Stuffed mushrooms are a small-bite winner: rich, savory caps filled with a creamy, aromatic mixture and baked until golden. I make them often for weeknight sides and party trays because they’re quick to assemble and always disappear first. One variation that inspired my version is a tangy, herbed Boursin take I love experimenting with — it’s a great starting point for swapping flavors: Boursin stuffed mushrooms.
Why Make This Recipe
- Flavor-packed bites: the mushroom cap concentrates savory umami while the filling adds texture and brightness.
- Quick and convenient: prep in about 20 minutes and bake for 20–25 minutes for a fast appetizer or side.
- Versatile for diets: easy to adapt for vegetarian or low-carb needs by swapping breadcrumbs or cheese.
- Crowd-pleaser for parties: they look elegant and hold well on a platter at 350–375°F.
- Personal insight: I love this recipe because the mushroom caps soak up flavors—one small swap (like swapping Parmesan for a sharp Pecorino) completely changes the profile. Also see this hearty stuffed option for inspiration: vegetarian wild rice stuffed mushrooms.
Recipe Overview
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cook time: 20–25 minutes (bake at 375°F / 190°C)
- Total time: 40–45 minutes
- Servings: about 12–16 stuffed mushrooms (based on 12 medium caps)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Method: Sauté chopped stems with aromatics, combine with cheese/breadcrumbs, fill caps, then bake until set and lightly browned.
My Experience Making This Recipe
I tested this version multiple times, using white button and cremini mushrooms to compare texture and moisture. I learned that pre-sautéing the stem mixture and squeezing excess moisture from sautéed bits prevents a soggy filling and concentrates flavor.
How to Make Stuffed Mushrooms
Start by cleaning 12–16 medium mushrooms and removing stems, then finely chop the stems. Sauté the chopped stems with 1 small shallot (or 1/4 cup onion) and 1 clove garlic in 1 tbsp olive oil until soft, about 4–5 minutes, then cool slightly. Mix the sautéed veggies with 4 oz cream cheese (softened), 1/4 cup grated Parmesan, 1/4 cup panko or fine breadcrumbs, 2 tbsp chopped parsley, salt and pepper; fill each cap with about 1–2 tablespoons of filling. Arrange caps on a rimmed baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 18–22 minutes, finishing under the broiler 1–2 minutes if you want a golden top.
Expert Tips for Success
- Dry the caps well: wipe with a damp cloth and pat dry; avoid washing under running water to prevent excess moisture.
- Sauté stems until golden: cook stems until they release and then reabsorb their liquid, about 5–7 minutes, to deepen flavor without making filling watery.
- Use the right binder: a combination of a soft cheese (cream cheese or Boursin) plus a small amount of panko (about 1/4 cup) gives creaminess and structure. See a creamy, herb-forward example here: Olive Garden-style stuffed mushrooms.
- Don’t overfill: mound filling slightly above the rim so mushrooms cook evenly and the filling sets without spilling.
- Broil for color: after baking at 375°F, broil for 60–90 seconds to brown the tops—watch closely to avoid burning.
How to Serve Stuffed Mushrooms
- Party tray: serve warm on a platter with toothpicks and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for color.
- As a side: pair with grilled chicken or a simple green salad to balance richness.
- On toasted crostini: place one stuffed mushroom on each crostini for an elegant hors d’oeuvre. Try a spicy twist alongside these crowd-pleasers: irresistible jalapeño popper stuffed mushrooms.
- Holiday appetizer: they travel well to potlucks if kept covered and warmed briefly before serving.
Storage and Reheating Guide
Store cooled stuffed mushrooms in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Reheat from chilled in a 350°F (175°C) oven on a baking sheet for 10–12 minutes, or until warmed through; avoid microwaving if you want to preserve texture, but 45–60 seconds can work for a quick single portion.
Recipe Variations
- Gluten-free: substitute almond flour or gluten-free panko for breadcrumbs and confirm any store-bought cheese is gluten-free.
- Dairy-free: use a plant-based cream cheese and nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor, and use olive oil to sauté.
- Spicy jalapeño popper style: fold diced jalapeño and shredded cheddar into the filling; inspiration and tested methods are here: jalapeño popper stuffed mushrooms.
- Vegetarian shift: add cooked wild rice or quinoa to the filling for a heartier, vegetarian-friendly bite, as in this tested variation: vegetarian wild rice stuffed mushrooms.
Nutritional Highlights
- Mushrooms are low in calories and a good source of B vitamins, potassium, and umami flavor that reduces the need for excess salt.
- Using moderate amounts of cheese provides protein and calcium; swap to low-fat or plant-based cheeses to reduce saturated fat.
- Allergen info: recipe commonly contains dairy, gluten (with regular breadcrumbs), and possible nuts if using almond flour—label accordingly and offer substitutions.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Soggy mushrooms: solution — dry caps thoroughly and sauté stems until the liquid evaporates; use less filler moisture.
- Filling falls apart after baking: solution — increase binder (add 1–2 tbsp more panko or 1 egg for structure) and press filling gently into caps.
- Tops brown too fast while filling stays cold: solution — bake at moderate heat (375°F) then briefly broil at the end for color, watching closely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I prepare these ahead of time?
A: Yes. Assemble the mushrooms and refrigerate uncovered for up to 6 hours before baking to keep excess moisture from collecting. For longer holds, assemble, freeze on a tray, then freeze sealed for up to 2 months; bake from frozen adding 5–8 minutes.
Q: What mushrooms work best?
A: Medium cremini or white button mushrooms are ideal because their cap size holds a good spoonful of filling. Portobello mini caps work for larger servings, but adjust bake time to 22–28 minutes at 375°F since they contain more moisture.
Q: How do I prevent the filling from tasting oily?
A: Use a balanced filling: drain any excess oil after sautéing, reduce added butter or oil to 1 tablespoon, and bind with a cheese or egg to emulsify flavors rather than relying on fat alone.
Q: Can I make these gluten-free and dairy-free without losing texture?
A: Yes — substitute gluten-free panko or ground almonds for crumbs and use a firm plant-based cream cheese plus a tablespoon of nutritional yeast for savory depth. You may need slightly more binder (an extra tablespoon of crumb) to match texture.
Stuffed Mushrooms
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12-16 stuffed mushrooms 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Rich, savory mushroom caps filled with a creamy, aromatic mixture and baked until golden.
Ingredients
- 12–16 medium mushrooms
- 1 small shallot (or 1/4 cup onion), finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup panko or fine breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Clean the mushrooms and remove the stems, then finely chop the stems.
- Sauté the chopped stems with the shallot and garlic in olive oil until soft, about 4-5 minutes, then let cool.
- Mix the sautéed mixture with cream cheese, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Fill each mushroom cap with about 1-2 tablespoons of the filling.
- Arrange the filled caps on a rimmed baking sheet and bake for 18-22 minutes, broiling for 1-2 minutes for a golden top if desired.
Notes
Dry the mushroom caps well and avoid overfilling. Use a balanced filling to prevent sogginess.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed mushroom
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg