Kamil Perry
There's nothing quite like a plate of hot, cheesy, stuffed mushrooms as an appetizer or side dish. They're easy to make, can be prepared in advance, and are a great vegetarian option. You can use a variety of mushrooms, such as white button, cremini, baby bella, or portobello, and fill them with a mixture of cheeses, herbs, and spices. The key to preventing soggy mushrooms is to not rinse them for too long and to ensure that the filling isn't overly wet. You can bake them in the oven until the cheese is melted and the tops are golden brown, or even smoke them on a broiler pan for a chewier texture.
Characteristics and Values Table for Baking Stuffed Cheddar Cheese Mushrooms
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Oven Temperature | 350°F (175°C) or 400°F |
| Baking Time | 15-35 minutes |
| Mushrooms | White button, cremini, baby bella, portobello |
| Filling | Cream cheese, smoked cheddar, Parmesan, onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, herbs |
| Topping | Grated Parmesan |
| Baking Pan | 8x8-inch |
| Broiler Pan | 180°C for 30 minutes, then 350°C for 30 minutes |
| Freezing | Flat layer, then transfer to a freezer bag |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right mushrooms
Type of Mushrooms:
- Button Mushrooms: White button mushrooms are a common choice for stuffed mushrooms. They are small and can be eaten in one or two bites, making them perfect for bite-sized appetizers.
- Cremini Mushrooms: Also known as baby bella mushrooms, cremini mushrooms are a larger variety that still offers a delicate, bite-sized option. They have a slightly earthy flavor and a soft texture.
- Portobello Mushrooms: If you prefer a more substantial, larger mushroom cap, portobello mushrooms are a great choice. They provide a heartier base for the stuffing and can be a good option if you want to make the dish more filling.
Size and Quantity:
- Size Consistency: Try to choose mushrooms that are similar in size, especially if you're aiming for a uniform presentation. This ensures that the baking time remains consistent, and all the mushrooms cook evenly.
- Quantity: Consider the number of people you're serving and the expected appetite. As a rule of thumb, plan on serving two to three stuffed mushrooms per person as an appetizer or side dish.
Freshness and Quality:
- Freshness: Look for firm, plump mushroom caps with a smooth, dry surface. Avoid mushrooms that appear slimy, shrivelled, or have discoloured spots. Fresh mushrooms should have a pleasant earthy aroma.
- Stems: Choose mushrooms with intact stems, as you'll be using both parts of the mushroom. The stems will be chopped and added to the stuffing mixture, so look for ones with sturdy, fresh stems.
Preparation and Cleaning:
Cleaning: Mushrooms tend to have dirt and debris on them, so cleaning is essential. Use a damp paper towel or quickly rinse them under cold water for a few seconds before wiping them dry. Avoid soaking mushrooms to prevent them from becoming soggy during baking.
By considering these factors and selecting the right mushrooms, you'll be well on your way to creating delicious baked stuffed cheddar cheese mushrooms that your friends and family will surely enjoy!
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Preparing the filling
Once you have your ingredients, start by softening the cream cheese. Then, in a medium bowl, mix it together with the shredded smoked cheddar cheese, diced red pepper, onion, and garlic. If you're adding herbs, include them in this step as well. Next, add salt and pepper to taste and mix everything together until it's well combined.
It's important to note that the filling should be thick but not overly wet. A wet mixture can lead to soggy mushrooms, so be mindful of the moisture level. If you're using ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers, drain them well before adding them to the mixture.
Now, you're ready to fill your mushrooms. Using a spoon, pack the cavity of each mushroom with the cheese filling. It's okay if the filling pops over the top a little, as this gives the Parmesan cheese something to cling to. However, don't overfill the mushrooms, as this can lead to a mess.
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Filling the mushrooms
Once your filling is ready, it's time to start stuffing! Take each mushroom cap and generously fill it with the cheese mixture. It's okay if the filling pops over the top a little, as this will give the Parmesan cheese something to cling to. You can use a small spoon to fill each mushroom cap, ensuring that the cavities are packed with plenty of filling.
After filling, press each cheese-stuffed top into grated Parmesan cheese. This step creates a delicious crust on top of your mushrooms. Don't be tempted to pile on too much filling, as this can lead to a mess in the oven. It's better to have some filling leftover than to overstuff your mushrooms.
Finally, arrange your stuffed mushrooms on a greased baking sheet or pan. They can be placed tightly together as they will shrink during baking. At this stage, you can also sprinkle some extra Parmesan cheese on top of the mushrooms for an extra cheesy treat.
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Baking the mushrooms
Before baking your stuffed mushrooms, you should preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, you can grease a baking sheet with cooking spray. If you want to smoke your mushrooms, preheat your smoker to 180°F.
Once your oven is preheated, place your stuffed mushrooms on the baking sheet. If you are using a broiler pan and want to smoke your mushrooms, place them on the pan and smoke them for 30 minutes at 180°F. After 30 minutes, increase the heat to 350°F and smoke for another 30 minutes.
Bake your mushrooms in the oven for 20 to 35 minutes, or until the tops are puffed and golden, and the mushrooms are dark and soft. If you are baking your mushrooms from frozen, add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Your mushrooms are ready when the filling is hot and the cheese is melted.
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Serving suggestions
Baked stuffed cheddar cheese mushrooms are a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer, side, or main course.
As an appetizer, these mushrooms are a great option for parties or gatherings. They can be served alongside other appetizers such as ginger shrimp skewers, smoked salmon dip, bacon-wrapped shrimp, crab cakes, or a cheese platter. For a heartier spread, they can be paired with homemade items like cheddar dill puffs and a good cheese platter—one with interesting cheeses that most people may not have tried before.
When served as a side, stuffed mushrooms complement a variety of main courses. They go well with meat dishes like steak, roast chicken, or pork chops. For vegetarian options, they can be paired with creamy grits, mac and cheese, cauliflower steaks, or vegan meatballs made with lentils.
To make a meal out of these stuffed mushrooms, consider serving them with a side salad, roasted vegetables, or a bowl of soup. They can also be paired with a heartier side dish, such as mashed potatoes or polenta, to create a more substantial and satisfying meal.
Additionally, these mushrooms can be a part of a holiday menu, adding a fancy factor to your spread while being easy to make. They can be served as a standalone appetizer or as a side dish to complement the main course, such as a roasted turkey or ham.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need mushrooms, cheddar cheese, cream cheese, garlic, onion, breadcrumbs, butter, salt, and pepper.
Yes, you can use other types of cheese such as mozzarella, Swiss, Gruyère, feta, goat, or brie.
Yes, you can add ingredients such as bacon, Italian sausage, roasted red peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes.
To prevent soggy mushrooms, rinse them under cold water for a few seconds before cleaning with a dry paper towel. Also, ensure that your filling is not too wet.
Bake the stuffed mushrooms at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 20-35 minutes, or until the tops are puffed and golden.
