If you’re searching for the perfect holiday appetizer, look no further than Christmas Stuffed Mushrooms. This elegant and easy-to-make dish combines rich flavors, seasonal ingredients, and a touch of festive flair. Whether you’re hosting a Christmas party or preparing a cozy family dinner, these stuffed mushrooms are guaranteed to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Festive Flavors: Features savory stuffing with herbs and spices reminiscent of Christmas.
- Easy to Prepare: Simple steps and minimal prep time make it perfect for busy holiday schedules.
- Elegant Presentation: These bite-sized treats look as good as they taste.
Ingredients
For this recipe, you’ll need:
Mushroom Caps:
- 16–20 large button mushrooms or cremini mushrooms
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Stuffing:
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tbsp dried)
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp rosemary, finely chopped
- ¼ cup cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup cooked and crumbled bacon (optional)
- 2 tbsp melted butter
Instructions
1. Prep the Mushrooms
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Clean the mushrooms with a damp paper towel and remove the stems. Hollow out the caps slightly if needed for more filling space.
- Toss the mushroom caps in olive oil, salt, and pepper, and arrange them on a baking sheet.
2. Prepare the Stuffing
- In a bowl, mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic, parsley, thyme, and rosemary.
- Add cream cheese, bacon (if using), and melted butter. Stir until the mixture forms a thick, cohesive filling.
3. Stuff the Mushrooms
- Spoon the stuffing into each mushroom cap, pressing gently to fill them evenly. For extra flair, sprinkle additional Parmesan on top.
4. Bake
- Bake the mushrooms in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown on top.
5. Serve and Enjoy
- Let the mushrooms cool for a few minutes before transferring to a serving platter. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a festive touch.
Tips for Perfect Stuffed Mushrooms
- Choose the Right Mushrooms: Button mushrooms or cremini mushrooms are ideal for stuffing due to their firm texture.
- Make Ahead: Prep the stuffing and mushrooms in advance, and bake just before serving.
- Customizable Filling: Add chopped spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or diced bell peppers for added flavor and color.
Pairing Suggestions
Serve these Christmas Stuffed Mushrooms alongside:
- Holiday Cocktails: Mulled wine or sparkling cranberry mocktail.
- Main Dishes: Roast turkey, glazed ham, or a hearty vegetarian lasagna.
- Side Dishes: Garlic mashed potatoes and roasted Brussels sprouts.
Conclusion
This recipe for Christmas Stuffed Mushrooms brings together classic flavors, seasonal herbs, and a touch of sophistication. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a novice in the kitchen, these mushrooms will make your Christmas celebration even more special.
Serving and Storage Tips for Christmas Stuffed Mushrooms
Serving Tips
- Serve Warm: These stuffed mushrooms taste best when served hot or warm. To keep them warm for a party, place them on a warming tray or in a chafing dish.
- Garnish for Extra Festivity: Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or a touch of red pepper flakes for color and flavor just before serving.
- Perfect for a Platter: Arrange the mushrooms on a decorative platter and pair with other festive appetizers like cheese balls, deviled eggs, or mini quiches.
Storage Tips
- Refrigeration:
- Leftovers: Store any leftover stuffed mushrooms in an airtight container.
- Shelf Life: They will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing:
- Before Baking: If you want to make these ahead, assemble the stuffed mushrooms and freeze them unbaked. Place them on a tray to freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag.
- After Baking: Baked stuffed mushrooms can also be frozen but may lose some texture.
- Reheating:
- Oven: Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–12 minutes to maintain crispness.
- Microwave: For quick reheating, microwave in 20-second intervals, but note they may soften more.
Make-Ahead Option
- Assemble the stuffed mushrooms a day before your event and store them covered in the refrigerator. Bake them fresh on the day of serving for the best flavor and texture.
With these serving and storage tips, your Christmas Stuffed Mushrooms will be a hit at the holiday table and a breeze to prepare in advance! 🎄
1. Can I make stuffed mushrooms ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the stuffed mushrooms up to a day in advance. Assemble them fully and store them in the refrigerator in an airtight container. When ready to serve, bake them fresh as directed in the recipe for the best flavor and texture.
2. Can I make these stuffed mushrooms vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the bacon and use vegetarian Parmesan or nutritional yeast for the cheese. You can also add finely chopped spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or diced vegetables to enhance the flavor.
3. What can I use instead of breadcrumbs?
If you’re avoiding breadcrumbs, you can substitute almond flour, crushed crackers, or cooked quinoa for a gluten-free and equally delicious filling. Adjust the quantity as needed to achieve the right texture.
4. How do I keep stuffed mushrooms from getting soggy?
To avoid soggy mushrooms:
- Don’t soak mushrooms in water when cleaning—use a damp cloth to wipe them instead.
- Pre-bake the mushroom caps for 5–7 minutes to release excess moisture, then drain them on a paper towel before stuffing and baking.
- Avoid overloading the stuffing with wet ingredients like cream cheese.
Best Christmas Stuffed Mushrooms
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 stuffed mushrooms 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These stuffed mushrooms are a festive appetizer featuring tender mushroom caps filled with a creamy, cheesy mixture enhanced with fresh herbs and a crispy breadcrumb topping. They’re easy to prepare and sure to be a hit at any holiday gathering.
Ingredients
- 16 ounces (about 24) cremini or white button mushrooms
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Mushrooms:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Gently clean the mushrooms with a damp paper towel to remove any dirt.
- Remove the stems and finely chop them; set aside.
- Place the mushroom caps, cavity side up, on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Make the Filling:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chopped mushroom stems and onion; sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
- In a bowl, combine the sautéed mixture with cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, fresh thyme, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well incorporated.
- Stuff the Mushrooms:
- Spoon the filling into each mushroom cap, mounding it slightly.
- Prepare the Topping:
- In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with melted butter until the crumbs are evenly coated.
- Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the stuffed mushrooms.
- Bake:
- Drizzle the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the mushrooms.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, until the mushrooms are tender and the tops are golden brown.
- Serve:
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- For added flavor, consider mixing finely chopped cooked bacon or sautéed spinach into the filling.
- These mushrooms can be assembled a few hours in advance and baked just before serving.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through.