ADVERTISEMENT
How to Make Creamy Stuffed Mushrooms:
These stuffed mushrooms come together in just a few easy steps. Let’s get started!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the mushrooms from sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Mushrooms
Clean the mushrooms by gently wiping them with a damp paper towel or mushroom brush. Carefully remove the stems from the mushroom caps and set the caps aside. Finely chop the stems and set them aside as well—these will be part of the creamy filling.
Step 3: Sauté the Mushroom Stems and Garlic
In a small skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped mushroom stems and sauté for 3-4 minutes, until they release their moisture and become tender. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Filling
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese (if using), and the sautéed mushroom stems and garlic. Stir in the chopped parsley, salt, pepper, onion powder, and thyme (if using). Mix until well combined and smooth. The filling should be creamy and thick but still spreadable.
Step 5: Stuff the Mushrooms
Carefully spoon the creamy filling into each mushroom cap, packing it in generously. You can use a small spoon, a piping bag, or your fingers to fill the mushroom caps, depending on what you find easiest.
Step 6: Top with Breadcrumbs (Optional)
For a little extra crunch, sprinkle some breadcrumbs on top of the stuffed mushrooms. You can use regular breadcrumbs, panko for a lighter crunch, or even a bit of grated Parmesan if you want more cheesy flavor. A quick drizzle of melted butter or a spray of olive oil over the breadcrumbs will help them brown nicely in the oven.
Step 7: Bake the Mushrooms
Place the stuffed mushrooms on the prepared baking sheet or dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the mushrooms are tender and the filling is golden and bubbly. If you’ve added breadcrumbs, they should be lightly toasted.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!
Remove the mushrooms from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Garnish with a bit more fresh parsley or even a sprinkle of Parmesan for added flavor.
Tips for Perfect Creamy Stuffed Mushrooms:
- Use Fresh Mushrooms: Fresh mushrooms will hold their shape better and provide more flavor than older mushrooms. Make sure to pick mushrooms that are firm and have a smooth, unblemished surface.
- Experiment with Fillings: Feel free to add extras like crumbled bacon, sausage, or even spinach to the filling for added flavor. You could also experiment with different cheeses, such as goat cheese or cream cheese with herbs for a richer filling.
- Don’t Overfill: Be careful not to overstuff the mushrooms, as they may collapse during baking. A generous amount of filling is great, but you don’t want to go so far that it starts spilling over.
- Make Ahead: These stuffed mushrooms can be made ahead of time. Prepare the mushrooms up to the point of baking, then cover them and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to serve, simply bake them as directed.
- Adjust Baking Time: The size of the mushrooms and the amount of filling can affect the baking time. Keep an eye on them toward the end of the baking time to ensure they don’t overcook.
Serving Suggestions:
These Creamy Stuffed Mushrooms are great on their own, but they also pair beautifully with a variety of dishes. Here are a few ideas for serving:
- As an Appetizer: Serve these stuffed mushrooms as a starter at your next dinner party, holiday gathering, or special occasion. They’re perfect for passing around to guests or serving family-style.
- With a Salad: Serve them alongside a fresh green salad or a light spinach salad for a more substantial meal.
- As a Side Dish: Pair these creamy mushrooms with roasted meats like chicken, pork, or steak for a hearty and flavorful meal.
- With a Glass of Wine: These mushrooms go wonderfully with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, or a smooth red wine like Pinot Noir.
Why You’ll Love Creamy Stuffed Mushrooms:
- Perfect for Entertaining: These bite-sized beauties are perfect for serving at parties and gatherings. They’re easy to eat with your hands and always look impressive on a platter.
- Customizable: With endless variations on the filling, you can tailor these stuffed mushrooms to suit your guests’ tastes, dietary needs, and preferences.
- Vegetarian and Gluten-Free Options: With a few simple swaps, you can make these stuffed mushrooms vegetarian or gluten-free. Just use gluten-free breadcrumbs and leave out any non-vegetarian ingredients like bacon or sausage.
- Flavorful and Satisfying: The creamy filling and tender mushrooms provide a satisfying, flavorful bite that’s perfect for any occasion.
Final Thoughts
Creamy Stuffed Mushrooms are the ideal appetizer or snack for any gathering, offering a flavorful and satisfying bite in each stuffed cap. With their rich, cheesy filling and tender mushroom base, these stuffed mushrooms are sure to become a favorite at your next holiday party or dinner. Easy to make and endlessly customizable, this recipe is one you’ll return to time and time again.
So next time you’re in need of a crowd-pleasing dish, reach for these delightful stuffed mushrooms and watch as they disappear off the platter in no time!
ADVERTISEMENT
