Cooking Cheese Steak Stuffed Mushrooms To Perfection

There are many different recipes for cheese-steak stuffed mushrooms, but most recommend cooking them at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 15-20 minutes. However, some recipes suggest cooking at 400 or 425 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes. The cooking time will depend on the size of the mushrooms and the amount of filling. It's important to note that the mushrooms should be cleaned and prepared before cooking, and some recipes recommend brushing them with olive oil or butter to prevent them from drying out.

How to prepare the mushrooms for cooking

How to Prepare Mushrooms for Cooking

Cleaning Mushrooms

Mushrooms are grown in organic material, so they will likely be dirty when you purchase them. The amount of cleaning required will depend on how dirty the mushrooms are. If they are very dirty, you can rinse them under cold running water for about 10 seconds and then gently dry them with a paper towel. If they are only a little dirty, you can simply wipe them with a paper towel.

Removing the Stems

The next step is to remove the stems from the mushrooms. You can do this by popping out the stems with your fingers or cutting them out with a knife. If the stems are tough or woody, you can snap or cut them off and discard them. If the stems are not too tough, you can trim off and discard any hard or dry ends.

Chopping the Mushrooms

Once the stems have been removed, you can chop the mushrooms to your desired size and thickness. You can slice or chop them into small pieces, or you can cut them into wedges or crosswise if they are larger mushrooms. Don't worry too much about making perfect cuts, as mushrooms shrink when cooked, and any imperfections will not be noticeable.

Preparing for Stuffing

If you are making stuffed mushrooms, you can use a melon baller to create a larger cavity for the filling. Simply scoop out the centre of each mushroom cap to make room for more stuffing.

Slicing Techniques

For quartered mushrooms, place the mushroom stem-side-down on a cutting board and slice it into the desired thickness. For sliced mushrooms, trim off the stem to create a flat base, then slice the mushroom from top to bottom.

How to make the cheese steak filling

Firstly, you will need to prepare your mushrooms for stuffing. Use a damp paper towel to brush off any dirt from the mushrooms. Remove the stems and cut away and discard any tough ends. Finely chop the stems, as these will be used in your filling.

Next, melt some butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped mushroom stems, along with some chopped onion and a pinch of salt. Cook this mixture, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and fragrant, which should take about 5 minutes. Then, add your choice of herbs, such as rosemary or thyme, and cook for another minute or so. Before the herbs begin to brown, scrape the mixture into a bowl and set it aside to cool.

Now, it's time to toast your breadcrumbs. Place them in the same skillet over medium-low heat and cook, stirring, until they are lightly toasted. This should only take about a minute.

Once your filling has cooled down, stir in your choice of shredded cheese. You can use something melty like sharp cheddar, mozzarella, Swiss, or a combination of cheeses.

Finally, toss your mushroom caps with olive oil to prevent them from drying out in the oven, and then stuff them with your delicious cheese steak filling.

Your mushrooms are now ready to be baked!

How long to cook the mushrooms for

To cook cheese steak stuffed mushrooms at 350 degrees Fahrenheit, you should allow 15 to 20 minutes for the mushrooms to cook through.

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175–177°C). While the oven is heating, prepare your mushrooms by cleaning them with a damp paper towel and removing the stems. Chop the stems finely and cook them in a skillet with butter, onions, garlic, and herbs. Allow this mixture to cool, then stir in your chosen cheese. You can also add breadcrumbs at this stage for extra crispness.

Next, toss the mushroom caps in olive oil and season with pepper. Arrange them cavity-side-up on a baking sheet or oven-safe skillet. Stuff the caps with your filling and top with more cheese or breadcrumbs.

Bake in the oven for 15 to 20 minutes, until the cheese has melted and the mushrooms are soft. The filling should be hot and you may see liquid forming under the caps.

If you are making a large batch, you may need to allow a little extra cooking time.

How to store leftover mushrooms

Storing leftover mushrooms is a tricky business, as they are delicate and perishable. Here are some tips to help you keep them fresh and slime-free for as long as possible:

• Use a paper bag: As mushrooms age, they release water. A paper bag will absorb this moisture, keeping the mushrooms dry and fresh. This is the best way to store leftover mushrooms and will help prevent them from spoiling.
• Use a paper towel: If you don't have a paper bag, you can place the mushrooms in a bowl and wrap them in a paper towel. The paper towel will absorb moisture, just like the paper bag, and help keep the mushrooms fresh.
• Avoid plastic: Do not store mushrooms in a sealed plastic container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Plastic traps moisture, which can cause the mushrooms to become slimy, discoloured, and mouldy. If you must use plastic, poke some holes in it to allow ventilation.
• Don't wash before storing: Washing mushrooms before storing will shorten their shelf life by increasing moisture. It is best to clean them right before you are ready to use them.
• Store in the fridge: Mushrooms should be stored in a cool, dry place. The refrigerator is ideal, and they will last longer if placed in the fridge rather than on the counter.
• Use within a week: Even when stored properly, whole mushrooms should be used within about a week of purchase. Sliced mushrooms should be used within three days.
• Freeze for longer storage: If you want to keep the mushrooms for longer than a week, consider freezing them. However, freezing will likely affect their texture, so it is best to use these mushrooms for flavouring stocks or chopping them into veggie burgers rather than trying to fry them.
• Other storage options: You can also dehydrate or briefly cook and then freeze mushrooms for long-term storage.

By following these tips, you can help ensure that your leftover mushrooms stay fresh and tasty for as long as possible.

What to serve with the mushrooms

There are many options for what to serve with cheese steak stuffed mushrooms. They can be served as a side dish or an appetizer.

As a Side Dish

If you're looking for a more substantial meal, serve your cheese steak stuffed mushrooms as a side dish alongside a main course. Some options for main courses that would pair well with the mushrooms include:

• Steak
• Roast chicken
• Pork chops
• Sausage links
• Chicken skewers
• Garlic steak
• Grilled flank steak
• Tri-tip
• Chicken lasagna
• Lasagna

As an Appetizer

Cheese steak stuffed mushrooms also make for a great appetizer, especially for parties. If serving them as an appetizer, consider pairing them with other bite-sized foods such as:

• Ginger shrimp skewers
• Smoked salmon dip
• Bacon-wrapped shrimp
• Crab cakes
• Spinach artichoke dip
• Breadsticks
• Chicken wings

Frequently asked questions