🍄 Crispy Garlic Mushroom Bites (Mediterranean & Vegan)
✨ Description
These Crispy Garlic Mushroom Bites are juicy, tender mushrooms coated in a golden, crunchy breadcrumb crust and baked or air-fried until irresistible. Infused with garlic, herbs, and olive oil, they deliver big comfort without heaviness. Served with a cool, herby vegan yogurt dip, they’re satisfying, crowd-pleasing, and 100% cruelty-free—perfect as an appetizer, snack, or meatless main.
🛒 Ingredients
For the Mushroom Bites
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12 oz mushrooms (button or cremini), cleaned and halved
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2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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½ tsp smoked paprika
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½ tsp dried oregano or thyme
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Salt & black pepper, to taste
Crispy Coating
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¾ cup breadcrumbs or panko
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¼ cup nutritional yeast (or vegan Parmesan)
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tbsp olive oil
Vegan Herb Dip
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½ cup unsweetened plant-based yogurt
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1 tbsp lemon juice
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1 tbsp fresh parsley or dill, chopped
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1 small garlic clove, grated
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Salt, to taste
🔥 Instructions
1️⃣ Season the Mushrooms
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Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
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Toss mushrooms with olive oil, garlic, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.
2️⃣ Prepare the Coating
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In a bowl, mix breadcrumbs, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, and olive oil.
3️⃣ Coat
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Press seasoned mushrooms into the breadcrumb mixture until well coated.
4️⃣ Bake (or Air-Fry)
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Oven: Arrange on a parchment-lined tray. Bake 18–22 minutes, flipping once, until golden and crisp.
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Air Fryer: Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway.
5️⃣ Make the Dip
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Stir all dip ingredients until smooth. Chill until serving.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
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Serve hot with vegan herb dip
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Add to mezze boards with olives & hummus
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Tuck into wraps or grain bowls
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Finish with lemon zest for brightness
🧠 Q & A
Q: What makes these Mediterranean-style?
A: Olive oil, garlic, herbs, and simple baking keep flavors clean and balanced.
Q: How do I keep them crispy?
A:
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Pat mushrooms dry
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Don’t overcrowd the pan
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Use panko for extra crunch
Q: Can I make these gluten-free?
A: Yes—use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed almonds.
Q: Are they good for meal prep?
A: Best fresh, but you can re-crisp in the oven or air fryer.
Q: Can I pan-fry instead?
A: Yes—shallow-fry in olive oil over medium heat until golden.
Q: Can I switch the dip?
A: Absolutely. Tahini-lemon or garlic hummus work beautifully.
