Are you looking for a simple yet impressive appetizer that will wow your guests? Look no further! This stuffed mushroom recipe, inspired by the culinary queen Ina Garten herself, is the perfect solution. These savory little bites are incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal prep time and offering a burst of delicious flavor in every bite. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is guaranteed to become a staple in your homemade cooking repertoire. It's the perfect addition to your next dinner party or a satisfying quick dinner idea for a weeknight meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound cremini mushrooms, stems removed and cleaned
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs (panko recommended for extra crunch)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup dry sherry (optional, but adds a lovely depth of flavor)
Instructions:
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the mushrooms cook evenly and develop a beautiful golden-brown color.
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Prepare the mushrooms: Gently remove the stems from the cremini mushrooms, being careful not to tear the caps. Clean the mushrooms with a damp paper towel. Finely chop the mushroom stems and set aside.
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Sauté the aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This step builds the flavorful base of your stuffing.
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Combine the stuffing ingredients: Add the chopped mushroom stems to the skillet along with the bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, thyme, salt, and pepper. If using, stir in the dry sherry. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture is heated through and slightly moistened.
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Stuff the mushrooms: Spoon the stuffing mixture generously into each mushroom cap. Arrange the stuffed mushrooms in a baking dish.
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Bake: Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the mushrooms are tender and the stuffing is golden brown and slightly crispy.
Tips and Variations:
- For extra flavor: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the stuffing for a touch of heat.
- Cheese lovers rejoice!: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. Gruyere, Swiss, or even a sharp cheddar would be delicious additions.
- Make it vegetarian: This recipe is already vegetarian, but you can easily make it vegan by using vegetable broth instead of sherry and omitting the Parmesan cheese. Nutritional yeast can be a great substitute for a cheesy flavor.
- Meal prep friendly: These stuffed mushrooms can be prepped ahead of time. Assemble the stuffed mushrooms and store them in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary based on the specific ingredients used and portion size. For a general estimate, each serving contains roughly:
- Calories: 100-150
- Fat: 7-10g
- Protein: 3-5g
- Carbohydrates: 10-15g
This delicious and easy stuffed mushroom recipe is perfect for any occasion. It's a healthy meal option that's packed with flavor, making it a great addition to your collection of best recipes. Enjoy!