Ah, Classic Stuffed Mushrooms—where do I begin? These little gems are a staple in my house, especially during the holidays or family get-togethers. I remember the first time I made them; I was trying to impress my in-laws, and let’s just say, they were the stars of the appetizer spread! The moment those little mushrooms came out of the oven, the delicious aroma filled the house, and I thought I might just serve them for every meal forever. Seriously, they’re that good!
What I love most about these stuffed mushrooms is their versatility. You can toss in a handful of whatever you have in your fridge; they make the perfect canvas for culinary creativity! Whether it’s throwing in some crumbled bacon, a sprinkle of scallions, or even a dash of spice, these mushrooms adapt beautifully. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll be searching for every excuse to make more!
What’s in Classic Stuffed Mushrooms?
- Portobello or Cremini mushrooms: I prefer portobello for a meaty texture, but cremini works just as well. They provide a lovely, earthy flavor that’s perfect for stuffing.
- Cream cheese: The star of the show! A softened cream cheese makes the filling delightfully creamy and rich. I’m a fan of Philadelphia brand—classic and dependable!
- Breadcrumbs: Opt for seasoned breadcrumbs for added flavor, but plain will do if that’s what you have on hand. Homemade breadcrumbs can also work wonders.
- Parmesan cheese: Grated Parmesan gives that savory cheesy kick. The sharper the cheese, the better the flavor!
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is essential; it elevates the dish to new heights. If you ever catch me trying to leave it out, just give me a stern look!
- Fresh parsley: This adds a pop of freshness and color to our filling. Plus, who doesn’t love a bit of greenery in their food?
- Cooked sausage or bacon: Completely optional, but if you’re a meat lover—oh man, this will take your mushrooms to the next level.
- Italian seasoning: A simple one-spice addition that brings everything together. Feel free to throw in some red pepper flakes for a little heat if you like!
- Salt and pepper: Always essential, right? Just a pinch will do, but don’t forget to taste!
- Olive oil: A drizzle right before baking is what makes them golden and crunchy on top!
Are Classic Stuffed Mushrooms Good for You?
You bet they are! These mushrooms are packed with flavor and can be a great addition to your appetizer lineup. Mushrooms are low in calories and provide some fiber, while cream cheese and Parmesan cheese offer that satisfying creamy goodness—you just have to enjoy them in moderation. If you’re looking to lighten the dish, you can always substitute the cream cheese with a lower-fat option or even Greek yogurt, and skip the meat to make them vegetarian-friendly.
Ingredients List
- 12 large portobello or cremini mushrooms
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably seasoned)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 4 oz cooked sausage or bacon, crumbled (optional)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 3 tbsp olive oil (for drizzling)
How to Make Classic Stuffed Mushrooms?
- First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) because no one likes waiting for their food to cook!
- Next up, let’s get those mushrooms squeaky clean! Wipe them with a damp cloth, remove the stems, and finely chop those little guys. We’re using every bit of them!
- In a large bowl, combine your chopped mushroom stems, softened cream cheese, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped parsley, crumbled sausage or bacon (if you’re feeling wild), Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix it all up until it’s well combined. Your filling should be creamy and slightly thick.
- Now, stuff those mushroom caps generously with your filling, pressing down slightly to pack it in. Go ahead, don’t be shy!
- Place the stuffed mushroom caps on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper—easy cleanup is always a bonus.
- Drizzle the tops of the stuffed mushrooms with olive oil for that beautiful golden brown finish.
- Bake them in your preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the tops are golden and the mushrooms are tender. The aroma wafting through your house will be divine!
- Finally, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly before you dig in. Try to resist the urge to munch them all at once!
Let’s Get Creative with Stuffed Mushrooms!
- If you enjoy a little heat, add some chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the filling.
- Feeling fancy? Swap out the Parmesan cheese for some blue cheese or goat cheese for a tangy twist.
- These little delights can be prepped ahead of time! Stuff them, cover, and refrigerate until you’re ready to pop them in the oven. Just increase the baking time by a few minutes if baking from cold.
I can’t emphasize enough how delightful these Classic Stuffed Mushrooms can be! Perfect for gatherings or just a cozy night in, they are bound to be a conversation starter. So, roll up your sleeves and give these a try! And if you do, I’d love to hear how they turned out—you might just become the next mushroom master in your household! Happy cooking!
