If you’re searching for a delicious appetizer that packs a punch of flavor and is incredibly satisfying, this Parmesan and Garlic Stuffed Mushrooms Recipe is exactly what you need. Each bite offers the perfect balance of earthy mushrooms, savory Parmesan, zesty garlic, and fragrant herbs, making it an irresistible treat whether you’re entertaining guests or simply craving something special at home. It’s a truly effortless recipe that transforms simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might seem straightforward, but each plays a vital role in creating the perfect harmony of flavor and texture in this Parmesan and Garlic Stuffed Mushrooms Recipe. The fresh parsley adds brightness, the lemon juice gives a hint of tang, and the Parmesan cheese brings a rich, savory depth that ties everything together beautifully.
- 12 medium white mushrooms: Make sure they are firm and clean, as they serve as the perfect vessel for the stuffing.
- 1/4 cup olive oil: Adds moisture and helps blend the flavors smoothly.
- Small handful parsley (chopped): Offers a fresh herbal note that lifts the dish.
- Juice from 1 lemon: Provides a subtle brightness to cut through the richness.
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (grated): Brings a salty, umami depth essential for the stuffing.
- 1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs: Gives the filling structure and a pleasant, slightly crunchy texture.
- 6 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the stuffing with aromatic punch and warmth.
- 1/4 tsp dried thyme: Delivers a gentle earthy herb flavor that complements the mushrooms.
- Salt & pepper (to taste): Enhances and balances all the flavors in the dish.
- Water (if using blender): Helps achieve the right texture for the stuffing when blending ingredients.
How to Make Parmesan and Garlic Stuffed Mushrooms Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Mushrooms
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lining a baking sheet with foil. This simple prep step ensures easy cleanup afterward. Then, carefully remove the stems from each mushroom using your hands or a knife, setting the caps aside to be stuffed later.
Step 2: Process the Mushroom Stems
Gather the mushroom stems and place them in a food processor or blender. These stems add an intense mushroom flavor and make the stuffing more cohesive and hearty, so don’t discard them.
Step 3: Combine Your Stuffing Ingredients
To the food processor or blender with the mushroom stems, add olive oil, chopped parsley, lemon juice, grated Parmesan, Italian breadcrumbs, minced garlic, dried thyme, plus salt and pepper. If you’re blending, add water gradually—beginning with about 1/4 cup—to help everything come together into a smooth yet textured mixture. You might need to stop and stir it occasionally to blend evenly.
Step 4: Stuff the Mushrooms
Using a spoon or your fingers, pack the mushroom caps generously with the flavorful stuffing. Don’t be shy here—stuff them fully for maximum taste and texture in every bite. Once the mushrooms are loaded, arrange them neatly on your prepared baking sheet, ready for roasting.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pop your stuffed mushrooms into the oven and bake for about 30 minutes. During this time, the mushrooms soften and release their juices, while the stuffing becomes golden, crisp on top, and beautifully set. When done, they’re irresistibly fragrant and ready to be enjoyed warm or cold.
How to Serve Parmesan and Garlic Stuffed Mushrooms Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a faint dusting of extra Parmesan cheese right before serving adds an eye-catching pop of color and flavor. A quick drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a light squeeze of fresh lemon juice can elevate the mushrooms even further, making every bite shine.
Side Dishes
This Parmesan and Garlic Stuffed Mushrooms Recipe pairs beautifully with a vibrant green salad, crusty bread, or even a smooth, creamy risotto. They also work wonders alongside grilled meats or roasted vegetables, complementing a wide variety of meals with their savory charm.
Creative Ways to Present
To impress your guests, try placing these stuffed mushrooms on individual appetizer spoons or serving them atop a bed of mixed greens for a stylish look. For a party, arrange them on a tiered platter or serve with skewers as finger food—easy to grab, delightful to eat!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (though they rarely last long!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to 3 days, retaining most of their flavor and texture.
Freezing
While these mushrooms are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the stuffing mixture separately for up to a month. When ready to use, thaw the mixture in the refrigerator and stuff fresh mushroom caps before baking as usual for a close-to-fresh experience.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 to 15 minutes until warmed through. This method helps maintain that lovely crispness on top while ensuring the filling remains juicy and flavorful.
FAQs
Can I use other types of mushrooms for this recipe?
Absolutely! While medium white mushrooms work best for their size and flavor, cremini or baby portobello mushrooms are fantastic alternatives. Just make sure they are firm and roughly the same size for even cooking.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Swap the Parmesan cheese with a vegan cheese substitute or nutritional yeast for that cheesy taste. Replace the breadcrumbs with gluten-free or vegan options if needed, and use olive oil as the fat source—this will still yield great results.
How spicy is this Parmesan and Garlic Stuffed Mushrooms Recipe?
This recipe is designed to be flavorful but mild, focusing on the garlic and Parmesan rather than heat. If you like a little kick, you could add crushed red pepper flakes to the stuffing to suit your taste.
Can I prepare the stuffing mixture in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffing up to a day ahead and refrigerate it. When ready to bake, just stuff the mushrooms and follow the baking instructions. This makes for convenient meal planning or entertaining.
What if I don’t have a food processor or blender?
No worries! You can finely chop the mushroom stems and garlic by hand, then mix all stuffing ingredients in a bowl. The texture will be a bit different but still delicious and satisfying.
Final Thoughts
This Parmesan and Garlic Stuffed Mushrooms Recipe is a timeless, crowd-pleasing dish that balances simplicity with rich, savory flavors. Easy to make and irresistibly tasty, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll reach for again and again. So go on, treat yourself and your loved ones to these delightful bites—you might just find your new favorite appetizer!
Print
Parmesan and Garlic Stuffed Mushrooms Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 stuffed mushrooms
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Parmesan and Garlic Stuffed Mushrooms are a flavorful appetizer perfect for any occasion. Tender mushroom caps are filled with a savory mixture of mushroom stems, garlic, parmesan cheese, Italian breadcrumbs, fresh parsley, and herbs, then baked until golden and aromatic. They’re delicious served warm or cold and reheat beautifully, making them ideal for parties or a tasty snack.
Ingredients
Mushrooms
- 12 medium white mushrooms
Stuffing
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Small handful parsley, chopped
- Juice from 1 lemon
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 tsp dried thyme
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Additional
- Water (if using blender), about 1/4 cup
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup.
- Prepare Mushrooms: Use your hands or a knife to gently remove the stems from the mushrooms. Set the caps aside and place the stems into a food processor or blender.
- Make Stuffing Mixture: Add olive oil, chopped parsley, lemon juice, grated parmesan cheese, Italian breadcrumbs, minced garlic, dried thyme, and salt and pepper to the food processor or blender with the mushroom stems. If using a blender, add around 1/4 cup of water to help blend the mixture smoothly. Occasionally stir as needed to combine everything evenly.
- Stuff Mushrooms: Spoon the prepared stuffing into each mushroom cap, packing it generously to fill each one well.
- Bake: Arrange the stuffed mushrooms on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, until they are golden, cooked through, and fragrant.
- Serve: Enjoy the stuffed mushrooms warm or cold. They also reheat well, making them suitable for serving later.
Notes
- You can prepare the stuffing mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to a day before stuffing the mushrooms.
- To make this recipe vegetarian compliant, ensure the parmesan cheese used is free of animal rennet.
- For a crispier top, switch the oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- These mushrooms make a great appetizer or side dish for dinner parties or holiday gatherings.
