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- 200g button mushrooms, thinly sliced - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, finely minced - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1 cup cream cheese, softened to room temperature - 4 thick slices of crusty bread (like sourdough or French baguette) - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped - 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (for drizzling) To keep your mushrooms fresh, buy them whole and slice just before cooking. Store them in a paper bag in the fridge. Avoid plastic bags, as they trap moisture. Use fresh herbs like parsley for a burst of flavor. This adds a nice touch to your dish. If you want extra flavor, drizzle balsamic vinegar on top just before serving. This adds a sweet and tangy contrast that brightens the toast. {{ingredient_image_2}} First, gather all your ingredients. You need 200g of button mushrooms, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and 3 cloves of garlic. Don’t forget salt, pepper, and thyme. Optionally, you can have parsley and balsamic vinegar. For the cheese, you'll need 1 cup of mozzarella and 1 cup of cream cheese. Lastly, get 4 thick slices of crusty bread. Next, preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). This step makes sure your toast gets crispy and warm. While the oven heats up, slice your mushrooms thinly. You want them to cook evenly. Mince the garlic finely, too. This helps spread the flavor throughout the dish. In a large skillet, pour in the olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic. Sauté it for about 30 seconds. You want it fragrant, not browned. Now, add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Sprinkle in the dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook this mixture for 5-7 minutes. Stir it every so often. The mushrooms should soften and turn a light golden color. Once cooked, take the skillet off the heat. If you’re using fresh parsley, stir it in now. This adds a nice fresh taste to the mix. In a separate bowl, mix the softened cream cheese until it’s smooth. Fold in half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Make sure everything is blended well. Take your bread and place the slices on a baking sheet. Toast them in the oven for about 5 minutes. You want them lightly golden and slightly crispy on top. After toasting, remove the bread from the oven. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over each slice. Make sure to get it to the edges. Now, take the mushroom-garlic mixture and distribute it over the cream cheese layer. Top each slice with the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese. This ensures that every bite is cheesy and delicious. Put the toasts back in the oven and bake for an additional 8-10 minutes. Look for the cheese to bubble and turn golden brown. If you want, drizzle some balsamic vinegar on top before serving. This adds a tangy kick that enhances all the flavors. To get that perfect cheese melt, use fresh mozzarella. It melts smoother than pre-shredded cheese. Mix cream cheese with mozzarella for added creaminess. Spread it evenly on the toast for the best results. Bake until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Keep an eye on it, as the cheese can burn quickly. You can add more flavors to your cheesy mushroom garlic toast. Try using different mushrooms like shiitake or portobello for a richer taste. Fresh herbs like basil or oregano can also enhance the flavor. If you want a little kick, sprinkle red pepper flakes or add some sautéed onion. For a creamy twist, mix in a bit of goat cheese with the cream cheese. You can prepare the mushroom mixture and cheese spread ahead of time. Store them in the fridge for up to two days. Just assemble the toast and bake when you’re ready. If you have leftover toasts, reheat them in the oven. Place them on a baking sheet and bake at 180°C (350°F) for about 10 minutes. This keeps the toast crispy and the cheese melty. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh mushrooms and herbs will elevate the flavor of your toast, making it more aromatic and delicious. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When sautéing mushrooms, ensure they have enough space in the skillet to avoid steaming, which helps achieve that perfect golden color. Experiment with Cheeses: While mozzarella is great for melting, feel free to mix in other cheeses like parmesan or gouda for added depth of flavor. Serve Immediately: For the best texture and taste, serve the toasts right after baking while the cheese is still bubbly and gooey. {{image_4}} If you want to keep it vegetarian, you can add more veggies. Spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini work well. Sauté them with garlic and mushrooms for added flavor. You can also use different herbs, like basil or oregano, to give it a unique twist. For a heartier meal, try adding protein. Cooked chicken, bacon, or shrimp can be delicious on this toast. Simply chop them up and mix them with the mushroom-garlic blend. This makes your snack more filling and satisfying. Cheese is key to this recipe. While mozzarella is great, you can mix it up. Try cheddar for a sharper taste or gouda for a smoky flavor. Cream cheese can be swapped for ricotta if you want a lighter texture. Each cheese brings its own flair to the dish. To keep your cheesy mushroom garlic toast fresh, store it in an airtight container. Let the toast cool first, then layer it with parchment paper to avoid sticking. This method helps maintain the texture and taste. If you have leftovers, store them in the fridge for up to three days. When you’re ready to enjoy your toast again, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Place the toasts on a baking sheet and cover them with foil. Heat for about 10 minutes to warm them through. Remove the foil for the last 2 minutes to crisp up the cheese and bread. If you want to freeze cheesy mushroom garlic toast, prepare the toasts but do not bake them. Instead, assemble them, then wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped toasts in a freezer-safe bag. They can freeze well for up to a month. When ready to eat, bake them from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. Yes, you can use many types of bread. Sourdough and French baguette work well. Other options include ciabatta, whole grain, or even gluten-free bread. Just pick a bread that can hold up to toppings. Thicker slices are best for toasting. To avoid soggy toast, pre-toast the bread first. Bake the slices for about five minutes at 200°C (400°F) until lightly golden. This step dries out the bread and gives it a nice crunch. Don't overload with toppings, too much moisture can make it soggy. Cheesy mushroom garlic toast pairs well with many dishes. You can serve it as a side with soups or salads. It also makes a great snack on its own. For a fun twist, add a small dish of balsamic vinegar for dipping. You now know how to make cheesy mushroom garlic toast. We covered the key ingredients, cooking steps, and helpful tips. Remember to experiment with flavors and ingredients to make it your own. Proper storage and reheating methods will keep it fresh. If you follow these steps, you’ll enjoy a tasty treat any time. Dive in, have fun, and share this delicious recipe with friends and family!

Cheesy Mushroom Garlic Toast

Deliciously cheesy toasts topped with sautéed mushrooms and garlic, perfect as an appetizer or snack.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 200 g button mushrooms, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 4 slices thick slices of crusty bread (such as sourdough or a French baguette)
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional, for drizzling)

Instructions
 

  • Start by preheating your oven to 200°C (400°F) so it's ready for the toasting process.
  • In a large skillet, pour in the olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, stirring frequently until it becomes fragrant but not browned.
  • Next, add the sliced mushrooms along with the dried thyme, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms soften and turn lightly golden.
  • Once the mushrooms are cooked, remove the skillet from the heat. If you’re using fresh parsley, stir it in at this point for an added burst of flavor.
  • In a separate mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and mix until smooth. Gently fold in half of the shredded mozzarella cheese until evenly blended.
  • Prepare your bread by placing the slices on a baking sheet. Toast them in the oven for about 5 minutes or until they are lightly golden and slightly crispy on top.
  • After toasting, remove the bread from the oven and generously spread the cream cheese mixture over each slice, spreading it evenly to the edges.
  • Next, take the mushroom-garlic mixture and evenly distribute it over the cream cheese layer on each toast.
  • Top each slice with the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese, ensuring an even coverage for that melty goodness.
  • Place the toasts back in the oven and bake for an additional 8-10 minutes. You’re looking for the cheese to become bubbly and slightly golden brown.
  • If desired, before serving, add a drizzle of balsamic vinegar on top of the finished toasts for a tangy contrast that enhances all the flavors.

Notes

Arrange the toasts on a wooden cutting board and garnish with fresh parsley for presentation.
Keyword cheese, garlic, mushroom, toast