Imagine biting into a plump, juicy mushroom, its earthy flavor exploding in your mouth, followed by a creamy, garlicky filling and a satisfying crunch of golden-brown parmesan. That’s the experience waiting for you with these Garlic Parmesan Stuffed Mushrooms. The aroma alone will fill your kitchen with irresistible anticipation, promising a taste sensation that’s both comforting and exciting.
I have always been in love with mushrooms, and I still vividly remember a specific family dinner that brought me to create and develop my current recipe. My attempts as a young cook had often resulted in either watery or rubbery results. So, I started experimenting to create the ideal bite-sized appetizer that everyone would adore. This recipe, perfected over the years, is destined to be a showstopper.
These stuffed mushrooms are the perfect appetizer for any occasion, from casual get-togethers with friends to elegant holiday feasts. Even picky eaters will find themselves reaching for seconds. Are you ready to transform simple mushrooms into something truly extraordinary?
Why You’ll Love this Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 40 minutes, these stuffed mushrooms are perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Flavor Explosion: The garlic parmesan filling is a creamy, savory delight.
- Perfect Texture: A tender mushroom base, a soft and flavorful filling, and a crispy, golden topping – it’s a textural masterpiece.
- Versatile Appetizer: Serve them as a party snack, a side dish, or even a light meal.
- Special Technique: Pre-baking the mushrooms helps develop a rich earthy flavor and prevents a soggy filling.
- Great for Dietary needs: Suitable for vegetarian diets and easily adaptable for gluten-free or dairy-free diets (with Dietary modifications).
Ingredients Breakdown
- Large Cremini Mushrooms: The star of our dish! Look for firm, unblemished mushrooms with closed caps. You can substitute with white button mushrooms, but cremini offers a deeper, more earthy flavor. Using a variety of mushroom types can also add depth. It’s essential to gently clean the stuffed mushrooms before use.
- Garlic: Essential for that pungent, aromatic kick. Freshly minced garlic is always best, but garlic powder can be used in a pinch (about 1 teaspoon).
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor and helps create that irresistible crispy topping. Use freshly grated parmesan for the best texture and flavor. Pecorino Romano can also be used!
- Breadcrumbs: Provide structure to the filling and contribute to the crispy topping. Panko breadcrumbs offer the best crunch, however, standard breadcrumbs can also be used. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free option.
- Olive Oil: Helps to bring everything together.
- Fresh Parsley: Adds a touch of freshness and color to both the filling and as a garnish. Fresh is best, but dried parsley can be used (use about 1 teaspoon).
- Butter: Combines with the breadcrumbs for a golden crisp.
- Salt & Pepper: To enhance the taste
Kitchen Tools Needed
Before you start making these stuffed mushrooms, make sure you have the required tools!
- Baking Sheet
- Small Bowl
- Knife/Cutting Board
- Small Spoon
- Optional: Garlic Press
- Nullify
- Imported
- Sturdy, die-cast zinc construction for durability
How to Make This Stuffed Mushroom Recipe
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Gently clean the mushrooms with a damp paper towel. Remove the stems and finely chop the stems.
- In a bowl, combine the chopped mushroom stems, minced garlic, parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, melted butter, olive oil, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly.
- Spoon the filling generously into each mushroom cap, mounding slightly.
- Place the stuffed mushrooms on a baking sheet brushed with olive oil.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the mushrooms are tender and the topping is golden brown and crispy. Make sure that the mushrooms are not soggy or watery.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
- Let cool slightly before serving – be careful, as the filling will be hot!
Pro Tips for Success
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Space the stuffed mushrooms evenly on the baking sheet to ensure even cooking and browning.
- Pre-bake the Mushrooms: Pre-baking for 5 minutes helps cook the mushrooms evenly before stuffing them. This releases more juices and creates a richer flavor.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Then, simply stuff the mushrooms and bake when ready to serve.
- Add a touch of Acid: A squeeze of lemon juice over the baked mushrooms brightens the flavors and adds a delightful tang.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling for a little heat.
- If mushrooms ever release too much water during the cooking process, try draining it out!
Variations and Dietary Swaps
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make these stuffed mushrooms gluten-free.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute vegan parmesan cheese and dairy-free butter alternatives.
- Mediterranean Twist: Add finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese to the filling.
- Spicy Sausage: Mix cooked and crumbled Italian sausage into the filling for a heartier appetizer.
- Creamy Spinach: Incorporate chopped spinach, cream cheese, and chopped artichoke hearts. Great for spinach lovers!
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with: Serve alongside a crisp green salad or warm crusty bread to mop up the delicious juices.
- Garnish: A sprinkle of fresh herbs like thyme or chives adds a pop of color and flavor.
- Serving Style: Arrange the stuffed mushrooms on a platter for a visually appealing presentation.
- Serve warm!
Storage and Reheating
Leftover stuffed mushrooms can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave them, but the topping may lose some of its crispiness. Please note that the taste might be slightly altered after refrigeration.
These Garlic Parmesan Stuffed Mushrooms are an irresistible appetizer that’s sure to impress your friends and family. With their incredible flavor and satisfying texture, they’re the perfect addition to any gathering.
Ready to elevate your appetizer game? Try this recipe and let me know what you think in the comments below! Don’t forget to rate the recipe and share your creations with me on social media using #CulinaryCraving and tagging us @culinarycravingcom on Instagram and Facebook. I would love to see how your stuffed mushrooms turned out!
Related Recipes
- Creamy Mushroom Soup: A warm and comforting soup featuring a mushroom and cream base, infused with herbs and spices. A delicious way to enjoy the earthy flavors of mushrooms. Imagine a bowl of this served alongside your garlic parmesan stuffed mushrooms– a double dose of mushroom goodness!
- Sausage Stuffed Bell Peppers (A hearty and flavorful main course!)
- Mushroom Risotto (Creamy and indulgent!)
Frequently Asked Questions
Garlic Parmesan Stuffed Mushrooms
Ingredients
- 12 large cremini mushrooms
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Gently clean the mushrooms with a damp paper towel. Remove the stems and finely chop the stems.
- In a bowl, combine the chopped mushroom stems, minced garlic, parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, melted butter, olive oil, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly.
- Spoon the filling generously into each mushroom cap, mounding slightly.
- Place the stuffed mushrooms on a baking sheet brushed with olive oil.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the mushrooms are tender and the topping is golden brown and crispy.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- Calories: 120kcal
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Protein: 7g
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Potassium: 250mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 1g
- Vitamin A: 500IU
- Vitamin C: 5mg
- Calcium: 150mg
- Iron: 1mg
nutrition is an estimate
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- For a dairy-free option, use vegan parmesan and butter
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
