Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite appetizer: Cheesy Stuffed Mushrooms! These little bites of heaven are always a hit at parties and gatherings. Seriously, who can resist that warm, gooey cheese filling nestled inside a perfectly roasted mushroom cap? I love how simple they are to whip up, yet they look so impressive on any platter. Plus, you can customize them to your taste! Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a festive celebration, these cheesy stuffed mushrooms will surely steal the spotlight. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients
- 12 large mushrooms
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare Cheesy Stuffed Mushrooms
Preheat the Oven
First things first, let’s get that oven preheated to 375°F (190°C). Preheating is super important because it ensures that your cheesy stuffed mushrooms cook evenly and develop that lovely golden-brown color. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this step!
Prepare the Mushrooms
Next, grab your large mushrooms and give them a gentle wipe with a damp cloth to clean them. You want to be careful not to soak them, as mushrooms can absorb water like sponges! Once they’re clean, carefully twist off the stems and set them aside. Don’t toss them; you can chop them up and add them to the cheese filling for extra flavor!
Make the Cheese Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, grated Parmesan, shredded mozzarella, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, and a pinch of salt and pepper. I like to start with the cream cheese first and mix it until it’s super smooth, then gradually fold in the other ingredients. This way, you’ll get a creamy, cohesive filling that’s easy to stuff into those mushroom caps!
Stuff the Mushrooms
Now comes the fun part! Take a spoonful of that delicious cheese mixture and carefully stuff each mushroom cap. Don’t be shy—fill them generously, but be careful not to overstuff, or you’ll have a cheesy explosion in the oven! Just a little mound on top works perfectly.
Bake the Stuffed Mushrooms
Place your stuffed mushrooms on a baking sheet and pop them in the oven for about 20 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they’re golden brown and the cheese is bubbling. It’s hard to resist the aroma wafting from the oven, but try to let them cool for a minute before devouring!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare—ready in just 35 minutes!
- Delicious flavor with a perfect blend of cheeses and garlic.
- Impressive appetizer that always garners compliments.
- Customizable—swap in your favorite cheeses or herbs.
- Perfect for parties, holidays, or just a cozy night in.
- Vegetarian-friendly, making it a great choice for everyone!
Tips for Success
To ensure your cheesy stuffed mushrooms turn out perfect every time, here are a few of my go-to tips! First, make sure to use fresh mushrooms for the best flavor and texture—stale ones just won’t cut it! If you want to amp up the flavor, try adding some cooked sausage or finely chopped spinach to the cheese mixture. Also, don’t skip the breadcrumbs; they add a lovely crunch that contrasts nicely with the creamy filling. Lastly, keep an eye on them in the oven; every oven is different, so check for that golden-brown color and bubbling cheese to know they’re ready!
Nutritional Information
Just a quick note: nutritional values can vary based on the brands and specific ingredients you use, but here’s a general breakdown for one cheesy stuffed mushroom:
- Calories: 80
- Fat: 6g
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Fiber: 1g
These little bites pack a flavorful punch without too much guilt, making them a fantastic addition to your appetizer spread!
FAQ Section
Can I make Cheesy Stuffed Mushrooms ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the stuffed mushrooms a few hours in advance and keep them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. Just pop them in the oven when your guests arrive for a fresh, warm treat!
What can I substitute for cream cheese?
If you want a lighter option, you can use Greek yogurt or cottage cheese instead of cream cheese. Just keep in mind that the texture and flavor will vary slightly, but they’ll still be delicious!
Can I freeze Cheesy Stuffed Mushrooms?
Yes, you can freeze them! Just prepare and stuff the mushrooms, then place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container. Bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
How do I prevent the mushrooms from getting soggy?
To avoid sogginess, be sure not to soak the mushrooms when cleaning them. Also, using fresh mushrooms and not overstuffing them will help maintain their texture while baking.
What other fillings work well in stuffed mushrooms?
You can get creative with your fillings! Consider adding cooked bacon, crab meat, or even finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for a tasty twist on the classic cheesy stuffed mushrooms.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare, trust me!), let them cool completely before storing. Place the cheesy stuffed mushrooms in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For reheating, simply pop them back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until they’re warmed through. You can also microwave them for a quicker option, but the oven will keep that lovely crispy texture intact! Enjoy those cheesy delights again!
Print
Cheesy Stuffed Mushrooms: 7 Irresistible Bites to Relish
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cheesy Stuffed Mushrooms are a delicious appetizer filled with a savory cheese mixture.
Ingredients
- 12 large mushrooms
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Clean the mushrooms and remove the stems.
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese, Parmesan, mozzarella, garlic, breadcrumbs, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Stuff each mushroom cap with the cheese mixture.
- Place the stuffed mushrooms on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown.
Notes
- Use fresh mushrooms for the best flavor.
- Adjust cheese types according to your preference.
- Serve warm for the best taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed mushroom
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Cheesy Stuffed Mushrooms