add sliced mushrooms and sauté until tender.
4. Add flour to the skillet and whisk until smooth.
5. Gradually add milk, whisking constantly until smooth.
6. Add salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to the skillet and stir until combined.
7. Add grated Caciotta dei Monti della Laga cheese to the skillet and stir until melted and smooth.
8. Pour the cheese mixture into a baking dish.
9. In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese.
10. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the cheese mixture.
11. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly.
12. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
4-6 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 350
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 70mg
Sodium: 590mg
Carbohydrates: 16g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 6g
Protein: 16g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Caciotta dei Monti della Laga cheese can be substituted with any mild, semi-soft cheese such as Fontina or Gouda.
- Mushrooms can be substituted with any other vegetable such as spinach or broccoli.
- Butter can be substituted with olive oil or margarine.
- All-purpose flour can be substituted with gluten-free flour or cornstarch.
- Milk can be substituted with almond milk or soy milk.
- Parmesan cheese can be substituted with Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese.
Variations:
- Add cooked bacon or ham to the cheese mixture for a meatier version.
- Add chopped herbs such as thyme or rosemary to the breadcrumb mixture for extra flavor.
- Use different types of cheese such as Cheddar or Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile.
Tips and Tricks:
- Grate the cheese ahead of time to save time during preparation.
- Use a whisk to ensure the cheese mixture is smooth and free of lumps.
- Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the cheese to set.
Storage Instructions:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating Instructions:
Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
Presentation Ideas:
Serve in individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation.
Garnishes:
Garnish with chopped fresh herbs such as parsley or chives.
Pairings:
Serve with a side salad or roasted vegetables.
Suggested Side Dishes:
- Roasted Brussels sprouts
- Grilled asparagus
- Garlic mashed potatoes
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the cheese sauce is too thick, add more milk to thin it out.
- If the breadcrumb topping is not crispy enough, broil for a few minutes until golden brown.
Food Safety Advice:
- Make sure to cook the dish to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it is safe to eat.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking.
Food History:
Caciotta dei Monti della Laga is a semi-soft cheese made in the central Apennine Mountains of Italy. It is made from cow's milk and has a mild, nutty flavor.
Flavor Profiles:
Creamy, cheesy, nutty, savory.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve as a main dish or as a side dish with grilled meats or roasted vegetables.
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Region: Italian