Garlic Mushrooms In Parmesan Cheese

Ingredients

14 to 15 ounces mushrooms, washed and dried

¼ cup cream cheese

½ cup heavy cream

2 tbsp butter, unsalted

1 tbsp Olive Oil

2 tsp garlic, freshly minced

1 tbsp Italian Seasoning

½ tsp Oregano

½ tsp salt

½ tsp black pepper

½ tbsp fresh chopped Parsley

Instructions

In a large 12 inch skillet, add the Olive Oil, butter, Garlic and mushrooms over medium high heat until the mushrooms are tender, about 5 minutes

Reduce the heat to medium and add in the cream cheese and cook until melted

Reduce the heat to low and add in the Parmesan Cheese heavy cream, and Italian Seasoning, oregano, salt and pepper

Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring often

Remove from the heat and add sprinkle with parsley before serving

Enjoy!

Notes:

Choosing Mushrooms: Opt for fresh mushrooms that are firm and free from blemishes. Varieties like cremini, white button, or baby bella mushrooms work well in this recipe. Ensure to wash and dry them thoroughly before cooking to remove any dirt or debris.

Even Slicing: Slice the mushrooms evenly to ensure they cook at the same rate. This helps achieve consistent texture and flavor throughout the dish.

Proper Cooking Temperature: When sautéing the mushrooms and garlic, start with medium-high heat to quickly brown the mushrooms and release their flavors. Be cautious not to overcrowd the skillet, as this can cause the mushrooms to steam instead of sauté, resulting in a less flavorful dish.

Cream Cheese Incorporation: To ensure the cream cheese melts evenly and coats the mushrooms, consider bringing the cream cheese to room temperature before adding it to the skillet. This facilitates smoother blending and helps prevent clumps in the sauce.

Creamy Consistency: Adjust the amount of heavy cream according to your desired consistency. For a thicker sauce, use less cream, while adding more cream will result in a thinner sauce. Be mindful not to let the sauce reduce too much, as it may become overly thick.

Balancing Seasonings: Taste the sauce as you add the Italian seasoning, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Adjust the seasoning levels to suit your taste preferences. You can also incorporate additional herbs or spices for added depth of flavor, such as thyme or red pepper flakes.

Simmering Time: Allow the sauce to simmer gently to meld the flavors together and achieve a harmonious taste. Stir the mixture occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the skillet and ensure even distribution of seasonings.

Garnishing with Parsley: Sprinkle the freshly chopped parsley over the dish just before serving to add a pop of color and freshness. This enhances the visual appeal of the dish and adds a subtle herbaceous flavor.

Serving Suggestions: Serve the garlic mushrooms in Parmesan cheese as a side dish alongside grilled steak, roasted chicken, or pasta. They also make a delicious topping for toasted bread or creamy polenta. Customize the dish by incorporating additional ingredients like diced tomatoes, spinach, or bacon for extra flavor and texture.

Enjoying Freshly Prepared: Garlic mushrooms in Parmesan cheese are best enjoyed immediately after cooking while they’re hot and flavorful. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days and reheated gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

Nutrition Information:

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use different types of mushrooms for this recipe?

You can definitely experiment with different mushroom varieties, such as cremini, shiitake, or portobello, based on your personal preference.

Just make sure to adjust cooking times as needed, as different mushrooms may require varying cooking times.

Is it necessary to use fresh minced garlic, or can I use garlic powder instead?

While fresh minced garlic provides a more robust and fresh flavor, you can substitute it with garlic powder if you’re in a pinch.

Use around 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of garlic powder as a rough equivalent for 2 teaspoons of freshly minced garlic.

Can I make this recipe with a lower-fat or dairy-free option?

Yes, you can modify this recipe to make it lighter by using reduced-fat cream cheese or dairy-free alternatives like vegan cream cheese and coconut cream.

Keep in mind that these substitutions may slightly alter the taste and texture.

What can I serve with garlic mushrooms in Parmesan cheese?

This dish can be served as a side with various main courses.

It pairs well with grilled meats, roasted chicken, or even as a topping for pasta, rice, or crusty bread.

It’s versatile and can complement many dishes.

How should I store leftovers, and can I reheat them?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

To reheat, you can gently warm them on the stovetop in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, but be cautious not to overheat, as mushrooms can become rubbery when reheated excessively.

Is there a substitute for heavy cream if I want a lighter version?

If you prefer a lighter option, you can use alternatives like half-and-half, whole milk, or even a dairy-free milk like almond or coconut milk.

Keep in mind that this might alter the richness and creaminess of the dish.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time and reheat it later?

While it’s best enjoyed freshly made, you can prepare it in advance and reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Be cautious not to overheat, as mushrooms can become rubbery when reheated excessively.

What are some variations or additional ingredients I can add to this recipe?

You can customize this dish by adding ingredients like fresh spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or cooked bacon for extra flavor.

Feel free to experiment and adapt the recipe to suit your taste.

Garlic Mushrooms In Parmesan Cheese