Ingredients
Mushrooms and Seasoning
- 8 oz baby bella mushrooms
- 2 tbsp avocado oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh thyme or 1/4 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp salt
Cheese Mixture
- 8 oz softened cream cheese
- 1/2 cup full fat Greek yogurt
- 1 cup shredded parmesan cheese (divided into two 1/2 cup portions)
Instructions
- Soften Cream Cheese: Leave the cream cheese out at room temperature prior to starting so it becomes soft and easier to mix later.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the dip later on.
- Prepare Mushrooms: Remove stems from the baby bella mushrooms and slice the caps. Mince the garlic cloves finely.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a cast iron skillet over medium-low heat, warm 2 tablespoons avocado oil with the minced garlic and thyme. Cook for about 3 minutes until fragrant and softened.
- Cook Mushrooms: Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook, tossing frequently, for about 7 minutes until they are slightly softened.
- Season Mushrooms: Sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon salt over the mushrooms, toss to combine, then remove the skillet from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Mix Cheese Mixture: While the mushrooms cool, combine the softened cream cheese, Greek yogurt, and 1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese in a bowl. Mix until smooth and well blended.
- Combine Mushrooms and Cheese: Fold the cooked mushroom mixture into the cheese mixture directly in the skillet to combine thoroughly.
- Top with Parmesan: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the combined mushroom and cheese mixture.
- Bake the Dip: Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake at 350°F for 15 minutes until hot and bubbly.
- Broil for Finish: Increase the oven setting to broil and broil the dip for about 5 minutes or until the parmesan topping is browned and bubbling.
- Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven and serve your stuffed mushroom dip warm, perfect for dipping with toasted baguette slices, crackers, or fresh vegetables.
Notes
- Be sure to use softened cream cheese for easier mixing and creamier texture.
- Adjust garlic amount according to your preference for more or less pungency.
- Fresh thyme will impart a brighter flavor than dried thyme, but either works well.
- Avocado oil is chosen for its mild flavor and high smoke point; olive oil can be substituted if preferred.
- This dip can be prepared ahead and baked just before serving for convenience.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
