Get ready to delight your guests (and yourself!) with these utterly Irresistible Garlic Herb & Parmesan Stuffed Mushrooms. Imagine tender mushroom caps, brimming with a savory, golden-brown filling packed with garlic, fresh herbs, and salty Parmesan cheese, all baked to perfection. These bite-sized morsels are special because of their incredible depth of flavor and satisfying texture, achieved with surprisingly simple ingredients. They are perfect as an elegant appetizer for dinner parties, a crowd-pleasing snack for game day, or whenever you crave a savory, satisfying bite. You’ll be amazed at how quickly these sophisticated-looking treats come together, destined to disappear fast!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 40-45 mins (includes baking time)
Servings: Approx. 20-24 mushrooms (makes a generous appetizer platter)
Ingredients:
For the Garlic Herb & Parmesan Stuffed Mushrooms:
- 24 medium Cremini Mushrooms
- 3 tbsp Olive Oil, divided
- 1 small Onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup Panko Breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese, plus extra for topping
- 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp Fresh Thyme Leaves, chopped
- 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
- Pinch of Salt
- 2 tbsp Unsalted Butter, melted for richer topping
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven & Prepare Mushrooms: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Gently clean the mushrooms with a damp paper towel. Carefully remove the stems by wiggling them or using a small spoon; set the caps aside. Finely chop the mushroom stems.
- Sauté Aromatics & Stems: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the chopped mushroom stems and minced garlic. Cook for another 5-7 minutes, until the mushrooms have released their liquid and it has mostly evaporated, and the mixture is fragrant.
- Make the Filling: Remove the skillet from the heat. Add the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, thyme, black pepper, and a pinch of salt to the skillet with the cooked mushroom mixture. Stir well to combine everything. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Prepare Caps for Stuffing: Lightly brush the mushroom caps all over with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Arrange them, cavity-side up, in a baking dish or on a baking sheet.
- Stuff the Mushrooms: Carefully spoon the prepared filling into each mushroom cap, mounding it slightly. Don’t pack it too tightly.
- Top & Bake: If using, drizzle the tops of the stuffed mushrooms with the melted butter. Sprinkle with a little extra Parmesan cheese.
- Bake Until Golden: Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the mushrooms are tender and the topping is golden brown and bubbly.
- Rest & Serve: Let the stuffed mushrooms cool for a few minutes before serving, as the filling will be very hot. Garnish with a little extra fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy these savory bites warm!
Recipe Notes:
- Mushroom Selection: Cremini (baby bella) mushrooms offer a deeper, earthier flavor than white button mushrooms, but both work wonderfully. Try to pick mushrooms that are similar in size for even baking.
- Cleaning Mushrooms: Avoid washing mushrooms under running water as they absorb moisture like sponges. A gentle wipe with a damp paper towel or a soft brush is best.
- Chopping Stems: Finely chopping the stems ensures they cook down well and integrate seamlessly into the filling, adding extra mushroom flavor.
- Breadcrumb Choice: Panko breadcrumbs provide a lighter, crispier texture for the filling compared to regular breadcrumbs, but regular fine dry breadcrumbs can be substituted.
- Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Gruyère, Asiago, or even a bit of cream cheese mixed into the filling for extra creaminess.
- Herb Power: Fresh herbs truly elevate the flavor. If using dried herbs, remember that they are more potent, so use about one-third the amount of fresh.
- Make-Ahead Tip: You can prepare the filling and stuff the mushrooms a few hours ahead. Cover and refrigerate. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Ensure the mushrooms are not too crowded in the baking dish so they roast rather than steam, leading to a better texture.
There you have it – a platter of absolutely irresistible Garlic Herb & Parmesan Stuffed Mushrooms, ready to impress! These savory bites are a testament to how simple ingredients can create truly elegant and delicious results. We hope you and your guests adore this classic appetizer! Happy cooking!
