This herbed mushroom spread utilizes the humble button mushroom, but also dried mushrooms – porcini to be exact. This is a perfect hors d’oeuvres to add to a charcuterie and cheese platter, Make sure to have lots of good bread.

All dried mushrooms add that special exotic flavor from my experience, from chanterelle to shiitake varieties. You can even get a wild mushroom mix. Because they’re dried, or dehydrated, they must be hydrated in water prior to using. Make sure you save time for that step.

If you’re making this spread to serve on the same day, also save time for the sauteed mushrooms to cool.

Herbed Mushroom Spread

1 ounce dried mushroom of choice
8 ounces fresh mushrooms
4 ounces butter
Black pepper, freshly ground
2 cloves garlic, minced
Hearty pinch of thyme, to taste
Pinch of white pepper
Pinch of Fumi or ground cayenne
4 ounces cream cheese
4 ounces soft herbed goat cheese
Fumi, for serving

Place the dried mushrooms in a small bowl and just cover with hot water. If they are not submerged completely, place a weight on top, like a weighted-down bowl. Set aside.

Peel and de-stem the mushrooms, then weigh them to measure out eight ounces. Chop up the mushrooms.

Heat the butter over medium-high heat in a large skillet until almost browned. Add the mushrooms and sauté them, moving them around occasionally. Add the garlic and thyme, and stir well. The mushrooms should be nicely browned. Remove from the heat and let cool.

Remove the hydrated mushrooms from the water and dry with paper towels. Chop fairly finely, and place in a food processor bowl.

Add the cream cheese and goat cheese to the food processor bowl. Add the sautéed mushrooms and any liquid. Pulse until fairly smooth.

Place the mixture in a small serving bowl or ramekin. Sprinkle on more Fumi or cayenne, if desired.

Serve with bread, toasts, or crackers.

If you can’t find herbed goat cheese, add some dried herbs, especially thyme, and sauté some chopped parsley with the mushrooms.

This spread turned out beautifully! The herbs and bit of spice are perfect.