The crust is actually herbed mushrooms! It's also filled with a great tasting herbed ham and cheese custard. I created this recipe when I found myself with an abundance of mushrooms and leftover ham in the fridge and an urge to cook something different
INGREDIENTS (for 8 servings):
- 10 ounces fresh mushrooms, coarsely chopped
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/2 cup dry bread crumbs
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 ounces shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
- 1 (8 ounce) container herb and garlic flavored cream cheese, softened
- 4 eggs
- 1 dash hot pepper sauce
- 1 cup cooked ham, diced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
PREPARATION:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C.)
In a medium pan, saute mushrooms and onion in 3 1/2 tablespoons of the butter until just tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in the bread crumbs, Parmesan, salt and pepper.
Butter the bottom and sides of a 10 inch deep dish pie pan with remaining butter. Press mushroom mixture into pan evenly on bottom and sides. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the mushrooms.
In a blender, beat together cream cheese, eggs and hot pepper sauce until well incorporated. Stir in diced ham. Pour over the shredded cheese and bake 30 minutes or until set in center. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley.