Are you looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further! These BJ's Brewhouse Stuffed Mushrooms capture the essence of that famous restaurant favorite, bringing restaurant-quality taste right to your kitchen table. This recipe is perfect for game nights, parties, or a cozy night in – a delicious addition to any meal. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this simple yet elegant dish!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound large white mushrooms
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup crumbled cooked bacon (or substitute with 1/4 cup chopped cooked pancetta for a richer flavor)
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs (panko recommended for extra crispiness)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Mushrooms
- Gently remove the stems from the mushrooms and finely chop them. Reserve the mushroom caps. You can use a spoon to easily scoop out the gills, making cleaning easier.
Step 2: Sauté the Filling
- Heat the olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Stir in the chopped mushroom stems, bacon (or pancetta), and cook for another 3-5 minutes, until the mushrooms are tender.
Step 3: Combine the Filling
- Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
Step 4: Stuff the Mushrooms
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet.
- Fill each mushroom cap generously with the stuffing mixture.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
- Arrange the stuffed mushrooms on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the mushrooms are tender and the filling is golden brown and heated through.
Tips and Variations:
- For an extra cheesy kick, sprinkle some extra Parmesan cheese over the stuffed mushrooms before baking.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling for a touch of heat. This is a great way to add some zest to this easy recipe.
- You can substitute the bacon with cooked sausage or ground beef for a different flavor profile. Experiment to find your perfect combination!
- If you don’t have fresh parsley, you can use 1 teaspoon of dried parsley instead. However, fresh herbs always add a superior taste.
- For a creamier filling, stir in 1-2 tablespoons of cream cheese along with the other ingredients.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 150-200
- Fat: 10-15g
- Protein: 5-7g
- Carbohydrates: 10-15g
This BJ's Brewhouse Stuffed Mushroom recipe is a delicious and easy appetizer that is perfect for any occasion. It’s a quick dinner idea, perfect for homemade cooking, and guaranteed to become one of your best recipes. Enjoy!