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Mushroom Mozzarella Bake

Mushroom Mozzarella Bake
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Mushroom Mozzarella Bake is a creamy, savory dish featuring tender mushrooms coated in melted mozzarella cheese, perfect for cozy meals and gatherings. Easy to prepare with simple ingredients, it offers a rich, comforting texture and is customizable to suit various tastes and dietary preferences.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • Fresh mushrooms (cremini or button) – 16 oz (450 g), sliced
  • Mozzarella cheese – 8 oz (225 g), sliced or shredded
  • Olive oil – 2 tablespoons
  • Garlic cloves – 2, minced
  • Fresh herbs (parsley or thyme) – 2 tablespoons, chopped
  • Salt – 1 teaspoon, or to taste
  • Black pepper – ½ teaspoon, or to taste

Optional Ingredients

  • Breadcrumbs – ¼ cup, for topping
  • Spinach – 1 cup fresh (for variation)
  • Red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños – ½ teaspoon (for spicy twist)
  • Cooked chicken or bacon bits – ½ cup (for protein boost)
  • Alternative herbs (basil or rosemary) – as preferred

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Clean and slice the mushrooms into even pieces to ensure uniform cooking. Mince the garlic finely and chop your chosen fresh herbs so everything is ready before cooking.
  2. Sauté the Mushrooms and Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and begin to turn golden, about 7-8 minutes. Add the garlic last and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, making sure it doesn’t burn.
  3. Season and Add Herbs: Sprinkle salt, pepper, and fresh herbs over the mushrooms. Stir gently to blend flavors and release the aroma, deepening the dish’s savory profile.
  4. Assemble the Bake: Transfer the sautéed mushrooms to a baking dish, spreading them evenly. Layer slices or shredded mozzarella evenly on top to ensure creamy coverage once melted.
  5. Adding Optional Crunch: If using, sprinkle breadcrumbs over the cheese to create a golden, crispy crust after baking, adding a pleasant textural contrast.
  6. Bake to Perfection: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the dish for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Let it cool slightly before serving to allow the flavors to settle.

Notes

  • Use room temperature mozzarella for better and more even melting.
  • Avoid overcrowding the pan during sautéing; cook mushrooms in batches if necessary to ensure they brown instead of steam.
  • Add most herbs at the end of cooking to preserve their fresh and bright flavors.
  • Allow the bake to rest 5 minutes after baking to improve texture and prevent burning.
  • Combining different mushroom varieties can enhance the flavor depth and complexity.

Nutrition

Keywords: mushroom bake, mozzarella, baked mushrooms, comfort food, easy appetizer, creamy mushroom dish, vegetarian, gluten free option

Find it online: https://cherrycooks.com/mushroom-mozzarella-bake/