Garlic Mushrooms: Cheesy, Easy, Quick

how to cook garlic mushrooms with cheese

Mushrooms cooked with garlic and cheese are a quick, easy, and delicious meal. This dish can be made in a variety of ways, including baking, pan-frying, roasting, or sautéing. The mushrooms are typically sliced thickly, cooked in butter or oil, and seasoned with salt and pepper. Garlic is added, and the dish is often flavoured with herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or parsley. Finally, cheese is added; common choices include Parmesan, Manchego, and Cheddar, although dairy-free and vegan alternatives can be used. The dish can be served as a side, an appetizer, or a main course.

Characteristics Values
Cookware Non-stick fry pan
Oil Extra virgin olive oil
Cheese Manchego, Parmesan, Cheddar, Edam, Gouda, Monterey Jack, Cantal, Mozzarella, Cream Cheese
Other ingredients Garlic, Parsley, Thyme, Salt, Pepper, Butter, Breadcrumbs, Bacon, Spinach, Double Cream
Mushrooms Button, Regular, Portobello, Baby Bellas, White, Chestnut, Wild
Cooking method Sauté, Pan fry, Bake, Roast
Cooking time 20 minutes

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Choosing the right mushrooms

First, consider the type of mushrooms available to you. Common varieties used for garlic mushrooms include button mushrooms, which can be regular or large, white or chestnut mushrooms, Portobello mushrooms, and wild mushrooms such as chanterelles and porcini. You can also use baby bellas, which are a variety of white mushrooms, if you prefer their flavour or availability. Wild mushrooms offer a special treat with their earthy taste, but cultivated varieties are also excellent choices.

Next, think about the size of the mushrooms. For garlic mushrooms, thick slices are generally recommended. Aim for slices that are about 1/4 inch (0.625 cm) thick. This thickness helps retain the meaty texture of the mushrooms and ensures they don't become rubbery or lose their shape during cooking.

When purchasing mushrooms, look for ones that are firm and plump. Avoid any that are slimy, wrinkled, or withered, as these signs indicate deterioration. Fresh mushrooms should have a smooth, dry surface. If you're using wild mushrooms, be absolutely sure of their identification, as some varieties are poisonous.

Before cooking, clean the mushrooms gently. Use a damp paper towel or a mushroom brush to remove any dirt. If using a cloth, opt for a clean kitchen towel rather than a rough sponge, which may leave bits behind. Some cooks prefer to skip washing altogether and simply brush off any visible dirt or debris with a cloth or soft brush.

Lastly, when preparing the mushrooms, cut off and discard the stems, as these can be tough and woody. You can also trim the very bottom of the stem if you wish to keep the mushroom caps whole. However, if you're slicing or chopping the mushrooms, there's no need to remove the stems, as they will become tender during cooking.

By following these tips, you'll be able to select and prepare the perfect mushrooms for your garlic mushrooms with cheese dish.

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Preparing the mushrooms

To prepare the mushrooms, start by cleaning them with a damp paper towel or a mushroom brush to remove any dirt. Then, remove and discard the stems. Cut the mushrooms into thick slices, about 1/4 inch (0.625 cm) thick, or halve them if you prefer larger pieces. You can also leave them whole if you're baking or roasting.

Brush or wipe the mushrooms with olive oil or melted butter, ensuring they are well-coated. If you're cooking them in a pan, place them in a single layer, cap-side down, and sprinkle garlic into the cavities. If you're baking or roasting, place them in a skillet or baking dish, cap-side up, and sprinkle garlic on top.

At this point, you can also add other ingredients like thyme, rosemary, or soy sauce to enhance the flavour. Allow the mushrooms to cook for a few minutes without stirring to let them brown and caramelize. Then, add in the remaining ingredients, such as cheese, and continue cooking until the cheese is melted and the mushrooms are tender.

For a creamy sauce, melt butter in a saucepan and add the mushrooms, cooking until they are browned. Then, add garlic and double cream, stirring through before returning the pan to the heat and cooking until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.

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Cooking the mushrooms

First, clean the mushrooms with a damp paper towel and gently remove and discard the stems. You can use a mushroom brush to clean them gently. Slice the mushrooms into thick slices, about 0.5-0.625 cm or 1/4 inch thick.

Now, heat up a non-stick frying pan on medium heat and add some olive oil or butter. You can also add aromatics like rosemary. Once the butter has melted, add the sliced mushrooms to the pan. Do not stir; allow them to cook for about 4-5 minutes without disturbing them, so they brown on one side. You can also add white wine and let it evaporate at this stage.

After the mushrooms have browned, add the sliced or minced garlic and continue to cook for another 1-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. You can also add some thyme at this stage.

Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste, and sprinkle your choice of grated or shredded cheese over the mushrooms. Place a lid on the pan and let it sit for a few minutes until the cheese has melted. You can also add some parsley, either chopped or whole, to the pan at this stage.

Serve immediately as a side dish or tapas, or pour over your favourite protein. Enjoy!

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Adding cheese to the mushrooms

Choosing the Cheese

You can use a variety of cheeses for this dish, depending on your taste preferences and what is available to you. Common choices include Parmesan, Cheddar, Edam, Gouda, Monterey Jack, and Cantal. If you're feeling adventurous, you could even try using Manchego cheese, as suggested in one recipe.

Preparing the Mushrooms

Before adding the cheese, it's important to prepare the mushrooms properly. Start by cleaning the mushrooms with a damp paper towel or a mushroom brush to remove any dirt. Then, cut the mushrooms into thick slices, approximately 1/4 inch (0.625 cm) thick. This ensures that the mushrooms retain their meaty texture.

Cooking the Mushrooms

Cook the mushrooms in a pan with some olive oil or butter. You can sauté them until they are tender, which will release their water content. Then, increase the heat to medium-high for a few minutes to allow the mushrooms to reabsorb the liquid and create a melt-in-your-mouth texture. At this stage, you can add other ingredients such as garlic, thyme, and seasoning.

Adding the Cheese

Once the mushrooms are cooked to your liking, it's time to add the cheese. Sprinkle the grated or shredded cheese over the mushrooms and stir it through. If you're using a hard cheese like Parmesan, you can also try coating the mushrooms by sprinkling the cheese over them and shaking the pan. Cover the pan with a lid and let it sit for a few minutes until the cheese is melted.

Serving

Once the cheese is melted, remove the pan from the heat and serve immediately. You can garnish the dish with some freshly chopped parsley to add a pop of colour and a fresh flavour. Enjoy your cheesy garlic mushrooms as a side dish, appetizer, or tapas.

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Serving suggestions

Garlic mushrooms with cheese are a versatile dish that can be served as a side or main course. Here are some serving suggestions:

As a Side Dish

Garlic mushrooms with cheese make a great side dish for various meals. They pair well with proteins such as steak, roast chicken, pork tenderloin, and burgers. You can also serve them alongside roasted vegetables like asparagus and radishes.

As an Appetizer or Tapas

These cheesy garlic mushrooms can be served as a tasty vegetarian appetizer or tapas. Their rich, earthy flavours make them a perfect small plate to whet the appetite.

With Pasta or Rice

Garlic mushrooms with cheese can be a delicious addition to pasta sauce or rice dishes. Try adding them to a pasta bake or frying them up with some garlic butter and serving on a bed of fluffy rice.

In Omelettes or Frittatas

Leftover garlic mushrooms with cheese can be a tasty addition to omelettes or frittatas. Reheat the mushrooms in a pan or oven, then add them to your egg mixture for a hearty breakfast or brunch option.

As a Main Course

For a more substantial meal, serve garlic mushrooms with cheese on a bed of spinach with some crusty toast on the side. This makes for a comforting and creamy main course, perfect for a rainy day.

Frequently asked questions

You can use chestnut mushrooms, white mushrooms, or wild mushrooms.

It depends on the recipe. Some recipes are ready in 20 minutes, while others take 15 minutes in the oven plus additional time to cool down before serving.

Parmesan, cheddar, Edam, Gouda, Monterey Jack, or Cantal.

You can add butter, olive oil, rosemary, parsley, thyme, salt, pepper, and soy sauce.

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