Cheesy Stuffed Mushrooms Recipe

Cheesy stuffed mushrooms are a decadent and savory appetizer that can easily be made for a variety of occasions, from casual family dinners to elegant gatherings. The earthy, meaty flavor of mushrooms pairs beautifully with a rich, cheesy filling, making them a crowd-pleasing dish.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Mushrooms

1. Clean the Mushrooms: Begin by cleaning the mushrooms. Gently wipe them with a damp cloth or paper towel to remove any dirt. Avoid rinsing the mushrooms under water, as they tend to absorb moisture, which can make them soggy when cooked.

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2. Remove the Stems: Carefully remove the stems from the mushrooms by gently twisting or cutting them off with a sharp knife. Set the mushroom caps aside for stuffing. Finely chop the mushroom stems, as they’ll be used in the filling.

3. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish with a bit of olive oil or butter to prevent sticking.

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Step 2: Prepare the Filling

1. Sauté the Mushroom Stems: Heat the butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. Once melted, add the chopped mushroom stems and cook for 3-4 minutes, until softened and any moisture from the stems has evaporated. Season with salt and pepper.

2. Mix the Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic powder, fresh parsley, thyme, and onion powder (if using). Add the sautéed mushroom stems to the mixture. Stir everything together until well combined. Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

3. Make the Filling Creamy: If the filling feels too thick, you can add a teaspoon or two of milk or cream to make it slightly smoother. The filling should be creamy and easy to spoon into the mushroom caps.

Step 3: Stuff the Mushrooms

1. Stuff the Mushroom Caps: Take a spoon and carefully stuff each mushroom cap with the cheesy filling. Make sure to heap the filling a little above the edges of the mushrooms, as the filling will melt and settle slightly as it cooks.

2. Arrange the Mushrooms: Place the stuffed mushrooms in the greased baking dish, ensuring they’re spaced out slightly but close enough that they don’t tip over while baking. If you have leftover filling, you can either stuff a few extra mushrooms or bake the extra filling in a small dish alongside the mushrooms.

Step 4: Prepare the Topping

1. Breadcrumb Topping: In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the melted butter and grated Parmesan cheese. This will create a golden, crispy topping that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling.

2. Top the Mushrooms: Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the stuffed mushrooms. This will help them achieve a golden, crispy texture when baked.

Step 5: Bake the Mushrooms

1. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake the mushrooms for 20-25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted. The mushrooms should be tender but not overcooked, and the cheese filling should be creamy and oozy.

2. Broil (Optional): If you prefer an extra-crispy top, you can switch the oven to broil during the last 2-3 minutes of baking. Keep a close eye on the mushrooms to avoid burning the breadcrumbs.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

1. Garnish: Once the mushrooms are out of the oven, sprinkle them with a little more fresh parsley for color and freshness. You can also drizzle a little balsamic reduction over the mushrooms for a sweet, tangy contrast to the cheesy filling.

2. Serve: Serve the cheesy stuffed mushrooms warm, either as a starter or alongside your main course. They make a great addition to any meal or can be enjoyed on their own as a snack or light appetizer.

Cooking Tips & Variations

1. Mushroom Variety

• Cremini Mushrooms: These mushrooms, also known as baby Bella mushrooms, are slightly heartier than white mushrooms and offer a richer flavor. They’re perfect for stuffing and hold up well in the oven.
• Portobello Mushrooms: For a larger, more robust stuffed mushroom, consider using Portobello mushrooms. Their large caps can hold even more filling, making them a satisfying main course or substantial appetizer.
• Baby Bella Mushrooms: If you want a more earthy and meaty taste, use baby bella mushrooms. Their flavor profile is stronger than white mushrooms, and they still have the perfect size for stuffing.

2. Cheese Variations

• Goat Cheese: For a tangy twist, you can replace some or all of the cream cheese with goat cheese. It adds a creamy yet slightly sharp flavor that pairs well with the mushrooms.
• Cheddar or Gruyère: Swap in some cheddar or Gruyère for the mozzarella for a more robust cheese flavor. These cheeses will melt beautifully and add a more distinct taste to the filling.
• Blue Cheese: If you’re a fan of bold flavors, adding a bit of crumbled blue cheese to the filling will give your mushrooms a tangy and creamy punch.

3. Additional Ingredients

• Sausage: Ground sausage, such as Italian sausage, adds a savory depth of flavor. Simply cook the sausage before mixing it with the cheese filling. You can even combine it with the sautéed mushroom stems for added texture.
• Spinach: Add some sautéed spinach or kale to the filling for an added boost of nutrients and color. This also adds some freshness and contrast to the richness of the cheese.
• Nuts: For added crunch, sprinkle chopped walnuts or pine nuts on top of the mushrooms before baking.

4. Make Ahead Option

You can prepare these stuffed mushrooms ahead of time and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. Stuff the mushrooms, cover the baking dish with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to bake, just remove the mushrooms from the fridge, top them with breadcrumbs, and bake as instructed.

5. Dipping Sauce

If you’d like to add a dipping sauce for the stuffed mushrooms, consider serving them with a simple marinara sauce, a tangy ranch dip, or a balsamic reduction. The acidity of the sauce contrasts nicely with the richness of the cheesy filling.

Conclusion

Cheesy stuffed mushrooms are an incredibly versatile and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, preparing a family meal, or simply craving something indulgent, these mushrooms are sure to please. The combination of creamy cheese, tender mushrooms, and crispy topping creates a balance of textures and flavors that makes each bite irresistible.

Yield: 16

Cheesy Stuffed Mushrooms Recipe

Print

Cheesy stuffed mushrooms are a decadent and savory appetizer that can easily be made for a variety of occasions, from casual family dinners to elegant gatherings. The earthy, meaty flavor of mushrooms pairs beautifully with a rich, cheesy filling, making them a crowd-pleasing dish.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 12-16 large button mushrooms (or cremini mushrooms)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for crunch)
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Mushrooms:
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   Clean the mushrooms with a damp cloth and remove the stems. Set aside the mushroom caps on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
   Finely chop the mushroom stems, discarding any tough parts.
   
2. Make the Filling:
   Heat the olive oil in a small pan over medium heat. Add the chopped mushroom stems and sauté for 3-4 minutes, until softened and any moisture evaporates.
   Transfer the sautéed mushroom stems to a bowl. Add cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, minced garlic, parsley, breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning (if using). Mix until everything is well combined and the mixture is creamy.
   
3. Stuff the Mushrooms:
   Spoon the cheese mixture into the mushroom caps, packing it in slightly to ensure each one is filled generously.
   
4. Bake the Mushrooms:
   Place the stuffed mushrooms in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the mushrooms are tender and the filling is golden brown and bubbly.
   
5. Serve:
   Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Notes

Add-ins: You can add crumbled bacon, spinach, or cooked sausage to the filling for extra flavor.

Cheese Options: Feel free to swap the cheeses with something like goat cheese or cheddar for a different twist.

Make Ahead: You can prepare the stuffed mushrooms in advance and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. Just add an extra 5 minutes of baking time if they’re cold.