Mushroom Mozzarella Bake
Mushroom Mozzarella Bake is a quick and comforting baked dish combining earthy mushrooms with creamy whole-milk mozzarella melted to golden perfection. With minimal ingredients and effortless preparation, this savory bake makes an ideal cozy dinner for busy weeknights or anytime you crave a tasty, cheesy meal with a touch of Mediterranean herbs.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Primary Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh mushrooms (button or cremini), cleaned and sliced evenly
- 1 ½ cups shredded whole-milk mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme blend)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Prepare your mushrooms: Gently clean the mushrooms with a damp cloth and slice them evenly to ensure uniform cooking and retain juiciness inside the bake.
- Sauté the mushrooms with garlic: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and minced garlic, cooking until the mushrooms release moisture and turn golden brown, about 5 to 7 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and dried Italian herbs to create a savory base.
- Layer the bake: Transfer the sautéed mushrooms evenly into a baking dish. Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Repeat layering if your dish allows, finishing with a thick layer of cheese for a gooey melt.
- Bake to perfection: Place the baking dish in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until the mozzarella is bubbly and golden brown. Let the bake rest for a few minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle and cheese to firm slightly.
Notes
- Choose firm mushrooms to avoid a watery bake and soggy texture.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when sautéing; cook mushrooms in batches if necessary for perfect caramelization.
- If using fresh mozzarella balls, pat dry and slice thinly to remove excess moisture.
- Allow the bake to cool slightly before serving to better enjoy the flavors and avoid burning your mouth.
- Experiment with herbs like fresh thyme or rosemary for an aromatic variation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 310 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
Keywords: mushroom bake, mozzarella bake, cheesy mushroom dish, easy vegetarian dinner, gluten-free appetizer