Choosing the Right Types of Mushrooms for Roasting
When selecting roast mushrooms, choose varieties that can stand up well to high heat cooking methods. Meaty portobello, cremini, and shiitake mushrooms are excellent for roasting. Their hearty texture prevents them from getting mushy when cooked. For extra flavor, look for dried porcini or fresh oyster mushrooms.
Button and white mushrooms can also work, but may lose more moisture during roasting. For the most robust roasted mushroom appetizer or side dish, use a mix of multiple mushroom types. Their varying sizes, shapes and textures will yield the most interest on the plate. According to the Mushroom Council, 1 cup of raw mushrooms supplies under 30 calories and contains a variety of B vitamins and antioxidants, making them a nutritious addition to any meal. The intense heat of roasting mushrooms helps bring out their natural umami flavors.
Roasting mushrooms at a high temperature(around 400 F) caramelizes their natural sugars and enhances their savory, earthy flavors. Mushrooms release a lot of liquid as they cook, so roasting on a parchment lined baking sheet will help them get nicely browned without steaming in their own juices. Toss the mushrooms in just enough olive oil to coat and spread them in an even layer on the sheet. Roast until the mushrooms are tender and browned around the edges, stirring only once, about 15 to 20 minutes. Let cool slightly, then season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
Preparing and Roasting the Mushrooms to Perfection
To achieve perfectly roasted mushrooms, start with fresh, high-quality mushrooms. Gently clean the mushrooms under running water to remove any dirt or debris. Pat them dry with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel.
For smaller mushrooms like cremini, shiitake or oyster mushrooms, simply cut off the bottom portion of the stem. For larger mushrooms like portobello, remove the stems completely and scrape out the dark gills on the underside of the cap using a spoon. The gills tend to get tough when cooked and impact the texture.
Toss the mushrooms in a large bowl with 2-3 tablespoons of melted coconut oil or olive oil and 1/2 teaspoon each of salt and pepper. Use your hands to evenly coat all the mushrooms. Spread them on a foil-lined baking sheet in a single layer, stem or cap side up.
Roast the mushrooms in a preheated 425 F oven, stirring occasionally, until they release their moisture and become browned, about 20-30 minutes depending on the mushroom size. The mushrooms are ready when most of the excess moisture has evaporated and the mushrooms are tender when pierced with a fork.
| Mushroom Type | Approximate Roasting Time |
|---|---|
| White or Cremini | 20-25 minutes |
| Portobello | 25-30 minutes |
| Shiitake | 22-27 minutes |
| Oyster | 18-22 minutes |
For extra flavor, consider adding minced garlic, fresh or dried herbs like rosemary or thyme, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice or grated Parmesan cheese. These additions are best added during the last 10-15 minutes of roasting so they do not burn.
The high, dry heat of roasting mushrooms significantly reduces their moisture content and brings out their natural umami flavor. The mushrooms will lose volume but gain rich, savory notes. Roasted mushrooms pair excellently with steak, pork chops or pasta dishes. They also make a satisfying appetizer on their own, served with crusty bread.
Let the roasted mushrooms cool slightly, then transfer to a serving dish and enjoy immediately. Roasted mushrooms will last up to 5 days stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Simply reheat them in a 300 F oven until warmed through.
Adding Flavors and Seasonings to Your Roast Mushrooms
While roasted mushrooms are delicious on their own, seasoning and spice blends can take their flavor to the next level. Fresh or dried herbs, garlic, shallots, citrus and cheese pair excellently with earthy mushroom notes. Experiment with different add-ins to create signature roasted mushroom dishes.
Herbs
- Rosemary – Rosemary complements mushroom’s savory flavor. Use 1-2 sprigs for 500g of mushrooms.
- Thyme – Fresh thyme or thyme leaves are ideal. Use 1 teaspoon of fresh thyme or 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme for 500g mushrooms.
- Parsley – 1-2 tablespoons of fresh chopped parsley will enhance mushroom’s color and provide a fresh, grassy flavor. Add just before serving.
- Chives – 2 tablespoons of snipped fresh chives will give roasted mushrooms an oniony pop of flavor. Also best added just before serving to preserve color and flavor.
Garlic and Shallots
- Peel and mince 3-6 garlic cloves or 2 large shallots and toss with the mushrooms before roasting. The high heat will mellow their flavor and create a delicious caramelized coating on the mushrooms.
Citrus
The bright acidity of citrus juice pairs excellently with the earthy flavor of mushrooms. Toss mushrooms with 1-2 tablespoons of fresh lemon or orange juice and the grated zest of half a lemon or orange before roasting.
- Balsamic vinegar – 1-2 tablespoons of aged balsamic vinegar adds a touch of sweetness and acidity. Especially good with portobello mushrooms.
Cheese
- Grated Parmesan or pecorino romano cheese – 1/4 cup of grated hard cheese tossed with roasted mushrooms in the last few minutes of cooking will melt into a crispy, savory coating.
- Crumbled goat cheese or feta – Add 2 ounces of crumbled soft cheese to mushrooms during the last 5 minutes of roasting, just until the cheese has melted. Chèvre and mushrooms are a match made in heaven.
Mix and match these ingredients to create your own signature blend. A combination of rosemary, garlic, lemon juice and Parmesan would be delicious with cremini mushrooms. Balsamic portobellos are amazing topped with crumbled goat cheese. The options are endless!
No matter what seasonings you choose, go light at first since it’s easy to overwhelm the natural flavor of mushrooms. You can always add more to taste once the mushrooms have finished roasting. Let your mushrooms cool for a few minutes before serving, then sprinkle with fresh herbs for garnish and an extra pop of color and flavor. Enjoy your seasoned roasted mushrooms!
Serving Suggestions for Your Roast Mushrooms
Roasted mushrooms are extremely versatile and pair well with many foods. Here are some delicious ways to serve your roasted mushrooms:
As a Side Dish
Roasted mushrooms make a satisfying side dish on their own. Simply serve them in a serving dish with your main course. Their rich, savory flavor complements beef, lamb, duck and venison beautifully. For a heartier mushroom side, toss the roasted mushrooms with cooked farro, barley, or your favorite whole grain.
In Pasta
Toss roasted mushrooms with cooked pasta such as fettuccine or linguine. For extra richness, stir in a few tablespoons of mascarpone or cream and top with parsley, parmesan and pepper. Mushroom pasta also pairs well with a crisp salad.
On Pizza or Flatbread
Top homemade or readymade pizza, bruschetta or flatbread with roasted mushrooms. Garnish with fresh arugula for some bitterness to balance the richness. Melted cheese such as fontina, taleggio or Gruyere also complements roasted mushrooms beautifully.
In Risotto
Stir roasted mushrooms into a creamy risotto along with parmesan cheese and fresh herbs for a comforting, hearty meal. Rice helps soak up the flavorful juices from the roasted mushrooms.
In Scrambled Eggs or Omelets
roasted mushrooms are a perfect addition to fluffy scrambled eggs or omelets. Simply stir the mushrooms into the eggs as they cook. Top with cheese if desired. Mushroom egg dishes are ideal for brunch or a light supper.
As a Burger or Sandwich Topping
Pile roasted mushrooms onto your favorite burger or sandwich. Their meaty texture and umami flavor is ideal for plant-based burgers as well as traditional beef or bison burgers. Mushrooms also work well on ciabatta or baguette sandwiches.
Let your creativity guide you in dreaming up new ways to use roasted mushrooms in your cooking. Their versatility allows for many possibilities for delicious mushroom-centric meals. Enjoy your roasted mushrooms!
Health Benefits of Eating Roast Mushrooms
Mushrooms provide many nutritional benefits, and roasting helps enhance their nutrients and flavor. Here are some of the main health benefits of eating roasted mushrooms:
High in B Vitamins
Mushrooms are a great source of B vitamins, including riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid and vitamin B6. B vitamins help convert food into energy and play an important role in many bodily functions. Roasting mushrooms helps retain their B vitamin content.
Provide Selenium
Mushrooms contain selenium, a mineral important for immunity, fertility and metabolism. Selenium acts as an antioxidant and helps protect cells from damage. A half cup of cooked mushrooms provides about 30% of your daily selenium needs.
High in Antioxidants
Mushrooms contain antioxidants that help prevent cell damage and provide anti-aging benefits. The antioxidant ergothioneine found in mushrooms acts as an antioxidant stabilizer, helping maintain the activity of other antioxidants. Mushrooms develop greater amounts of ergothioneine when exposed to UV light during growth, so opt for mushrooms that were grown in natural light when possible.
Anti-Inflammatory Effects
Mushrooms contain compounds that may help reduce inflammation in the body. Long chain polysaccharides found in mushrooms activate natural killer cells and macrophages, which help fight inflammation. Animal studies show mushrooms may have potential for managing inflammatory conditions like asthma or arthritis.
Promote Heart Health
The potassium, vitamin C, fiber and choline in mushrooms support heart health. Mushrooms also contain compounds that may help lower high blood pressure and high cholesterol, two major risk factors for heart disease. A balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables, including mushrooms, promotes good heart health.
In summary, mushrooms provide a number of nutritional benefits thanks to their content of B vitamins, selenium, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. Roasting mushrooms helps brings out their flavor and allows you to enjoy these nutritional benefits. Eating a varied diet with multiple types of mushrooms will provide the greatest health impact.
Roast Mushroom Recipes You Need to Try
Here are some delicious recipes featuring roasted mushrooms:
Garlic Butter Mushrooms
Ingredients:
* 1 lb cremini mushrooms, cleaned and stemmed
* 3 tablespoons melted butter
* 3 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
* Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 400 F. Grease a rimmed baking sheet and set aside.
2. Clean mushrooms and pat dry with paper towels. Transfer to a bowl.
3. Mix the melted butter, garlic, parsley, salt and pepper in a small bowl. Pour over the mushrooms and toss to coat evenly.
4. Spread mushrooms on the prepared baking sheet in an even layer. Roast for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until mushrooms are tender and browned.
5. Let cool slightly, then serve as a side dish or appetizer. Enjoy!
Balsamic Portobello Mushrooms
Ingredients:
* 4 portobello mushroom caps, gills removed
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
* 1 clove garlic, minced
* 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 2 ounces goat cheese or feta cheese
* 2 tablespoons pine nuts (optional)
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 400 F. Grease a rimmed baking sheet and set aside.
2. Clean mushroom caps and pat dry with paper towels. Transfer to the prepared baking sheet, stem side up.
3. Whisk the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, oregano, salt and pepper in a bowl. Brush the mixture over the mushroom caps to coat evenly.
4. Roast for 10 minutes, then remove from oven. Top each mushroom cap with cheese and pine nuts.
5. Return to oven and continue roasting until the mushroom caps are tender and the cheese is melted, about 5 to 10 minutes more.
6. Let cool slightly, then serve as an appetizer. The pine nuts add extra crunch. Enjoy!
Continued in next response…
Tips for Storing and Reheating Your Roast Mushrooms
Here are some tips for properly storing and reheating your roasted mushrooms:
Storing Roasted Mushrooms
• Let roasted mushrooms cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container or ziplock bag. Plastic or glass containers with an airtight lid are ideal. Avoid metal containers as they can react with the acidic mushroom juices.
• Seal the container and refrigerate within 2 hours of roasting. Properly stored, roasted mushrooms will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
• To maintain the best quality, do not wash mushrooms before storing. Simply wipe off any excess oil with a paper towel. Washing will introduce excess moisture and accelerate spoilage.
• Refrigerate mushrooms in a single layer without stacking on top of each other. This allows for even cooling and prevents excess steaming which leads to mushiness.
• For best results, do not freeze roasted mushrooms. Their high moisture content does not lend itself well to freezing. If you do freeze roasted mushrooms, they are best used in cooked dishes as they become mushy when thawed.
• Use your nose as an indicator of freshness. If an unpleasant smell develops, the mushrooms have spoiled and should be discarded. It is not worth risking foodborne illness by eating spoiled mushrooms.
Reheating Roasted Mushrooms
• Reheat roasted mushrooms either on the stovetop or in the oven. A microwave can make mushrooms rubbery.
• Stovetop: Place mushrooms in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water, broth or oil. Cover and stir occasionally until mushrooms are heated through, about 5 to 10 minutes. Uncover, increase heat to medium-high and continue cooking while stirring frequently until any excess liquid has evaporated.
• Oven: Spread mushrooms on a rimmed baking sheet in an even layer. Heat in a preheated 350 F oven, stirring once, until mushrooms are heated through, 10 to 15 minutes. The oven allows mushrooms to get slightly browned again, enhancing their flavor.
• You can also add roasted mushrooms to dishes like pasta, risotto or egg dishes when reheating. The mushrooms will heat through gently as the dish cooks.
• Only reheat mushrooms once. Do not reheat and then re-refrigerate mushrooms. Always wash hands before and after handling mushrooms to avoid cross contamination. Enjoy your reheated roasted mushrooms!
