Creamy Turkey and Mushroom Casserole with Parmesan Breadcrumb Topping Recipe

I absolutely love this Creamy Turkey and Mushroom Casserole with Parmesan Breadcrumb Topping Recipe because it’s the perfect way to transform leftover turkey into a cozy, comforting meal that feels anything but ordinary. The rich mushroom and cheddar sauce blends beautifully with tender turkey and egg noodles, while that golden, crispy Parmesan breadcrumb topping adds just the right touch of indulgence. It’s a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate and always gets rave reviews at my dinner table.

Whether you’re using turkey from a holiday feast or just want a hearty casserole for weeknight dinner, you’ll find that this recipe is incredibly forgiving and easy to personalize. Plus, it comes together with straightforward ingredients that you might already have on hand, making it a go-to favorite when you want something creamy, savory, and satisfying without too much fuss.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients all work together to create a luscious, creamy casserole with a satisfying crispy topping. I’ll share some shopping tips to help you pick the freshest mushrooms and best cheese for optimal flavor.

• Panko breadcrumbs: For that light, crunchy topping—don’t substitute with regular breadcrumbs or you’ll lose that great texture.
• Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan is key here – it adds wonderful salty depth and melts beautifully in the sauce and topping.
• Butter: Divided use helps create the creamy sauce and crisp topping—unsalted is best so you can control salt levels.
• Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering the dish.
• Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and body when sautéed with mushrooms—don’t skip it!
• Cremini mushrooms: Their earthy flavor complements the turkey perfectly; button mushrooms can be used but creminis have more depth.
• All-purpose flour: For thickening the creamy sauce—make sure to cook it with butter before adding broth to avoid pasty taste.
• Low-sodium chicken stock: Creates the base of the sauce; low-sodium lets you control salt and prevents it from being too salty.
• Cheddar cheese: Shredded cheddar melts into the sauce adding richness and a mild sharpness; sharp cheddar impacts flavor intensity.
• Cooked turkey: Cubed leftover turkey works perfectly—you want it pre-cooked so it warms through and stays tender.
• Egg noodles: Hold up well in the creamy sauce and provide comforting bite. Cook al dente so they don’t get mushy in baking.
• Frozen peas: Adds pop of color, sweetness, and fresh flavor; no need to thaw before mixing in.
• Fresh parsley: Chopped for brightness and garnish, helps cut through richness and adds a fresh note.
• Lemon juice: Just a splash to brighten the creamy sauce and add subtle depth.
• Freshly ground black pepper: For balanced heat and to enhance the overall flavor.

Variations

I love making this casserole my own by tweaking ingredients depending on the season or what’s in my fridge. Feel free to swap or add veggies and cheeses to make it yours—you’ll find it’s super flexible and forgiving!

• Vegetable Add-ins: I once added sautéed spinach and diced bell peppers for extra color and nutrients—it was a hit with my family.
• Cheese Swaps: For a twist, try using Gruyère or smoked gouda instead of cheddar for a more complex flavor.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free panko and flour alternatives to make this casserole friendly for gluten-sensitive friends.
• Herb Twists: Fresh thyme or rosemary can add a wonderful aroma if you want to spice things up seasonally.

How to Make Creamy Turkey and Mushroom Casserole with Parmesan Breadcrumb Topping Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Parmesan Breadcrumb Topping

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F—that high heat is key for a perfectly crispy topping. In a medium bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs and ¼ cup of freshly grated Parmesan. Melt 3 tablespoons of butter and stir it into the mixture, then season with a pinch of kosher salt. Make sure the butter is warm enough to evenly coat the panko, so you get a golden, crunchy crust after baking.

Step 2: Sauté Onions and Mushrooms

In a large pot over medium-high heat, melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter. Add your chopped yellow onion and sliced cremini mushrooms, seasoning them with salt. Cook, stirring often, for about 6 minutes until the onions are soft and mushrooms have released their moisture and started browning. This step builds the deep, savory base that makes the sauce so flavorful.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

Sprinkle the flour over the softened veggies and cook, stirring constantly, for one minute—this cooks off the floury taste and helps thicken your sauce later. Slowly pour in the chicken stock, stirring constantly to avoid lumps, and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar and remaining ½ cup Parmesan until melted and smooth. This rich sauce is exactly what ties the turkey, noodles, and veggies together perfectly.

Step 4: Combine the Casserole Filling

Add in the cubed cooked turkey, cooked egg noodles, frozen peas, chopped parsley, and lemon juice. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to your taste, then gently stir everything together. I always check seasoning here because the cheeses and broth can vary—this step ensures every bite is flavorful and balanced.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Bubbling

Butter a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread the turkey casserole mixture inside evenly. Sprinkle the prepared Parmesan breadcrumb topping over the surface. Bake in your hot oven for about 20 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges. This is when the whole kitchen starts smelling irresistible, so watch closely so it doesn’t burn.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, sprinkle a little extra freshly chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve hot, and watch everyone dig in—it’s always a crowd-pleaser in my house!

How to Serve Creamy Turkey and Mushroom Casserole with Parmesan Breadcrumb Topping Recipe

Garnishes

I typically top my casserole with a handful of fresh parsley because it adds a bright freshness that contrasts nicely with the rich, creamy sauce. Sometimes I’ll also add a few lemon zest shavings if I want a zippy pop. A little cracked black pepper on top before serving also always makes it feel extra special.

Side Dishes

Since the casserole is quite rich, I like pairing it with something light and simple like a crisp green salad with a vinaigrette or roasted seasonal veggies like asparagus or green beans. A crusty baguette or garlic bread also works wonderfully to soak up any extra sauce left on the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve baked this casserole in individual ramekins to make personal servings that feel elegant and festive. Adding a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts on top of the breadcrumb layer also gives a lovely nutty crunch. Serving alongside a glass of white wine like Chardonnay can really elevate the whole meal experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I always store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and have found that this casserole keeps well for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making the next day’s meal even better. Just make sure to cover it tightly to prevent the breadcrumb topping from getting soggy.

Freezing

If you want to freeze it, I recommend baking the casserole first, cooling it completely, then freezing in portions. It freezes beautifully and can be warmed up straight from the freezer, making it a lifesaver for busy weeknights or meal prep. Wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap and use within 2 months for best flavor.

Reheating

When reheating, I pop leftovers in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes to warm through and re-crisp the topping. If you’re short on time, the microwave works too—just cover loosely to keep moisture in, but you might lose some crispness. A quick broil at the end can help revive the crunchy topping.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Creamy Turkey and Mushroom Casserole with Parmesan Breadcrumb Topping Recipe has become my favorite way to celebrate leftovers because it turns simple ingredients into something truly comforting and memorable. Every time I make it, friends and family ask for seconds, and I love how easy it is to customize based on what we have in the fridge. I hope you give it a try—you’ll love how the creamy sauce, tender turkey, and crunchy topping come together in one delicious dish that feels like a warm kitchen hug.

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