Stuffed mushrooms

Stuffed mushrooms are a delicious and versatile appetizer or side dish that can be tailored to your taste. Here’s a classic recipe for stuffed mushrooms, featuring a savory filling of cheese, herbs, and breadcrumbs.

Ingredients

  • 12 large mushrooms (button or cremini)
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
  • 1 cup cream cheese (softened)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, thyme, basil)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Optional add-ins: chopped cooked sausage, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven:

    • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Prepare the Mushrooms:

    • Clean the mushrooms by wiping them with a damp cloth. Carefully remove the stems and set aside the caps. Finely chop the stems for the filling.
  3. Make the Filling:

    • In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped mushroom stems and minced garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the mixture is soft and any moisture from the mushrooms has evaporated.
    • In a mixing bowl, combine the sautéed mushroom mixture, cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. If you’re using any optional ingredients (like sausage or spinach), add them now. Mix until well combined.
  4. Stuff the Mushroom Caps:

    • Using a spoon or your hands, fill each mushroom cap generously with the stuffing mixture, pressing it in slightly.
  5. Bake the Stuffed Mushrooms:

    • Arrange the stuffed mushrooms on a baking sheet. You can drizzle a little olive oil over the tops for extra flavor.
    • Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the mushrooms are tender and the tops are golden brown.
  6. Serve:

    • Remove the stuffed mushrooms from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve warm, garnished with additional parsley if desired.

Serving Suggestions

Stuffed mushrooms are perfect for parties, gatherings, or as an appetizer before dinner. You can pair them with a dipping sauce, like marinara or garlic aioli, for added flavor. Enjoy this savory treat!