Best Christmas Stuffed Mushrooms Recipe
Get ready to wow your friends and family with the Best Christmas Stuffed Mushrooms! This irresistible appetizer combines juicy mushroom caps filled with a creamy, herby, and cheesy stuffing that’s just brimming with holiday flavor. Each bite is a festive celebration of textures, from the golden, crispy tops to the rich, savory center. Whether you’re hosting a cozy gathering or looking for the perfect finger food to add sparkle to your Christmas dinner, these stuffed mushrooms are guaranteed to disappear in a flash.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Best Christmas Stuffed Mushrooms is in their simple yet delicious ingredients. Each component is carefully chosen to amplify flavor and create that signature melt-in-your-mouth texture, so don’t skip a thing!
- 24 large white mushrooms: Big enough for generous stuffing, these become delightfully tender in the oven.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds richness and helps soften the mushroom stems and aromatics.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): For a warm, garlicky punch that makes the filling irresistible.
- ½ small onion (finely diced): Brings sweetness and depth to the stuffing.
- ½ cup Italian-style breadcrumbs: Soaks up all the flavors and gives structure.
- ½ cup cream cheese (softened): The secret to a creamy, dreamy filling that holds its shape.
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds salty, cheesy umami and helps brown the tops beautifully.
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley: Pops of freshness and a burst of holiday color.
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme: That earthy, woodsy note pairs perfectly with mushrooms.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Just enough to bring everything together.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: For the perfect background heat.
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): A little festive heat, if you like a kick!
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing): Makes the tops golden and extra flavorful.
- Extra Parmesan and parsley for topping: Because you can never have too much cheese or color on the holiday table!
How to Make Best Christmas Stuffed Mushrooms
Step 1: Prep the Mushrooms
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Gently clean each mushroom cap with a damp paper towel—no need to rinse, as mushrooms love to soak up water. Carefully twist and remove the stems, but don’t toss them! You’ll be chopping and using them in the filling for maximum flavor.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Finely chop the reserved mushroom stems and set them aside. In a skillet over medium heat, drizzle in the olive oil, then add the chopped stems, diced onion, and minced garlic. Sauté everything for about 4–5 minutes, stirring often, until the veggies are soft and any extra moisture has cooked off. This step builds a rich, savory base for your stuffing.
Step 3: Mix the Filling
Allow the sautéed mixture to cool slightly. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooled mushroom blend with breadcrumbs, cream cheese, Parmesan, parsley, thyme, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you want a little festive heat. Stir until everything is fully incorporated—the filling should look creamy and flecked with green and gold.
Step 4: Fill the Mushroom Caps
Spoon the filling into each mushroom cap, packing it in gently but generously. Don’t worry if they look a bit overfilled—they’ll settle beautifully as they bake. Arrange the stuffed mushrooms on a parchment-lined baking sheet so they don’t stick or tip over.
Step 5: Top and Bake
Brush the tops of each stuffed mushroom with melted butter for that extra touch of richness. Sprinkle with a little more Parmesan for a golden, cheesy finish. Bake in your preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the mushrooms are tender and the tops are beautifully golden brown.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, shower the Best Christmas Stuffed Mushrooms with more fresh parsley for a festive, fresh look. Serve them warm and watch them vanish from your holiday table!
How to Serve Best Christmas Stuffed Mushrooms
Garnishes
A generous sprinkle of fresh parsley and a final dusting of extra Parmesan cheese make these stuffed mushrooms look as good as they taste. For a little extra sparkle, add a few pomegranate seeds or finely diced sun-dried tomatoes right before serving.
Side Dishes
Best Christmas Stuffed Mushrooms pair beautifully with a crisp green salad, a platter of roasted vegetables, or a classic cheese board. They’re also a fantastic complement to roast meats and potatoes if you’re serving a full holiday feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging your stuffed mushrooms on a bright holiday platter, or nestle them in a wreath shape on a bed of greens for extra Christmas cheer. Toothpicks can turn them into easy party bites, or serve them in mini cupcake liners for an elegant touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which is rare!), transfer the cooled Best Christmas Stuffed Mushrooms to an airtight container and refrigerate. They’ll stay tasty for up to three days and can be enjoyed cold or reheated.
Freezing
You can freeze the stuffed, unbaked mushrooms on a tray, then transfer them to a freezer bag once solid. When ready to serve, bake straight from the freezer—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time. This makes holiday prep a breeze!
Reheating
To reheat, place the mushrooms on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes until heated through. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep the tops crispy and the filling creamy.
FAQs
Can I make Best Christmas Stuffed Mushrooms ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the mushrooms a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Just bake them right before serving for the freshest taste and texture.
What mushrooms work best for this recipe?
Large white mushrooms are ideal for the Best Christmas Stuffed Mushrooms, but you can also use baby bellas or cremini for a deeper, earthier flavor.
Can I add extra ingredients to the filling?
Definitely! For a festive twist, mix in chopped sun-dried tomatoes, crumbled cooked sausage, or even a handful of toasted nuts for crunch.
Are these stuffed mushrooms vegetarian?
Yes, as written, the recipe is vegetarian. Just double-check your Parmesan and breadcrumbs if you’re cooking for strict vegetarians.
How do I keep the mushrooms from getting soggy?
Make sure to sauté the stems and aromatics until all moisture is gone, and don’t rinse the mushroom caps—just wipe them clean. This helps keep your Best Christmas Stuffed Mushrooms perfectly tender, not soggy.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a holiday appetizer that’s both elegant and unbelievably moreish, you can’t beat Best Christmas Stuffed Mushrooms. Give them a try this season—you might just find they become your new festive tradition!
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Best Christmas Stuffed Mushrooms Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 stuffed mushrooms 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight your guests this holiday season with these Best Christmas Stuffed Mushrooms. Packed with a savory blend of cream cheese, Parmesan, and fresh herbs, these bite-sized appetizers are perfect for festive gatherings. Easy to prepare ahead and baked to golden perfection, they balance creamy, cheesy flavors with tender mushrooms, making them a crowd-pleasing starter.
Ingredients
Mushrooms
- 24 large white mushrooms (stems removed and reserved)
Filling
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- ½ small onion (finely diced)
- ½ cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- ½ cup cream cheese (softened)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Topping
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing)
- Extra Parmesan and parsley for topping
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Mushrooms: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Clean the mushroom caps gently using a damp paper towel to remove any dirt and set them aside. Finely chop the reserved mushroom stems to prepare for the filling.
- Sauté Filling Ingredients: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped mushroom stems, diced onion, and minced garlic. Sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until the vegetables have softened and the moisture has mostly evaporated. Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly.
- Make Filling Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the sautéed mushroom mixture with the Italian-style breadcrumbs, softened cream cheese, grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, dried thyme, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Stir well until all ingredients are thoroughly mixed.
- Stuff Mushrooms: Spoon the filling evenly into each mushroom cap, pressing gently to pack the mixture in. Arrange the stuffed mushrooms on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Prepare for Baking: Brush the tops of the stuffed mushrooms lightly with melted butter and sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese over each for a delicious golden crust.
- Bake Until Golden: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. The mushrooms should be tender, and the tops should turn a lovely golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the mushrooms from the oven, garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness, and serve warm as a festive appetizer.
Notes
- You can prepare the filling and stuff the mushrooms ahead of time; simply cover and refrigerate until ready to bake.
- For a festive twist, add chopped sun-dried tomatoes or crumbled cooked sausage to the filling mixture for extra flavor.
- Use fresh mushrooms and avoid washing them under running water to prevent sogginess; clean with a damp cloth instead.
- These stuffed mushrooms are best served fresh but can be gently reheated in the oven if needed.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed mushroom
- Calories: 60
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
