When you need a delicious, crowd-pleasing appetizer, look no further than stuffed mushrooms! These bite-sized, cheesy, and garlicky mushrooms are baked until golden and crispy, making them the ultimate finger food for any gathering.
Perfect for holiday parties, game day, or special occasions, these mushrooms are quick to prepare, bursting with flavor, and sure to disappear fast!
Why You’ll Love These Stuffed Mushrooms
✅ Easy & Quick to Make – Prep in just 30 minutes.
✅ Perfect for Parties – A bite-sized, elegant appetizer.
✅ Loaded with Creamy, Savory Flavor – Cheese, garlic, and herbs bring richness in every bite.
✅ Golden, Crispy Topping – A crunchy panko-Parmesan finish.
✅ Make-Ahead Friendly – Prep ahead and bake fresh when needed!
What Makes These Mushrooms So Irresistible?
🍄 Tender Cremini Mushrooms – Perfect for holding all that delicious filling.
🧄 Savory Garlic & Onion Flavor – A deep, aromatic base.
🧀 Creamy & Cheesy Filling – A mix of cream cheese and Parmesan for a rich, smooth texture.
🌿 Herbaceous Fresh Thyme – Adds warmth and earthiness.
🔥 Crispy Parmesan-Panko Topping – The perfect contrast to the creamy filling.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple ingredients create an elegant, flavorful appetizer:
For the Mushroom Filling
- 16 ounces cremini mushrooms – Stems removed and finely chopped.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – For sautéing.
- ½ cup finely chopped yellow onion – Adds a slightly sweet, savory depth.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced – Enhances the flavor.
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened – Makes the filling rich and creamy.
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese – Adds sharp, nutty flavor.
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves – Brings a fresh, earthy touch.
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt – Enhances all the flavors.
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper – A hint of spice.
- ⅛-¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes – Optional, for a subtle heat.
For the Crispy Topping
- ¼ cup Panko bread crumbs – Creates a golden, crunchy top.
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese – Adds an extra cheesy touch.
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted – Helps the topping brown beautifully.
💡 Want extra crunch? Double the Panko-Parmesan topping!
How to Make Stuffed Mushrooms
These mushrooms come together in just a few simple steps:
Step 1: Prep the Oven & Baking Sheet
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
- If using a wire rack, place it on top of the baking sheet for better airflow.
💡 Baking on a wire rack prevents mushrooms from sitting in excess liquid!
Step 2: Prepare the Mushrooms
- Remove the stems from the mushrooms and finely chop them.
- Set the mushroom caps aside for stuffing.
💡 Gently twist the stems to remove them cleanly without breaking the caps!
Step 3: Cook the Mushroom Filling
- Heat olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat.
- Add chopped mushroom stems and onions, sautéing for 5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds (until fragrant).
- Remove from heat and let cool for 10-15 minutes.
💡 Letting the mixture cool slightly helps blend the cheese evenly!
Step 4: Make the Filling
- In a medium bowl, mix:
- Cream cheese
- ¼ cup Parmesan
- Thyme, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes
- Stir in the cooled sautéed mushroom mixture until smooth.
💡 For an extra cheesy filling, add ¼ cup shredded mozzarella!
Step 5: Fill the Mushrooms
- Spoon the filling into the hollow mushroom caps, rounding the tops slightly.
- Place them filling-side up on the prepared baking sheet.
💡 Use a piping bag or plastic bag with the corner snipped for easy filling!
Step 6: Make the Crispy Topping
- In a small bowl, mix:
- Panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon Parmesan
- Melted butter
- Sprinkle the topping evenly over the stuffed mushrooms.
💡 For an even crunchier top, lightly press the topping into the filling!
Step 7: Bake Until Golden
- Transfer the mushrooms to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes.
- The mushrooms should be tender, and the topping golden brown.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
💡 For an extra crispy top, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end!
Ways to Customize Your Stuffed Mushrooms
🥓 Bacon & Cheddar Mushrooms – Stir in crispy bacon and shredded cheddar.
🧀 Goat Cheese & Walnut – Swap cream cheese for goat cheese, and add chopped walnuts.
🌿 Spinach & Feta Mushrooms – Mix in sautéed spinach and crumbled feta.
🌶 Spicy Jalapeño Mushrooms – Add diced jalapeños for a kick.
🥑 Dairy-Free Option – Use vegan cream cheese and dairy-free Parmesan.
💡 For an herby touch, sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving!
What to Serve with Stuffed Mushrooms
🍷 Wine Pairing: Try with Chardonnay or Pinot Noir.
🥗 Side Salad: A simple arugula or spinach salad balances the richness.
🥖 Crusty Bread: Perfect for scooping up any extra filling!
🥩 Main Course: Serve alongside steak, grilled chicken, or pasta.
💡 Stuffed mushrooms also make a fantastic holiday appetizer!
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
🥡 Make-Ahead: Assemble the mushrooms (without topping) a few hours ahead, store covered in the fridge, then add the topping and bake before serving.
❄️ Freeze: Freeze unbaked stuffed mushrooms for up to 2 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding 5 extra minutes.
🔥 Reheat: Warm in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes or air fry at 375°F for 5 minutes.
💡 For best results, avoid microwaving—it makes the mushrooms soggy!
FAQs About Stuffed Mushrooms
Q: Can I use white mushrooms instead of cremini?
A: Yes! White button mushrooms work well, but cremini have more flavor.
Q: Can I make stuffed mushrooms gluten-free?
A: Yes! Swap Panko for gluten-free breadcrumbs or skip the topping.
Q: How do I keep my mushrooms from getting soggy?
A: Bake them on a wire rack or briefly roast them before stuffing.
Q: Can I prepare these in advance?
A: Absolutely! Stuff them up to 24 hours ahead, then add the topping and bake when ready.
Final Thoughts
These Stuffed Mushrooms are easy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, making them the perfect appetizer for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party, meal prepping, or just craving a savory snack, this delicious bite-sized treat is sure to impress!
Try this simple, crowd-pleasing recipe today, and enjoy crispy, creamy stuffed mushrooms! 🍄✨
Short version
Stuffed Mushrooms
Ingredients
- 16 ounces cremini mushrooms about 24 mushrooms
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup finely chopped yellow onion
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 4 ounces cream cheese softened to room temperature
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
- ⅛-¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes to taste
Bread Crumb Topping
- ¼ cup Panko bread crumbs
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter melted and cooled slightly
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F, placing a rack in the center position. Prepare a rimmed baking sheet by either setting an oven-safe wire rack on top (with parchment paper underneath for easy cleanup) or lining the pan with parchment paper. If baking without a wire rack, the mushrooms will sit in any liquid they release, making them slightly softer.
- Remove the mushroom stems and finely chop them for the filling. Set the mushroom caps aside.
- In a medium skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped mushroom stems and onion, sautéing for about 5 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds, then remove from heat and let cool for 10-15 minutes.
- In a medium mixing bowl, stir together the cream cheese, ¼ cup grated Parmesan, fresh thyme, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix in the sautéed mushroom stems, onions, and garlic from the skillet.
- Spoon the filling into the mushroom caps and place them, filling side up, on the prepared baking sheet.
- In a small bowl, mix the Panko bread crumbs and 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan, then stir in the melted butter. Sprinkle this topping over each stuffed mushroom.
- Carefully transfer the pan to the oven to prevent the mushrooms from rolling over. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until the mushrooms are tender and the topping is golden brown. Serve warm.
Notes
