Kamil Perry
Cheese-stuffed mushrooms are a delicious and easy-to-make vegetarian appetizer. They can be made in advance and are a great side dish for a summer barbecue. The mushrooms are stuffed with a mixture of cheese, herbs, and garlic, and grilled to perfection. The whole preparation process involves three simple steps – cleaning the mushrooms, mixing up the filling, and stuffing them. The mushrooms can be grilled for about 10 minutes, and then they're ready to be served and enjoyed!
How to Grill Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Preparation Time | 10 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 7-10 minutes |
| Cheese | Goat Cheese, Parmesan, Cream Cheese, White Cheddar |
| Other Ingredients | Sun-dried tomatoes, Sausage, Breadcrumbs, Olive Oil, Garlic, Herbs, Spices |
| Nutrition | Vegetarian, Gluten-free |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right mushrooms
Variety:
When it comes to choosing mushrooms for grilling, there are several varieties that work well. Portobello mushrooms, also known as baby bellas, are a popular choice due to their size and ability to hold a generous amount of filling. White button and cremini (brown) mushrooms are also recommended for their perfect size and cavity space for the filling. If you're looking for a vegetarian option, baby portobellos are a good choice and go well with goat cheese and sun-dried tomatoes.
Size and Shape:
Select mushrooms that are large enough to accommodate your desired amount of filling. Look for mushrooms with a deep cavity that can hold the cheese mixture without overflowing. The caps should be intact and not broken, ensuring they can contain the filling during grilling.
Freshness:
Fresh mushrooms are key to a successful dish. Look for firm, plump mushrooms with intact caps and gills. Avoid mushrooms that appear shrivelled, slimy, or have discoloured spots. Fresh mushrooms should have a smooth, dry surface and a pleasant earthy aroma.
Texture:
Choose mushrooms with a firm, meaty texture. This will ensure they hold their shape during grilling and provide a pleasant bite when eaten. Avoid mushrooms that feel too soft or spongy, as they may fall apart during the grilling process.
Taste:
Different mushroom varieties offer distinct flavours. Some have a more pronounced earthy or nutty taste, while others are milder. Consider the overall flavour profile you want to achieve and select mushrooms that complement the other ingredients in your recipe.
By considering the variety, size, freshness, texture, and taste of the mushrooms, you can make an informed choice when selecting the right mushrooms for your grilled cheese-stuffed creation. Remember to clean the mushrooms thoroughly before preparing and stuffing them to ensure the best results.
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Preparing the mushrooms for stuffing
The next step is to remove the stems from the mushrooms. You can do this by gently popping them out and then trimming any hard ends with a knife. You can choose to keep the ribs intact or remove them as well. The mushroom stems can be finely chopped and used in the filling, adding extra flavour to your dish.
If your mushrooms are particularly dirty, you may need to quickly rinse them under water and then pat them dry with a clean towel or paper towel. It's important to ensure that the mushrooms are dry before you begin stuffing them, as excess water can affect the cooking process and the overall texture of the mushrooms.
Once your mushrooms are clean and dry, they are ready to be stuffed. You can brush the caps with olive oil at this stage to prevent them from drying out during cooking, or you can wait until after they are stuffed.
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Making the cheese mixture
When making cheese-stuffed mushrooms, you can use a variety of cheeses, such as goat cheese, parmesan, cheddar, or cream cheese. You can also add breadcrumbs, herbs, and spices to the cheese mixture to enhance the flavour and texture. Here is a step-by-step guide to making the cheese mixture for grilled cheese-stuffed mushrooms:
Step 1: Choose Your Cheese: As mentioned, you can use a variety of cheeses for stuffed mushrooms. Goat cheese and cream cheese provide a tangy and creamy base, while parmesan adds a nutty and savoury flavour. Cheddar cheese, especially a sharp variety, offers a more pronounced and sharp taste. You can also mix and match different cheeses to create your own unique blend.
Step 2: Prepare the Cheese: If you're using harder cheeses like cheddar or parmesan, grate or shred them finely so they can mix easily with other ingredients. Softer cheeses like goat cheese or cream cheese should be allowed to come to room temperature to soften, making them easier to blend.
Step 3: Add Herbs and Spices: Fresh or dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, parsley, or chives can be finely chopped and added to the cheese mixture. Spices such as garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper will also enhance the flavour. You can also include chopped mushroom stems, cooked in butter with onions and garlic, to create a more complex filling.
Step 4: Mix the Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the cheese, herbs, and spices. Use a spoon or spatula to mix everything together until well combined. You can also use a food processor for a smoother and more uniform mixture. The consistency should be thick and spreadable, allowing it to stay inside the mushroom caps without being too runny.
Step 5: Adjust Seasoning: Once the mixture is ready, taste it and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more salt, pepper, or herbs to suit your preference. It's important to ensure the flavours are well-balanced before stuffing the mushrooms.
Step 6: Stuff the Mushrooms: Once your cheese mixture is prepared, it's time to fill the mushroom caps. Use a small spoon or knife to scoop the mixture into the cavities of the mushrooms. Stuff them generously, but be careful not to overfill, as the cheese will expand slightly during grilling.
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Adding extra ingredients to the cheese mixture
There are many ways to elevate a simple cheese mixture for stuffed mushrooms. For a simple, vegetarian option, try adding herbs like rosemary, thyme, dried parsley, or dried thyme. You can also add spices like garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper to give your mushrooms a kick. If you're making a larger batch, you can also add cooked vegetables to the cheese mixture. Fry chopped mushroom stems, garlic, and onions in butter, allow the mixture to cool, and then stir in your cheese. For a heartier mixture, you can add cooked breakfast sausage or bacon to the cheese and vegetable mixture. For a gluten-free option, top your mushrooms with panko before grilling.
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Cooking and serving the mushrooms
The cooking time for your grilled cheese-stuffed mushrooms will depend on whether you are cooking them in the oven or on a grill. If you are baking them in the oven, you should expect to cook them for around 15 to 30 minutes at 350°F (175°C). If you are cooking them on a grill, the cooking time will be shorter, around 7 to 10 minutes on high heat.
Before cooking your mushrooms, you should prepare the filling. If you are using a soft cheese, like goat's cheese, you can mix this with your chosen herbs and spices, such as parsley, thyme, garlic powder, and black pepper. You can also add some grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavour. If you are using a harder cheese, like cheddar, you will need to grate it and cook the cheese with the other ingredients in a skillet before stuffing the mushrooms.
Once your filling is ready, brush the mushroom caps with olive oil and stuff them with a generous amount of the mixture. If you are cooking the mushrooms in the oven, top them with breadcrumbs for a crispy texture. Place the mushrooms on a baking sheet, leaving space between each one, and cook until the cheese is puffed up and lightly browned.
If you are cooking the mushrooms on a grill, place them directly on the grill grate, stuffed-side up, and cook for around 7 to 10 minutes. You can also add a sprinkle of panko on top of the mushrooms before grilling for a crunchy texture.
Serve your grilled cheese-stuffed mushrooms warm as an appetizer or side dish. They go well with a variety of main courses, such as steak, roast chicken, or pork chops. For a vegetarian option, serve them with creamy grits, mac and cheese, cauliflower steaks, or vegan meatballs.
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Frequently asked questions
Clean the mushrooms with a damp paper towel, gently rubbing off any dirt. Remove the stems from the mushrooms and set the caps aside. You can leave the ribs intact or remove them.
You can use a variety of ingredients for the filling, such as goat cheese, parmesan cheese, cream cheese, breadcrumbs, herbs, garlic, and onion. If you want a non-vegetarian option, you can add sausage or bacon to the filling.
Place the stuffed mushrooms directly on the grill grate and grill for about 7-10 minutes on high heat. You can also bake them in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and lightly browned.
