These Herb-Infused Mushroom Caps are a delightful appetizer that brings together earthy flavors of mushrooms with aromatic herbs. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a festive gathering, they’re straightforward to make and sure to impress.
Mushrooms serve as the star, offering a meaty texture that holds the filling beautifully. Olive oil is used to sauté and bring out the flavors of the other ingredients. Onion and garlic add a savory depth, with the garlic giving a slight pungent kick. Breadcrumbs provide structure to the filling, making it crispy once baked. Parmesan cheese brings a rich, nutty flavor. Fresh parsley offers brightness, while salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and dried oregano contribute to the herbaceous aroma and taste.
These mushroom caps pair wonderfully with a crisp white wine or a light ale. They also make a great side for roasted chicken or a hearty salad. For a festive touch, serve them on a platter garnished with extra parsley.
First, get your oven preheated to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it's ready to go as soon as your mushrooms are prepped. Clean your mushrooms gently using a damp paper towel — avoid rinsing them in water as they can become soggy. Once cleaned, pop out the stems and set them aside.
Finely chop the mushroom stems, as they’ll join the filling mixture in a moment. Heat up the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, cooking until they turn translucent, which should take about three minutes. This step helps mellow the pungency of the garlic and sweetens the onion.
Now, toss in the chopped mushroom stems and let them cook for another two minutes. They’ll release a bit of moisture which is perfect for blending. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the breadcrumbs, Parmesan, parsley, salt, pepper, thyme, and oregano. Stir until everything is well combined and the breadcrumbs have absorbed all the flavors.
Fill each mushroom cap generously with the mixture, pressing it down slightly to secure it. Arrange the stuffed mushrooms on a baking sheet. Bake them for about 20 minutes, or until the filling is golden and crispy. Let them cool for a few minutes before serving, as this allows the flavors to settle.