Description
Stuffed Mushrooms are a delicious and versatile appetizer or side dish, featuring large white mushroom caps filled with a savory blend of sautéed mushroom stems, garlic, onions, breadcrumbs, cream cheese, Parmesan, and fresh parsley. This recipe can be enhanced with optional cooked bacon or Italian sausage for added flavor. Baked to perfection, these mushrooms are tender with a golden, cheesy topping, perfect for parties or family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Mushrooms
- 16 large white mushrooms, stems removed and reserved
Filling
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup onion, finely diced
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 2-3 tablespoons of cooked bacon, crumbled or Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Mushrooms: Clean the mushrooms by wiping them gently with a damp cloth. Carefully remove the stems and chop them finely. Set the caps aside for stuffing.
- Sauté the Filling: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped mushroom stems, minced garlic, and diced onions. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, until the onions are soft and fragrant, to develop rich flavors.
- Mix the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the sautéed mushroom mixture with breadcrumbs, softened cream cheese, grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. If using, add the cooked bacon or Italian sausage. Mix everything thoroughly until creamy and well combined.
- Stuff the Mushrooms: Spoon the garlic and cheese filling into each mushroom cap, pressing gently to ensure the filling is packed tightly. Place the stuffed mushrooms on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the mushrooms are tender and the tops are a beautiful golden brown, signaling that the cheese is melted and slightly crisp.
- Serve: Remove the stuffed mushrooms from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before serving. Garnish with extra parsley or Parmesan cheese for an attractive presentation.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon or sausage.
- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Make sure mushrooms are wiped clean gently to avoid soaking them and making them soggy.
- This recipe can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving.
- Adjust salt carefully if using pre-cooked meats, as they may add extra saltiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
