1. Prepare the Mushrooms

Start by cleaning the mushrooms with a damp paper towel to remove any dirt or debris. Gently remove the stems from the mushrooms, leaving the caps intact. If the mushrooms have a lot of moisture inside, you can use a spoon to gently scrape out the gills, creating a small cavity to hold the toppings. This will help prevent the mushrooms from becoming too soggy during baking.

Arrange the mushroom caps on a baking sheet, making sure they are spaced evenly. If you like, you can line the sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easier cleanup.

2. Season the Mushroom Caps

Drizzle olive oil over the mushroom caps, making sure they are evenly coated. Use a brush or your hands to spread the oil evenly across the tops and bottoms of the mushrooms. This will help them roast to a golden brown and keep them from drying out.

Sprinkle salt and pepper over the mushrooms to season them. For an extra burst of flavor, you can add a pinch of garlic powder or some fresh minced garlic on top of each mushroom. The garlic will infuse the mushrooms with a savory aroma as they bake.

3. Bake the Mushrooms

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the seasoned mushroom caps into the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until they are tender and begin to release some of their moisture. The mushrooms should shrink slightly and become slightly golden around the edges. This step is crucial to ensure that the mushrooms are cooked through before adding the toppings.

While the mushrooms bake, prepare your mozzarella and basil.

4. Prepare the Mozzarella and Basil

If you’re using small mozzarella balls (bocconcini), slice each ball into thin rounds or halves, depending on the size of the mushrooms. If you’re using shredded mozzarella, have it ready to top the mushrooms once they’re out of the oven.

Next, chop the fresh basil leaves into thin strips or tear them into smaller pieces if you prefer. Fresh basil provides a lovely pop of color and flavor, so be sure to have enough to sprinkle on top of each mushroom.

5. Assemble the Mushroom Caprese Bites

Once the mushrooms have baked, remove them from the oven. Place a slice or scoop of mozzarella cheese on top of each mushroom cap. Be generous, but make sure the cheese doesn’t overflow the mushroom cap too much.

Return the mushrooms to the oven for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and is bubbling slightly. This will give the mozzarella time to soften and become perfectly melty, creating a deliciously gooey layer atop the mushrooms.

6. Top with Fresh Basil and Balsamic Glaze

Once the mozzarella has melted, remove the Mushroom Caprese Bites from the oven. Immediately sprinkle each bite with fresh basil. You can either place a whole basil leaf on each mushroom for a simple touch or use chopped basil for an even distribution.

To finish, drizzle a small amount of balsamic glaze over each mushroom cap. The glaze adds a tangy sweetness that pairs beautifully with the savory mushrooms and rich mozzarella. If you prefer a more intense flavor, you can drizzle extra balsamic glaze over the entire tray of mushrooms.

7. Serve and Enjoy

Your Mushroom Caprese Bites are now ready to be served! Arrange them on a platter and enjoy them while they’re warm. They’re perfect for parties, as an appetizer, or even as a light main dish when paired with a fresh salad.