Cheese-Stuffed Mushrooms: How Long Do They Stay Fresh?

Cheese-stuffed mushrooms are a delicious appetizer, but how long do they last? When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, cooked cheese-stuffed mushrooms can last for up to four days. Uncooked stuffed mushrooms can be stored in the freezer for up to three months and then cooked directly from frozen.

How to make cheese-stuffed mushrooms

Cheese-stuffed mushrooms are a great appetizer or side dish that can be made in advance and frozen for up to three months. They are also easy to make and can be adapted to your favourite cheeses and ingredients. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make cheese-stuffed mushrooms:

Ingredients:

• 20 white button or cremini mushrooms
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 cup chopped onion (half a medium onion)
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic (4-5 cloves)
• 2 teaspoons chopped fresh rosemary or thyme
• 2 ounces shredded cheese (sharp cheddar, mozzarella, Swiss, or a combination)
• 3 tablespoons breadcrumbs (panko or homemade)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or chives for serving (optional)

Method:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Using a damp paper towel, brush any dirt off the mushrooms.
• Remove the stems from the mushrooms and cut away and discard any hard bits. Finely mince the remaining stems.
• Add the mushroom caps to a rimmed baking sheet or oven-safe skillet, ensuring they are in a single layer.
• Toss the caps with olive oil and season lightly with pepper. Arrange them cavity-side-up.
• Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onions, chopped mushroom stems, and a pinch of salt. Cook until the onions are soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
• Add the garlic and herbs and cook for another minute. Set the mixture aside to cool.
• In the same skillet, toast the breadcrumbs over medium-low heat for about a minute.
• Stir the cheese into the onion and garlic mixture.
• Divide the filling between the mushroom caps and sprinkle with toasted breadcrumbs.
• Bake the mushrooms for 15-20 minutes, until the cheese has melted and the mushrooms are softened.
• Serve with chopped fresh herbs and black pepper on top.

Tips:

• You can use parsley instead of or in addition to rosemary or thyme.
• If using dried herbs, 3/4 teaspoon of dried rosemary or thyme, or Italian seasoning, will work.
• You can add bacon or sausage to the filling. Cook them first, then stir them into the mixture.
• If you have any leftover filling, you can add it to scrambled eggs, omelettes, or rice.

Storage:

• You can stuff the mushrooms up to 24 hours in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Unbaked stuffed mushrooms can be frozen for up to 3 months. Freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer to an airtight container.
• Baked stuffed mushrooms can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days.

How long do cheese-stuffed mushrooms last in the fridge?

Cheese-stuffed mushrooms can be stored in the fridge for 3 to 5 days. They can be frozen for up to 3 months before cooking, or cooked and then frozen and reheated later.

When preparing cheese-stuffed mushrooms for the fridge, allow them to cool to room temperature, then place them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for 3 to 5 days.

To freeze uncooked cheese-stuffed mushrooms, place them in a flat layer on a baking sheet and put them in the freezer. Once frozen, transfer the mushrooms to a resealable freezer bag for easier storage. They can be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you're ready to cook them, simply bake them straight from frozen, adding a little extra time to the cooking time.

You can also cook the cheese-stuffed mushrooms and then freeze them. Make sure to thaw them out before reheating in an oven preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 to 15 minutes.

How to prep mushrooms for stuffing

Preparing mushrooms for stuffing involves several steps, and it is important to do it correctly to ensure the best results. Here is a detailed guide on how to prep mushrooms for stuffing:

Firstly, choose the right type of mushrooms. Button mushrooms or cremini mushrooms are ideal due to their size and cavity space. You can also use portobello mushrooms if you want larger portions. White or brown mushrooms are good options, depending on your preference.

Next, clean the mushrooms thoroughly. Mushrooms tend to have a lot of dirt on them from growing close to the ground. You can either give them a quick rinse under cold running water in a colander or wipe them with a damp cloth to remove any dirt. Make sure they are dry before proceeding to the next step.

Now, it's time to remove the stems. Gently break or cut off the stems from the mushroom caps. You can discard the tough ends of the stems or chop them up to use in your filling for added texture and flavour.

Once the stems are removed, you may want to pre-roast the mushroom caps to reduce moisture and prevent sogginess. Place the caps, cavity-side down, on a lightly oiled baking pan and bake at 400°F for about 10 minutes, or until they release their liquid. This step is especially important if you plan to freeze the stuffed mushrooms before baking them, as it helps prevent excess moisture from forming during freezing and thawing.

After the mushroom caps are prepared, you can fill them with your desired stuffing mixture. Be careful not to overstuff the cavities, as this can cause the filling to spill over during baking.

Finally, if you are not baking the mushrooms immediately, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days before baking. Unbaked stuffed mushrooms can also be frozen for up to three months. When ready to bake, simply pop them in the oven, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if baking from frozen.

How to store cheese-stuffed mushrooms

Cheese-stuffed mushrooms can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. They can also be frozen for up to three months.

If you're preparing your cheese-stuffed mushrooms in advance, it's best to store the filling separately from the mushroom caps. The filling can be made and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days before stuffing and baking.

When you're ready to bake your cheese-stuffed mushrooms, simply stuff the caps with the filling and follow your recipe's baking instructions. If baking from frozen, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

To freeze cheese-stuffed mushrooms, it's best to assemble and freeze them unbaked on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer the mushrooms to an airtight freezer-safe container.

Reheating Cheese-Stuffed Mushrooms

Leftover cheese-stuffed mushrooms can be reheated in the microwave or on the stove. However, it's best to avoid overcooking, as this may affect the texture and cause the mushrooms to become soggy.

Tips for Storing Cheese-Stuffed Mushrooms

• Use an airtight container: Ensure your container is airtight to prevent odours from affecting the flavour of your cheese-stuffed mushrooms.
• Avoid rinsing or soaking mushrooms: Mushrooms absorb liquid quickly, so it's best to use a damp paper towel to clean them before preparing your recipe.
• Don't overfill the mushrooms: When stuffing your mushrooms, avoid piling the filling too high, as it may overflow during baking.
• Store in a cool, dry place: Ensure your refrigerator is set to the correct temperature to keep your cheese-stuffed mushrooms fresh.

How to reheat cheese-stuffed mushrooms

Cheese-stuffed mushrooms are a delicious treat, but what happens when you have leftovers? Well, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. When you're ready to reheat them, there are a few methods you can use:

Oven

Set your oven to 350°F and place the mushrooms on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are warmed through. This method is best if you have a large batch of mushrooms to reheat.

Air Fryer

If you're short on time, an air fryer can be a great option. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F and place the mushrooms in the basket. Reheat them for about 10-12 minutes, or until they are warmed through.

Microwave

The microwave is a quick and easy way to reheat a small portion of cheese-stuffed mushrooms. Place the mushrooms on a microwave-safe plate and heat them for 30 seconds at a time until they are warmed through.

No matter which method you choose, be careful not to overheat the mushrooms, as this can make them soggy. Enjoy your delicious, warm cheese-stuffed mushrooms!

Frequently asked questions