Recipe Stuffed Mushrooms with Cream Cheese

Stuffed mushrooms with cream cheese make for a delicious and elegant appetizer. The combination of earthy mushrooms, creamy cheese, and savory herbs creates a rich and satisfying dish. This easy-to-follow recipe will guide you through creating the perfect stuffed mushrooms, ideal for any occasion.

Ingredients

• Vegetable oil: 1-2 tsp
• Mushrooms (button or cremini): 650-700 g
• Butter: 2 tbsp
• Garlic: 2 cloves (minced)
• Breadcrumbs: 25 g
• Salt: to taste
• Ground black pepper: to taste
• Parmesan cheese: 50 g (grated)
• Cream cheese: 120 g
• Fresh thyme: 2-3 sprigs (chopped)
• Fresh parsley: 6-8 sprigs (chopped)

Method

1. Prepare the oven and mushrooms: Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F). Lightly grease a baking sheet with 1-2 teaspoons of vegetable oil. Remove the stems from the mushrooms and finely chop them, setting the mushroom caps aside on the baking sheet.
2. Cook the mushroom stems: In a medium pan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the chopped mushroom stems and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the liquid from the mushrooms has evaporated.
3. Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute, ensuring it becomes fragrant but does not burn.
4. Toast the breadcrumbs: Add the breadcrumbs to the pan and continue stirring for about 3 minutes, until they become lightly golden and toasted.
5. Season the filling: Remove the pan from heat and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the mixture cool slightly before proceeding.
6. Mix the filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the sautéed mushroom mixture with half of the grated Parmesan cheese, the cream cheese, chopped thyme, and a portion of the parsley. Mix until the ingredients are well combined, and season again with salt and pepper if needed.
7. Stuff the mushrooms: Spoon the filling into the mushroom caps, dividing it evenly. Arrange the stuffed mushrooms on the prepared baking sheet, then sprinkle the tops with the remaining Parmesan cheese.
8. Bake the mushrooms: Bake the stuffed mushrooms in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the tops are golden and the mushrooms are tender.
9. Garnish and serve: Once baked, remove the mushrooms from the oven and sprinkle with the remaining chopped parsley. Serve warm and enjoy!

These stuffed mushrooms are perfect as a starter or party appetizer, pairing well with a variety of main dishes or enjoyed on their own.