Irresistible Cream Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms – Easy Side Dish & Appetizer Recipe!
There’s just something about stuffed mushrooms that feels like a warm hug, don’t you think? Especially when they’re filled with rich, creamy cheese! Every bite feels like such a treat, with that soft, savory mushroom hugging all the goodness inside. They’re perfect for a cozy night in when you want something indulgent but easy to make. Picture it: a plate of these little bites, your favorite blanket, and a movie—pure bliss!
What I love most about these stuffed mushrooms is the creaminess of the filling! The way the cream cheese melts just a little as they bake makes them so irresistible. And that garlicky, cheesy flavor is a dream. You don’t even need a lot of ingredients for it to taste amazing. It’s like comfort food at its finest—so satisfying without being over the top. Once you have one, you just can’t stop!
And let’s talk about the aroma that fills your kitchen while these are baking—oh my gosh! The smell of garlic and mushrooms together is one of my favorite things. It’s cozy and makes your home feel so welcoming, like you’re about to sit down for something truly special. By the time they come out of the oven, it’s almost impossible to resist sneaking one before they’ve even cooled down!
These stuffed mushrooms are perfect when you want a snack that feels indulgent but is actually pretty simple to make. They’re one of those recipes you’ll come back to over and over again, especially when you want a cozy little treat to make you feel good! Trust me, once you’ve tried them, they’ll become your go-to comfort bite!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Easy to make: It’s one of those recipes you can throw together with minimal effort. With just a few ingredients, you’ve got a delicious snack or appetizer ready!
- Creamy and flavorful: The combination of cream cheese, garlic, and Parmesan gives it a rich, cheesy flavor that’s hard to resist. Every bite is full of indulgent, savory goodness.
- Great for sharing: Perfect for parties or gatherings, everyone loves picking up a stuffed mushroom and popping it in their mouth. Plus, they look adorable on the table!
- Perfect comfort food: These mushrooms are like little bites of cozy. They’re warm, creamy, and satisfying—everything you want when you’re craving something comforting.
- A few ingredients: You don’t need to stock up on a long list of items. Just grab some mushrooms, cream cheese, and a few pantry staples to whip this up quickly!
- Customizable: You can easily adjust this recipe by adding your favorite herbs or spices. Want more heat? Add chili flakes! Prefer fresh herbs? Toss in some basil or thyme.
- This recipe is also keto and low-carb friendly, making it a great option for those following these diets!
Ingredients Needed
- Mushrooms: Choose large, firm mushrooms for the best stuffing experience. Button or cremini mushrooms work great!
- Cream Cheese: Opt for full-fat cream cheese for a rich, creamy texture that blends beautifully with the other flavors.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a wonderful depth of flavor. If you’re short on time, you can use pre-minced garlic for convenience!
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan enhances the savory taste. Feel free to substitute with another hard cheese if you prefer!
- Fresh Parsley: Fresh herbs brighten up the dish and add a pop of color. If you don’t have parsley, you can use other herbs like chives or basil!
- Olive Oil: A drizzle of olive oil helps with sautéing and adds healthy fats. You can also use melted butter for a richer flavor!
- Breadcrumbs (optional): Breadcrumbs give a nice crunch to the topping. You can use gluten-free breadcrumbs if you want to keep it gluten-free!
How To Make: Step-By-Step
Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). This ensures that your mushrooms will bake evenly and get that lovely golden color.
Prepare the Mushrooms: Start by cleaning the mushrooms. Gently wipe each mushroom with a damp cloth or paper towel to remove any dirt. Avoid washing them directly in water, as mushrooms absorb liquid easily and may become too soggy. Once clean, carefully remove the stems and discard them, leaving just the mushroom caps for stuffing.
Make the Creamy Filling: In a medium-sized bowl, add softened cream cheese. It’s important to use room-temperature cream cheese so it blends easily. Add minced garlic for a burst of flavor, grated Parmesan for richness, and some chopped fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or chives. Sprinkle in a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Mix everything together until you have a smooth and well-combined filling. Taste it at this stage to adjust seasoning if needed.
Stuff the Mushroom Caps: Take each mushroom cap and use a small spoon to scoop the cream cheese mixture into the center of each one. Fill them generously, packing the filling tightly so it stays in place. You can slightly mound the filling over the top to create a nice dome shape.
Bake the Mushrooms: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup. Arrange the stuffed mushrooms on the baking sheet, making sure they’re spaced apart so they cook evenly. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the mushrooms are tender and the tops of the filling turn golden brown. If you want extra crispiness on top, you can broil them for an additional 1-2 minutes at the end of baking.
Serve Warm: Once done, remove the mushrooms from the oven and let them cool for a couple of minutes. Transfer them to a serving platter and garnish with extra parsley if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Tips & Ideas
- Experiment with Herbs and Spices: Feel free to get creative with your herbs! Adding thyme, oregano, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes can enhance the flavor profile. Just be careful not to overpower the delicate taste of the mushrooms.
- Try Different Cheeses: If you want to switch it up, consider using different types of cheese. Feta cheese, goat cheese, or even a sharp cheddar can provide a unique twist to the filling!
- Add Protein: For a heartier filling, you can mix in some cooked sausage, bacon, or shredded chicken. This not only adds protein but also makes the stuffed mushrooms even more satisfying.
- Serve with Dipping Sauce: Pair the stuffed mushrooms with a dipping sauce for an extra layer of flavor! A simple garlic aioli, marinara, or even a balsamic glaze can elevate the dish.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the stuffed mushrooms ahead of time. Just assemble them and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. This is a great time-saver for parties or gatherings!
Alternatives
- Gluten-Free Option: If you want to keep it gluten-free, skip the breadcrumbs altogether or use gluten-free breadcrumbs. You can also mix crushed nuts, like almonds or walnuts, into the filling for added crunch.
- Vegan Alternative: To make a vegan version, substitute the cream cheese with a plant-based cream cheese or homemade cashew cream. Use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor, and consider adding sautéed vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
- Different Mushrooms: While button and cremini mushrooms are classic choices, you can also experiment with larger mushrooms like portobello for a more substantial bite. Just adjust the cooking time as needed!
Irresistible Cream Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms – Easy Side Dish & Appetizer Recipe!
Ingredients
- 12 large mushrooms (stems removed)
- 200 g cream cheese (softened)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced) (or more if you like)
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 2 tbsp breadcrumbs for a crunchy topping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Prep the Mushrooms: Clean the mushrooms by gently wiping them with a damp cloth or paper towel. Remove the stems and discard them, leaving the mushroom caps ready for filling. Alternatively, you can dice steams and incorporate them into the filling to minimize waste.
- Make the Filling: In a bowl, combine softened cream cheese, minced garlic, grated Parmesan, herbs like parsley or thyme, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
- Stuff the Mushrooms: Spoon the cream cheese mixture into the mushroom caps, filling them generously. Pack the filling in firmly to ensure it stays in place while baking.
- Bake the Mushrooms: Arrange the stuffed mushrooms on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until the mushrooms are tender and the tops are golden brown.
- Serve: Garnish with extra parsley if desired, and enjoy warm.
Notes
- Choose Fresh Mushrooms: Select firm, fresh mushrooms that are free from blemishes. Larger mushrooms are ideal for stuffing, as they hold more filling and create a better presentation.
- Don’t Overcook the Filling: When sautéing the mushroom stems and garlic, cook just until softened. Overcooking can lead to a mushy filling, which won’t hold its shape when stuffed.
- Use Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Let the cream cheese sit out for a bit before using it. Room temperature cream cheese mixes more easily with other ingredients and results in a smoother filling.
- Pack the Filling Tightly: When stuffing the mushroom caps, pack the filling firmly to ensure it stays in place during baking. A generous amount also creates a more satisfying bite!
- Bake Until Golden: Keep an eye on the mushrooms as they bake. They should be golden on top and tender throughout. Broiling them for a minute or two at the end can help achieve that perfect color.
- Serve Warm: Stuffed mushrooms are best enjoyed warm. If you need to prepare them in advance, you can bake them and then reheat them gently before serving to retain their flavor and texture.
