Stuffed Mushrooms

Stuffed mushrooms are a popular appetizer or side dish that can be served on a variety of occasions, from casual gatherings to formal dinners. To make stuffed mushrooms, you’ll need a batch of large mushroom caps, which you can stuff with a variety of fillings. Some common fillings for stuffed mushrooms include cheese, breadcrumbs, herbs, and ground meat or seafood.
To prepare stuffed mushrooms, you’ll need to start by preheating your oven to the appropriate temperature. Next, you’ll want to wash and dry your mushroom caps and then remove the stems. You can then fill the mushroom caps with your desired filling, packing it in tightly and smoothing the top with a spoon or spatula.
Once the mushrooms are filled, you’ll need to bake them in the oven until they are tender and the filling is hot and bubbly. This typically takes about 20-30 minutes, depending on the size of your mushrooms and the filling you’ve chosen.
Serve your stuffed mushrooms warm, garnished with fresh herbs or grated cheese if desired. They can be enjoyed on their own as an appetizer, or as a side dish alongside the main course.
Here’s a recipe for delicious stuffed mushrooms that you can try at home:
Ingredients:
- 12 large mushroom caps
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 egg, beaten
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
Carefully remove the stems from the mushroom caps, reserving them for another use. Brush the mushroom caps with olive oil and set aside.
In a medium pan, heat the remaining olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until it is soft and translucent about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
In a small bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir in the beaten egg.
Add the breadcrumb mixture to the pan with the onions and garlic, and mix well.
Fill each mushroom cap with the breadcrumb mixture, packing it in tightly. Place the mushrooms on a baking sheet and bake for 20-30 minutes, or until the mushrooms are tender and the filling is hot and bubbly.
Serve the mushrooms warm, garnished with additional parsley if desired.
Note: You can customize this recipe by adding other ingredients to the filling, such as ground meat, cooked seafood, or additional herbs and spices. Experiment with different fillings to find your perfect stuffed mushroom combination!
Here are a few more ideas for stuffed mushrooms:
For a vegetarian option, try filling your mushrooms with a mixture of sautéed vegetables, such as bell peppers, zucchini, and squash. You can also add some cooked grains, like quinoa or farro, for a protein boost. Top the mushrooms with a sprinkle of grated cheese before baking.
If you’re a fan of seafood, try filling your mushrooms with a mixture of cooked shrimp or crabmeat, along with some diced bell peppers and onions. You can also add some chopped fresh herbs, like dill or chives, for added flavor.
For a meaty twist on stuffed mushrooms, try filling them with ground beef or turkey that has been seasoned with your favorite spices. You can also add some diced vegetables, like bell peppers or mushrooms, to the filling for added texture and flavor.
If you’re a cheese lover, try filling your mushrooms with a mixture of melted cheese and breadcrumbs. You can use a variety of different cheeses, such as mozzarella, cheddar, or Gorgonzola, or mix and match to create your own unique blend.
No matter what filling you choose, stuffed mushrooms are a tasty and versatile dish that is sure to be a hit at any gathering. Enjoy!