White Cheddar Stuffed Mushrooms Recipe

If you’re looking for an easy, delicious appetizer that’s sure to impress, White Cheddar Stuffed Mushrooms are the perfect answer.

These bite-sized delights are packed with savory flavor and cheesy goodness, making them a hit at any gathering or as a special starter for your next dinner. The combination of earthy mushrooms, sharp white cheddar, and a variety of seasonings creates a dish that’s both rich and satisfying.

Whether you’re hosting a party or simply want something fun and flavorful to serve before a meal, stuffed mushrooms are a versatile and easy-to-make option. Let’s dive into how you can whip up these irresistible mushrooms right in your kitchen.

What are Stuffed Mushrooms?

Stuffed mushrooms are a popular appetizer where mushroom caps are hollowed out and filled with a savory mixture, then baked to perfection. The stuffing typically consists of a blend of breadcrumbs, cheese, herbs, and sometimes meat or seafood. Each bite is packed with rich, umami flavors, making stuffed mushrooms a favorite at parties, dinners, and even casual get-togethers.

There are numerous variations of stuffed mushrooms, including those filled with cream cheese, bacon, crab, or even spinach. The flexibility of the recipe allows for endless creativity, but White Cheddar Stuffed Mushrooms take it up a notch with the bold, sharp taste of white cheddar cheese.

Ingredient Substitutes and Options

• Cheese Substitutes: You can replace white cheddar with sharp cheddar, gouda, or even mozzarella for a different taste profile.
• Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs can be used for a crunchier texture. Gluten-free breadcrumbs are a great alternative for those avoiding gluten.
• Herbs: Fresh thyme or rosemary can be used instead of parsley for a more earthy flavor.

Choosing the Right Mushrooms

Selecting the perfect mushrooms is crucial to getting the best results. The most commonly used types for stuffed mushrooms are white button mushrooms and baby bella mushrooms (cremini). These varieties are firm, have a mild flavor, and are large enough to hold a generous amount of stuffing.

Tips for Selecting Fresh Mushrooms

• Look for mushrooms with firm, smooth caps that are free from spots or bruises.
• Avoid mushrooms that are slimy or have wrinkled, dried-out stems.
• Choose mushrooms that are uniformly sized to ensure even cooking.

Why White Cheddar Works So Well

White cheddar adds a sharp, tangy flavor that perfectly complements the earthiness of the mushrooms. Its creamy texture when melted helps bind the stuffing ingredients together while adding a gooey, satisfying richness to each bite.

Alternative Cheeses You Can Use

• Gruyère: For a nutty, more complex flavor.
• Parmesan: Adds a salty, savory bite.
• Feta: Gives the dish a tangier, Mediterranean twist.

How to Prep the Mushrooms for Stuffing

Before you start cooking, you’ll need to prep your mushrooms to get them ready for stuffing. Here’s how:

1. Clean the mushrooms: Gently wipe each mushroom with a damp paper towel to remove any dirt. Avoid soaking them in water, as mushrooms absorb moisture, which can lead to soggy results.
2. Remove the stems: Twist the stems gently to remove them, creating a cavity in each mushroom cap for the stuffing. Don’t discard the stems—they can be finely chopped and added to the stuffing mixture for extra flavor.

Making the Perfect Stuffing Mix

Now it’s time to prepare the savory stuffing that will fill the mushroom caps. Follow these steps:

1. Sauté the garlic: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
2. Combine the ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the sautéed garlic, chopped mushroom stems, cream cheese, shredded white cheddar, breadcrumbs, and fresh parsley. Mix until everything is well incorporated.
3. Season: Add salt and pepper to taste. If you like a bit of heat, you can sprinkle in some red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven: Set it to 375°F (190°C).
2. Stuff the mushrooms: Use a spoon to fill each mushroom cap with the stuffing mixture, packing it in tightly.
3. Arrange on a baking sheet: Place the stuffed mushrooms on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet, making sure they’re spaced evenly.
4. Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the mushrooms are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with extra parsley or a drizzle of olive oil for a finishing touch.

Serving Suggestions

White Cheddar Stuffed Mushrooms can be served as an appetizer or a side dish. They pair wonderfully with:

• Charcuterie boards: The savory, cheesy mushrooms complement cured meats and cheeses.
• Salads: Serve alongside a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
• Wine: Pair with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light red like Pinot Noir.

Can You Make Them Ahead?

Yes! These stuffed mushrooms can easily be prepared ahead of time. Simply stuff the mushrooms, cover them, and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready to serve, just pop them in the oven and bake as directed.

Reheating Without Losing Flavor

If you have leftovers, reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to keep the mushrooms from becoming soggy.

Variations of the Recipe

• Bacon-Cheddar Stuffed Mushrooms: Add crispy, crumbled bacon to the stuffing for an extra layer of flavor.
• Vegetarian Option: Omit the cheese and use a plant-based cream cheese and dairy-free cheddar for a vegan version.
• Spicy Version: Mix in some diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy twist.

Tips for Storing and Freezing

• Storing: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: These stuffed mushrooms can be frozen before baking. Place them on a baking sheet in the freezer until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready to cook, bake from frozen, adding an additional 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.

Yield: 24 stuffed mushrooms

White Cheddar Stuffed Mushrooms Recipe

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If you’re looking for an easy, delicious appetizer that’s sure to impress, White Cheddar Stuffed Mushrooms are the perfect answer. These bite-sized delights are packed with savory flavor and cheesy goodness, making them a hit at any gathering or as a special starter for your next dinner. The combination of earthy mushrooms, sharp white cheddar, and a variety of seasonings creates a dish that's both rich and satisfying.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 35 minutes

Ingredients

• 24 large white button mushrooms, stems removed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup white cheddar cheese, shredded
• 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Mushrooms Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Clean the mushrooms with a damp cloth, carefully removing the stems. Set the mushroom caps aside and finely chop the stems.
2. Cook the Filling In a skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the chopped mushroom stems and diced onion. Cook for 4-5 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
3. Mix the Filling In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked mushroom mixture, shredded white cheddar cheese, softened cream cheese, breadcrumbs, parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir until well mixed.
4. Stuff the Mushrooms Arrange the mushroom caps on a baking sheet. Spoon the filling into each mushroom cap, packing it in generously. If desired, sprinkle the tops with grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
5. Bake the Mushrooms Bake for 18-20 minutes or until the mushrooms are tender and the tops are golden brown.
6. Serve Remove from the oven and allow to cool for a few minutes. Garnish with additional parsley if desired and serve warm.

Notes

Mushroom Size: Large button mushrooms work best for stuffing, but baby bella mushrooms can also be used for a richer flavor.

Cheese Swap: Try swapping white cheddar for sharp cheddar, Gruyère, or Gouda for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead: You can prepare the stuffed mushrooms in advance and refrigerate them until ready to bake. Add a couple of minutes to the baking time if chilled.

Breadcrumbs: For a crunchier texture, you can sprinkle additional breadcrumbs on top before baking.