Mushroom Appetizers

Mushroom Appetizers Recipe - Vegetarian Food with Mozzarella and Parmesan Cheese

Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 12 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Mushroom appetizers are a delicious and savory treat that are perfect for any gathering or party. These bite-sized treats are packed with flavor and are sure to be a hit with your guests.

History

The exact origins of mushroom appetizers are unclear, but mushrooms have been used in cooking for centuries. Mushrooms have a rich and earthy flavor that pairs well with a variety of ingredients, making them a popular choice for appetizers.

Ingredients

3 tbsp butter
1 cup finely chopped sweet onions
2 cups finely chopped mushrooms
1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
0.25 cup parmesan cheese
1 tsp parsley flakes
1 large beaten egg
0.5 tsp oregano
salt and pepper
12 slices square bread, crusts removed (white or whole wheat, I prefer whole wheat)
0.33 cup softened butter
3 slices Kraft processed cheese slices

How to prepare

Melt the butter in a large frying pan and add the onions and mushrooms. Sauté until they become soft.
Add the mozzarella, Parmesan, parsley, egg, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute, then remove from heat.
Flatten each slice of bread by rolling it, then spread butter on each piece. Cut each slice into 4 square pieces.
Press the buttered side of the bread pieces into small muffin tins.
Fill each tartlet with about 1.5 tsp of the mushroom mixture.
Cut the 3 cheese slices into 16 pieces, resulting in a total of 48 pieces. Place one piece on top of each tartlet.
Bake in a 350°F (177°C) oven for 20 to 25 minutes.

Variations

Add cooked bacon or sausage to the mushroom mixture for added flavor.
Use different types of cheese, such as cheddar or Swiss, for a unique twist on this recipe.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to finely chop the mushrooms and onions to ensure they cook evenly and blend well with the other ingredients.

- Be sure to sauté the mushrooms and onions until they are soft and fragrant to bring out their full flavor.

- Pressing the buttered bread into small muffin tins helps create a crispy and delicious crust for the tartlets.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these mushroom appetizers hot out of the oven for the best flavor and texture. They can be enjoyed on their own or paired with a side salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Sautéing the mushrooms and onions until they are soft and fragrant helps bring out their full flavor. Pressing the buttered bread into muffin tins helps create a crispy crust for the tartlets.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you are lactose intolerant, you can use dairy-free cheese and butter substitutes in this recipe. You can also use gluten-free bread if you have a gluten sensitivity.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the mushroom mixture and assemble the tartlets ahead of time and bake them just before serving. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Presentation Ideas

Serve these mushroom appetizers on a platter garnished with fresh parsley or chives for a beautiful presentation. You can also drizzle them with balsamic glaze for added flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

These mushroom appetizers pair well with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. They also go well with a light beer or sparkling water with a splash of lemon.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the tartlets on a baking sheet and bake in a 350°F (177°C) oven for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of mushroom appetizers contains approximately 220 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of mushroom appetizers contains approximately 12 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of mushroom appetizers contains approximately 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of mushroom appetizers contains approximately 7 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Mushrooms are a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin D, potassium, and selenium.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cheese and butter) and wheat.

Summary

Mushroom appetizers are a tasty and satisfying snack that is relatively low in carbohydrates and high in protein and fats.

Summary

Mushroom appetizers are a delicious and savory treat that are perfect for any gathering or party. These bite-sized treats are packed with flavor and are sure to be a hit with your guests. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of anticipation I felt when I first saw this recipe. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Margaret at her cozy cottage in the countryside. Margaret was known for her delicious cooking, and she had invited me over for lunch.

As soon as I walked into her kitchen, I could smell the enticing aroma of garlic and mushrooms wafting through the air. Margaret greeted me with a warm smile and handed me a glass of chilled white wine. She then proceeded to show me the recipe she had been working on - Mushroom Appetizers.

Margaret explained that she had learned this recipe from her dear friend Maria, who was a renowned chef in Italy. Maria had taught her the secret to making the perfect mushroom appetizers, and Margaret was eager to pass on this knowledge to me.

The recipe called for fresh mushrooms, garlic, parsley, breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese. Margaret showed me how to clean and slice the mushrooms, mince the garlic, and chop the parsley. She then mixed these ingredients together with the breadcrumbs and cheese, creating a savory filling for the mushroom caps.

Next, Margaret demonstrated how to stuff the mushroom caps with the filling and bake them in the oven until they were golden brown and crispy. The smell coming from the oven was simply divine, and I couldn't wait to taste the finished appetizers.

When the mushroom appetizers were finally ready, Margaret plated them up and garnished them with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. We sat down at her kitchen table and savored each bite, savoring the earthy flavors of the mushrooms and the rich, nutty taste of the Parmesan cheese.

As I enjoyed the delicious appetizers, Margaret shared with me the story of how she had come to learn this recipe. She explained that Maria had been her mentor when she first started cooking, and that she had spent many hours in Maria's kitchen, watching and learning from her.

Maria had a wealth of knowledge about Italian cuisine, and she had taught Margaret everything she knew about cooking with passion and creativity. Margaret had taken those lessons to heart and had become a talented chef in her own right.

I was inspired by Margaret's story and by the delicious mushroom appetizers that she had so generously shared with me. I knew that I wanted to learn more about cooking and to discover new recipes from different places and people.

Since that day at Margaret's cottage, I have continued to experiment with new ingredients and techniques in the kitchen. I have collected recipes from my travels, from cookbooks, and from friends and family members. Each recipe tells a story and carries with it the memories of the people and places where I learned it.

The recipe for Mushroom Appetizers holds a special place in my heart, as it reminds me of the joy of cooking and the bond that food can create between people. I am grateful to Margaret and Maria for sharing their knowledge with me and for inspiring me to pursue my passion for cooking.

As I sit in my own kitchen now, preparing a batch of mushroom appetizers for my family and friends, I feel a sense of connection to all the people who have influenced my cooking journey. Each bite of these savory, cheesy morsels is a tribute to the love and generosity that has been passed down to me through the art of cooking. And for that, I am eternally grateful.