First Step: PREHEAT THE OVEN AND PREPARE THE MUSHROOMS

Before you start assembling your ingredients, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Roasting at this temperature ensures that the mushrooms will develop a beautiful golden-brown exterior while remaining tender on the inside.

Next, clean the mushrooms. Use a damp cloth or paper towel to gently wipe the mushrooms to remove any dirt. Avoid rinsing them under water, as mushrooms are porous and will absorb excess moisture, which can prevent them from roasting properly. Trim the stems if necessary, especially for larger mushrooms like portobello, and cut them into halves or quarters, depending on their size. Smaller mushrooms can be left whole.

Second Step: SEASON THE MUSHROOMS

Once the mushrooms are cleaned and prepared, it’s time to season them.

1. Place the Mushrooms in a Bowl: Add the prepared mushrooms to a large mixing bowl. This will make it easier to coat them evenly with the seasonings.
2. Add Olive Oil: Drizzle the olive oil over the mushrooms, making sure they are evenly coated. The oil helps to crisp up the mushrooms as they roast and ensures that the garlic and thyme stick to the surface.
3. Season with Garlic, Salt, and Pepper: Add the minced garlic to the bowl, along with salt and pepper to taste. Toss the mushrooms gently to make sure the garlic, salt, and pepper are evenly distributed across all the mushrooms.
4. Add Thyme: Sprinkle the fresh thyme leaves over the mushrooms. You can strip the leaves off the stems by running your fingers down the stems or use dried thyme if fresh thyme isn’t available. Gently toss everything together to ensure the mushrooms are fully seasoned with the thyme.
5. Optional: For a bit of extra flavor, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat or drizzle a little balsamic vinegar over the mushrooms for added depth and sweetness.

Third Step: ROAST THE MUSHROOMS

Now that the mushrooms are seasoned and ready, it’s time to roast them to perfection.

1. Spread the Mushrooms on a Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup. Spread the seasoned mushrooms out in a single layer, making sure they’re not overcrowded. If the mushrooms are packed too tightly, they will steam instead of roasting, which can prevent them from getting crispy.
2. Roast in the Oven: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast the mushrooms for 20-25 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and tender. Be sure to stir the mushrooms halfway through the roasting time to ensure they cook evenly on all sides. As they roast, the mushrooms will release some moisture, which will evaporate, leaving behind concentrated, savory flavors.
3. Check for Doneness: The mushrooms are done when they’re golden brown on the edges and fork-tender in the center. If you prefer them to be even crispier, you can roast them for an additional 5 minutes, but be sure to keep an eye on them to avoid burning.

Final Step: SERVE AND ENJOY

Once the mushrooms are roasted to perfection, remove them from the oven and transfer them to a serving dish. The roasted garlic and thyme will have infused the mushrooms with rich, savory flavor, and the golden-brown crust will make them irresistible.