The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. With just a handful of fresh, high-quality ingredients, you can create a dish that’s bursting with savory, garlicky, and cheesy goodness. Here’s what you’ll need to gather to bring these delightful mushrooms to life:

• 1.5 lbs Fresh Mushrooms: The star of the show! For this recipe, you have a few excellent options.
  • Cremini Mushrooms (Baby Bellas): These are my go-to. They have a robust, earthy flavor that stands up beautifully to the garlic and parmesan. They also hold their shape well during baking.
  • White Button Mushrooms: A classic choice, readily available and milder in flavor. They will work perfectly, especially if you prefer a less intense mushroom taste.
  • Portobello Mushrooms (Caps only, sliced or quartered): If you’re looking for a heartier, more substantial bite, portobello mushroom caps, sliced or quartered into larger pieces, are fantastic. They have a meaty texture and a deep, savory flavor.
  • Mushroom Medley: For a more complex flavor profile, consider using a mix of different mushrooms like shiitake, oyster, and maitake along with cremini or button mushrooms. This adds layers of texture and taste.
  • Important Note on Mushroom Preparation: Regardless of the type you choose, ensure your mushrooms are fresh and firm. Clean them gently with a damp paper towel to remove any dirt. Avoid soaking them in water as they are porous and will absorb excess moisture, which can make them soggy when baked. For larger mushrooms like portobellos, you might want to scoop out the gills for a smoother texture, although this is optional. Smaller mushrooms like cremini and button mushrooms can be left whole or halved if very large.
• ½ Cup Grated Parmesan Cheese: This is where the cheesy magic happens! Freshly grated parmesan cheese is crucial for the best flavor and melting texture.
  • Parmigiano-Reggiano: If you want to elevate this dish even further, use Parmigiano-Reggiano. It’s the king of parmesan cheeses, with a nutty, complex flavor and a slightly granular texture.
  • Pre-Grated Parmesan: While freshly grated is recommended, pre-grated parmesan can be used for convenience. Just be aware that it may not melt as smoothly and the flavor might be slightly less intense.
  • Avoid Powdered Parmesan: Powdered parmesan cheese in a can is not recommended for this recipe as it lacks the flavor and melting qualities needed.
• 6 Cloves Garlic, Minced: Garlic is the aromatic backbone of this dish, infusing the mushrooms with its pungent and savory notes.
  • Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is non-negotiable for this recipe. It provides a much brighter and more intense garlic flavor than pre-minced garlic from a jar.
  • Garlic Press or Fine Mincing: Use a garlic press or mince the garlic very finely to ensure it distributes evenly throughout the mushrooms and releases its flavor effectively during baking.
• ¼ Cup Olive Oil: Olive oil adds richness and helps the mushrooms roast beautifully, preventing them from drying out and contributing to a lovely golden-brown color.
  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is preferred for its superior flavor and health benefits. Its fruity and slightly peppery notes complement the garlic and parmesan perfectly.
  • Other Oils (Alternatives): In a pinch, you can use other neutral-flavored oils like avocado oil or grapeseed oil, but olive oil is truly the best choice for flavor.
• 2 Tablespoons Fresh Parsley, Chopped (Plus extra for garnish): Fresh parsley adds a bright, herbaceous note that balances the richness of the garlic and parmesan. It also provides a beautiful pop of color.
  • Flat-Leaf Parsley (Italian Parsley): Flat-leaf parsley is generally preferred for cooking as it has a more robust flavor than curly parsley.
  • Other Herbs (Variations): You can experiment with other fresh herbs like thyme, oregano, or chives to add different flavor dimensions. Thyme would be particularly lovely with mushrooms.
• 1 Tablespoon Lemon Juice (Freshly Squeezed): A touch of lemon juice brightens the flavors and adds a subtle tang that cuts through the richness of the dish. Freshly squeezed is always best for the most vibrant flavor.
• ½ Teaspoon Salt: Salt enhances all the flavors in the dish. Adjust to taste.
• ¼ Teaspoon Black Pepper, Freshly Ground: Freshly ground black pepper adds a subtle spice and depth of flavor. Adjust to taste.
• Optional: Red Pepper Flakes (Pinch): If you like a hint of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes adds a lovely subtle kick without overpowering the other flavors.