Oh, my goodness! Let me tell you about my absolute favorite appetizer: Cheesy Stuffed Mushrooms! Whether it’s a holiday party, a weekend dinner, or even just a cozy night in, these little bites of heaven never fail to impress. I remember the first time I made them; I was hosting a get-together that I insisted on cooking for. My friends were skeptical about mushrooms, but after one bite, they were all coming back for seconds (and thirds!). Now, they ask for this recipe every time we gather!
What’s so fantastic about these stuffed mushrooms, besides their delicious cheesy goodness, is how surprisingly easy they are to whip up. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal fuss, you can create a dish that looks and feels gourmet. I love that they are versatile too—serve them as a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a tasty side dish, and they’ll be a hit every time!
What’s in Cheesy Stuffed Mushrooms?
- 16 large cremini or button mushrooms: These are the stars of the show! I prefer cremini for their earthy flavor, but button mushrooms work just as well. Choose the largest ones you can find so there’s plenty of space for stuffing!
- 4 oz cream cheese: This creamy goodness is what makes the filling rich and luscious. Make sure it’s softened; nobody wants to wrestle with hard cream cheese!
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese: This adds a savory kick and a beautiful golden crust when baked. I love using freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor!
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs: Breadcrumbs give the stuffing texture and help stabilize everything. Panko breadcrumbs can make it even crispier!
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley: This brightens up the filling and adds a fresh taste. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some greens!
- 2 cloves garlic: Freshly minced garlic is an absolute must. It fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma that’ll have everyone flocking to the table!
- 1/2 tsp onion powder: This adds depth without the hassle of chopping an onion. We’re keeping it simple yet flavorful!
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano: A pinch of this herb brings an aromatic profile that complements all the ingredients wonderfully.
- Salt and pepper: These are to taste; seasoning is key to making sure your stuffing pops with flavor.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Drizzling this over the mushroom caps helps them roast beautifully and adds a lovely richness.
- Optional: Additional herbs for garnish, like thyme or chives, can take the presentation up a notch!
Are Cheesy Stuffed Mushrooms Good for You?
Well, let’s be honest: while these Cheesy Stuffed Mushrooms are not exactly a low-calorie dish, they do have some redeeming qualities! For example, mushrooms are low in calories and provide essential nutrients like vitamin D and B vitamins. They also pack a decent amount of fiber, making them a better choice than a lot of other appetizers!
On the flip side, there’s cream cheese and parmesan cheese, which add richness but can also contribute to the calorie count. If you want to lighten them up a bit, consider using reduced-fat cream cheese and substituting half of the cheese with more herbs or even some diced veggies. Just don’t tell my friends, or they might think I’m trying to sabotage their favorite treat!
Ingredients List
- 16 large cremini or button mushrooms
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Optional: additional herbs for garnish (e.g., thyme or chives)
How to Make Cheesy Stuffed Mushrooms?
- First things first, preheat your air fryer to 180°C (350°F) or your oven to 190°C (375°F). This step is crucial for ensuring that your mushrooms cook evenly.
- Gently remove the stems from the mushrooms and set them aside. Make sure to chop the stems finely—they’ll add great flavor to the stuffing!
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the chopped mushroom stems, cream cheese, parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, parsley, garlic, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Give it a good mix until everything is well incorporated.
- Drizzle olive oil over the caps of the mushrooms and rub it in gently to coat them evenly. This will enhance the flavor and provide a nice golden finish!
- Now it’s time to stuff those mushrooms! Use a spoon to fill each mushroom cap generously with your cheese mixture, packing it in tightly.
- Arrange your stuffed mushrooms in a single layer in the air fryer basket or on a baking sheet. Don’t overcrowd them; they need a little space to breathe!
- If you’re using an air fryer, cook them for about 10-12 minutes until they look golden and bubbly. If you’re using the oven, bake them for 15-20 minutes until the tops are golden and the mushrooms are tender.
- To serve, you can sprinkle a little extra chopped parsley or other fresh herbs on top for that beautiful final touch!
Tips for the Best Cheesy Stuffed Mushrooms
- For even more flavor, consider adding some crumbled sausage or cooked spinach into the cream cheese mixture!
- These mushrooms can be prepped in advance. Just stuff them, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until you’re ready to cook. Easy peasy!
- If you want an extra crispy top, put the mushrooms under the broiler for the last minute or so—just keep a close eye on them so they don’t burn!
So, there you have it! Cheesy Stuffed Mushrooms are the star of your next gathering—or simply a lovely treat for yourself. They’re warm, comforting, and bursting with flavor. I can’t wait for you to try them! Trust me, you’ll be getting requests for this recipe all season long. Happy cooking!
