How to Prepare Garlic and Herb Stuffed Mushrooms: A Simple Guide
Welcome, fellow food enthusiasts! Today, I’m excited to share with you a delightful recipe that’s sure to wow your taste buds – Garlic and Herb Stuffed Mushrooms. This dish is not only packed with flavors but is also surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, looking for the perfect appetizer, or simply craving a tasty snack, these stuffed mushrooms are a great go-to option. So, let’s dive into how to prepare this mouthwatering delicacy step by step.
Ingredients:
First things first, we need to gather our ingredients. For this recipe, you’ll need:
- 12 large mushrooms (button or cremini work well)
- 3 tablespoons of olive oil, plus a little extra for drizzling
- 2 cloves of garlic, finely minced
- 2 tablespoons of breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon of fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme leaves, or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation:
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Clean the Mushrooms: Start by gently cleaning your mushrooms with a damp cloth or a soft brush. It’s generally not a good idea to wash them under running water as mushrooms tend to absorb moisture, which could make your stuffed mushrooms soggy. Next, carefully remove the stems from the mushroom caps, making a little bowl for your filling. Chop the stems finely and set them aside—they’re going to add a lot of flavors to your stuffing.
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Preheat Your Oven: Before you get started on the filling, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your oven is ready to go when your mushrooms are stuffed.
Making the Stuffing:
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Sauté the Garlic: Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it.
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Cook the Mushroom Stems: Add the chopped mushroom stems to the pan and cook them with the garlic for about 5 minutes, or until they’re soft and have released their moisture.
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Add Breadcrumbs and Herbs: Mix in the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, and thyme. Cook the mixture for another 2 minutes. The breadcrumbs will help absorb any excess moisture and add a nice texture to the filling.
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Season: Add salt and pepper to taste. Remember, the Parmesan is already salty, so you might want to go easy on the salt.
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Stuff the Mushrooms: Spoon the mixture into each mushroom cap, packing it in gently. If you like, you can drizzle a little more olive oil over the top of each mushroom. This will help them roast to perfection.
Baking:
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Arrange and Bake: Place the stuffed mushrooms on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until the mushrooms are tender and the tops are golden brown.
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Serving: Let the mushrooms sit for a couple of minutes after baking, as they will be piping hot. Garnish with a little extra chopped parsley if desired and serve warm.
Tips:
- For a creamier texture, you can mix some cream cheese or goat cheese into the stuffing.
- Feel free to experiment with different herbs according to your preference or what’s available in your pantry.
- This recipe is easily adjustable. If you’re expecting more guests, simply double or triple the ingredients.
Conclusion:
And there you have it—a simple yet elegant dish that’s bursting with flavor. These Garlic and Herb Stuffed Mushrooms are sure to impress anyone who tries them. They’re perfect for any occasion, from a fancy dinner party to a cozy night in. What’s more, they’re incredibly versatile; feel free to tweak the recipe to suit your tastes or accommodate dietary restrictions. So, next time you’re in the mood for something delicious and easy to make, give these stuffed mushrooms a try. Happy cooking!