Baked mushrooms with garlic and herbs are a simple and delicious side dish or appetizer that highlights the natural umami flavor of mushrooms. Here’s an easy recipe to make them:
Baked Mushrooms with Garlic and Herbs
Ingredients:
- 1 pound (450 grams) fresh mushrooms (e.g., button, cremini, or shiitake)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried parsley)
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for a cheesy topping)
Instructions:
-
Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
-
Prepare the Mushrooms:
- Clean the mushrooms by wiping them with a damp cloth or paper towel. Trim the stems if needed. If the mushrooms are large, you can cut them into halves or quarters.
-
Season the Mushrooms:
- In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, chopped parsley, thyme, oregano (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Add the mushrooms to the bowl and toss them well to ensure they are evenly coated with the garlic and herb mixture.
-
Arrange on a Baking Sheet:
- Spread the seasoned mushrooms in a single layer on a baking sheet or in a baking dish. Avoid overcrowding them to ensure even baking.
-
Bake the Mushrooms:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the mushrooms are tender and golden brown. Stir halfway through the cooking time to ensure even roasting.
-
Add Parmesan (Optional):
- If using Parmesan cheese, sprinkle it over the mushrooms during the last 5 minutes of baking for a cheesy, crispy topping.
-
Serve:
- Remove the mushrooms from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Garnish with additional fresh parsley if desired.
Tips:
- Mushroom size: Uniformly sized mushrooms or pieces ensure even cooking.
- Avoid moisture: If using larger mushrooms, you can scoop out some of the gills to reduce moisture and make them crispier.
- Herb variations: Feel free to use other herbs like basil, rosemary, or dill to vary the flavor.
These baked mushrooms with garlic and herbs are great as a side dish, appetizer, or even mixed into salads or pasta. Enjoy!
