Of course! Crispy Garlic Mushroom Bites are an incredible appetizer or side dish. They’re like little, savory flavor bombs with a crispy, golden coating and a tender, garlicky, umami-rich center.
This recipe is straightforward and delivers maximum crunch and flavor.
Crispy Garlic Mushroom Bites
These are perfect for parties, game day, or a tasty snack. They’re vegetarian and can easily be made vegan.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Serves: 2-4 as an appetizer
Ingredients
For the Mushrooms:
· 1 pound (about 450g) cremini or baby bella mushrooms, cleaned
· 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
· ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, omit for vegan)
· ½ teaspoon garlic powder
· ½ teaspoon paprika
· Salt and black pepper to taste
· Olive oil or avocado oil spray
For the Crispy Garlic Topping:
· 3 tablespoons butter (or vegan butter/oil)
· 4-5 large garlic cloves, minced
· 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
· Optional: 1 tablespoon fresh grated Parmesan for finishing
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Prepare the Mushrooms: If your mushrooms are large, cut them into bite-sized quarters or halves. If they are truly “baby” bellas, you can leave them whole. Pat them very dry with a paper towel—this is crucial for crispiness!
- Create the Coating: In a large, resealable plastic bag or a medium bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan (if using), flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Coat the Mushrooms: Add the dried mushrooms to the bag/bowl. Seal the bag and shake vigorously, or toss in the bowl, until every mushroom piece is evenly coated with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Bake to Crispy Perfection: Spread the coated mushrooms in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. They shouldn’t be touching. Generously spray them with olive oil spray—this will help them brown and get crispy.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the coating is golden brown and crispy. You don’t need to flip them.
- Make the Garlic Topping: While the mushrooms are baking, melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for just 60-90 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic! Remove from heat and stir in the chopped parsley.
- Combine and Serve: As soon as the mushrooms come out of the oven, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the garlic butter sauce over them and toss gently to coat every bite.
- Garnish and Enjoy: Transfer to a serving platter, sprinkle with a little extra Parmesan if desired, and serve immediately while they’re hot and crispy!
Alternative: Pan-Fried Method (For Extra Crispiness)
If you don’t mind a little more hands-on work, pan-frying creates an unbeatable crust.
- Follow steps 2-4 to coat the mushrooms.
- Heat a ½ inch of neutral oil (like canola or avocado) in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Working in batches to avoid crowding, fry the mushrooms for 2-3 minutes per side until deep golden brown and crispy.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
- Toss with the garlic butter sauce and serve.
Helpful Notes & Variations
· Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs and a gluten-free 1:1 flour blend.
· Vegan: Omit the Parmesan cheese. Use vegan panko and vegan butter. For a “cheesy” flavor, add 1 tablespoon of nutritional yeast to the breadcrumb mix.
· Spicy Kick: Add ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture, or sprinkle over the top before serving.
· Air Fryer Instructions: This works beautifully! Arrange the coated and sprayed mushrooms in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until crispy. Toss with the garlic butter sauce.
· Dipping Sauces: These are fantastic on their own, but even better with a dip!
· Creamy Garlic Aioli
· Ranch Dressing
· Sriracha Mayo (mix mayo with a squirt of sriracha)
· Smoky Chipotle Sauce
These Crispy Garlic Mushroom Bites are dangerously addictive. Enjoy