Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Crispy Garlic Mushroom Bites are packed with delicious flavors, combining the earthiness of mushrooms with a crispy, golden exterior. The garlic, Parmesan, and parsley seasoning create an irresistible savory bite, while the panko breadcrumbs ensure the perfect crunch. Whether served as an appetizer, snack, or side dish, they’re sure to satisfy every craving. Plus, they’re easy to make and can be customized with different dipping sauces to suit your tastes!

Ingredients

For the Mushrooms:

16 oz (about 20-25) small button or cremini mushrooms, stems trimmed
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 tsp garlic powder)
1 tsp dried parsley (or fresh parsley, chopped)
1/2 tsp paprika (optional, for a hint of smokiness)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Vegetable oil, for frying

For Serving:

Marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or aioli (for dipping)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Mushrooms:

Clean the Mushrooms: Wipe the mushrooms with a damp cloth to remove any dirt. Trim the stems, but leave the caps whole.
Set Up Dipping Stations: Prepare three shallow bowls:
- In the first bowl, place the flour and season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- In the second bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth.
- In the third bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic (or garlic powder), parsley, and paprika. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.

Coat the Mushrooms:

Dredge the Mushrooms: Dip each mushroom cap into the flour, ensuring it is evenly coated. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, letting any excess drip off, and then coat it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even coating. Repeat for all the mushrooms.

Fry the Mushrooms:

Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat about 1-2 inches of vegetable oil over medium heat. You’ll know the oil is ready when a breadcrumb dropped into it sizzles immediately.
Fry the Mushrooms: Working in batches, carefully place the coated mushrooms into the hot oil. Fry for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until the mushrooms are golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the mushrooms and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Serve:

Garnish and Serve: Once all the mushrooms are fried, garnish with fresh parsley and serve with your choice of dipping sauce, such as marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or aioli.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4-6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: 25-30 minutes

Variations

Spicy Version: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the breadcrumb mixture for a spicy kick.
Vegan Version: Use a plant-based egg substitute (like a flax egg) and vegan Parmesan for a dairy-free version of these crispy mushroom bites.
Cheesy Twist: For extra cheesiness, add shredded mozzarella to the breadcrumb mixture or stuff the mushroom caps with cheese before coating them.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover mushroom bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
Reheating: To keep them crispy, reheat the mushroom bites in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I bake these instead of frying?

Yes! For a lighter version, you can bake the mushrooms at 400°F (200°C) on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spray them lightly with cooking spray and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.

2. Can I use other mushrooms for this recipe?

Yes, you can use other types of mushrooms like portobello, shiitake, or oyster mushrooms. Just keep in mind that larger mushrooms will require longer cooking times.

3. Can I make these ahead of time?

You can prepare the mushrooms and coat them ahead of time. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before frying. You can also freeze the coated mushrooms before frying, and fry them directly from the freezer.

4. Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko?

Yes, regular breadcrumbs will work, but panko breadcrumbs give a lighter, crunchier texture that’s ideal for this recipe.

5. Can I make these without garlic?

If you prefer, you can skip the garlic or substitute it with another herb like thyme or rosemary for a different flavor profile.

6. Can I use olive oil for frying?

Yes, olive oil works well, but it has a lower smoke point than vegetable oil. You may want to use a mix of olive oil and vegetable oil to achieve the right balance.

7. How do I make these mushrooms less greasy?

To reduce the greasiness, make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the mushrooms, and drain the fried mushrooms on a paper towel-lined plate.

8. Can I use these mushrooms in a salad?

Absolutely! These crispy garlic mushrooms would be a great addition to a mixed greens salad or a pasta salad for some extra flavor and crunch.

9. Can I skip the frying and air fry the mushrooms?

Yes, you can air fry these mushroom bites. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook the mushrooms in a single layer for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.

10. How can I make these mushrooms spicier?

Add more cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the breadcrumb mixture for an extra spicy kick, or serve them with a spicy dipping sauce like sriracha mayo.

Conclusion

Crispy Garlic Mushroom Bites are a delightful and flavorful snack that’s sure to be a hit at any gathering. With a perfectly crispy exterior and a juicy mushroom center, these bite-sized treats are full of savory goodness. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, party snack, or side dish, they’re sure to be devoured in no time. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauce, and enjoy every crispy, garlicky bite!

Crispy Garlic Mushroom Bites

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Author: Julia
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4-6 servings
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Crispy Garlic Mushroom Bites are a savory, bite-sized snack featuring tender mushrooms coated in a crispy, flavorful crust. With a blend of garlic, Parmesan, and paprika, these golden, crunchy bites are perfect for any gathering. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce for an irresistible treat that everyone will love!

Instructions

Prepare the Mushrooms:

Clean the Mushrooms: Wipe the mushrooms with a damp cloth to remove any dirt. Trim the stems but leave the caps whole.
Set Up Dipping Stations: In three shallow bowls:
- Place flour in the first bowl, season with salt and pepper.
- In the second bowl, whisk eggs.
- In the third bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic, parsley, and paprika. Season with salt and pepper.

Coat the Mushrooms:

Dredge the Mushrooms: Dip each mushroom cap into the flour, then into the beaten eggs, and finally coat with the breadcrumb mixture. Press gently to ensure an even coating. Repeat for all mushrooms.

Fry the Mushrooms:

Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat 1-2 inches of vegetable oil over medium heat. Test the oil with a breadcrumb—it should sizzle immediately.
Fry the Mushrooms: Fry the coated mushrooms in batches for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Serve:

Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or aioli for dipping.

Notes

Spicy Version: Add cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the breadcrumb mixture for a spicy twist.

Vegan Version: Substitute the eggs with a plant-based egg replacer and use vegan Parmesan for a dairy-free option.

Cheesy Twist: Add shredded mozzarella to the breadcrumb mixture or stuff mushrooms with cheese before coating for a cheesy surprise.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Category: Snack, Appetizer
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American