What’s a better side dish than one that is packed with savory, umami flavor and covered in a blanket of gooey, melted cheese? These Cheesy Baked Mushrooms are exactly that—a simple, no-fuss recipe that turns a humble ingredient into a decadent and irresistible treat.

The secret to this dish is a quick and simple technique that ensures the mushrooms are tender and juicy, not watery. The combination of earthy mushrooms, rich butter, and a hint of garlic is the perfect foundation for a golden-brown cheese topping. It's a fantastic side dish for a steak, a great topping for a burger, or even a delicious appetizer on its own.

Cheesy Baked Mushrooms

You’ll Want Every Night!

Yields: 4 servings

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 15-20 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 lb button or cremini mushrooms, cleaned and stems removed

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme

  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

  • 1 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella, provolone, or Monterey Jack)

  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the Mushrooms

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

  2. Combine: In a medium bowl, combine the cleaned mushrooms, melted butter, minced garlic, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Toss until the mushrooms are evenly coated.

2. Bake the Mushrooms

  1. Arrange: Spread the seasoned mushrooms in a single, even layer on a baking sheet.

  2. Bake First: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the mushrooms have released their moisture and started to brown. This crucial step prevents the dish from being watery.

  3. Drain: Carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven and drain any excess liquid that has accumulated.

3. Top with Cheese & Finish

  1. Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheese and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the mushrooms.

  2. Bake Again: Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for another 5-8 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.

  3. Garnish: Remove from the oven, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve immediately while the cheese is still gooey and warm.

Pro-Tips for a Perfect Result

  • The Right Mushrooms: Cremini or button mushrooms work best here because they hold their shape well and have a deep, earthy flavor.

  • Prevent Watery Mushrooms: Don't skip the initial bake without cheese. This step draws out the moisture, ensuring you get tender, flavorful mushrooms instead of a soggy mess.

  • The Best Cheese: A good melting cheese is key. Mozzarella, provolone, and Monterey Jack all melt beautifully. Using a combination with a hard cheese like Parmesan adds a salty, nutty flavor.

  • Customize It! For an extra kick, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the mushrooms before baking. For a richer flavor, you can sauté a little bit of chopped onion or shallot with the mushrooms before baking.

  • Serve Warm: These mushrooms are best served right out of the oven when the cheese is at its peak gooey goodness.