Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Mushrooms

$- 12 large portobello or cremini mushrooms, stems carefully removed - 2 cups fresh spinach, finely chopped - 1 cup cream cheese, softened to room temperature - 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, freshly shredded - 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated I love using portobello or cremini mushrooms for this recipe. They have a nice shape and a rich flavor. The fresh spinach adds color and nutrition. Cream cheese gives the filling a creamy texture. Mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses bring a great taste and help the filling melt beautifully. - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a hint of heat) - 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil - Salt and freshly cracked pepper, to taste Garlic adds a lovely aroma to the mushrooms. If you like a little heat, the red pepper flakes give a nice kick. Olive oil helps to sauté the garlic and spinach. Always use fresh salt and pepper to season the filling. - Fresh parsley, finely chopped Fresh parsley makes a lovely garnish. It adds a pop of color and a fresh taste. Sprinkling it on top right before serving makes the dish look fancy. These ingredients come together to create a tasty and satisfying appetizer. Cheesy spinach stuffed mushrooms are a hit at any gathering! {{ingredient_image_2}} Preheat the Oven Start by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C). This hot oven will help cook the mushrooms perfectly. Sauté Garlic and Spinach In a large skillet, heat one tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add two minced cloves of garlic. Cook this for about one minute, stirring often. You want the garlic to smell nice but not burn. Next, add two cups of finely chopped fresh spinach. Sauté for about two to three minutes. The spinach should turn bright green and wilted. When done, remove the skillet from heat and let it cool for a bit. Mixing Cheese Ingredients In a mixing bowl, combine one cup of softened cream cheese, half a cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, and a quarter cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Then, add the sautéed spinach and garlic from earlier. Seasoning the Mixture If you like a bit of spice, add a quarter teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Season your cheese mixture with salt and freshly cracked pepper. Stir everything well until it’s creamy and mixed together. Stuffing the Mushrooms Take twelve large portobello or cremini mushrooms. Carefully remove their stems. Using a spoon, fill each mushroom cap with the cheese mixture. Press down gently to fill them nicely. Preparing for Baking Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the stuffed mushrooms on the sheet, making sure they have some space around them. This space helps them cook evenly. Baking Time and Temperature Now, put the baking sheet into your preheated oven. Bake the mushrooms for about 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the mushrooms are tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden on top. Enjoy your delicious cheesy spinach stuffed mushrooms! - How to Achieve Even Cooking: To cook mushrooms evenly, space them apart on the baking sheet. This allows hot air to flow around each one. Avoid overcrowding, as that can lead to steaming instead of roasting. - Importance of Mushroom Selection: Choose large portobello or cremini mushrooms. They are sturdy and can hold the cheesy filling well. Check for fresh, firm mushrooms without dark spots or wrinkles. - Storing Leftovers: Store any leftover stuffed mushrooms in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to three days. Make sure they cool completely before sealing them. - Reheating Recommendations: To reheat, place the mushrooms on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. This keeps the filling creamy and the mushrooms tender. - Presentation Ideas: Serve stuffed mushrooms on a rustic wooden platter. Drizzle with balsamic glaze for a gourmet touch. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a bright, fresh look. - Pairing with Other Dishes: These mushrooms pair well with a light salad or crusty bread. They also make a great appetizer for a dinner party or a fun game night snack. Pro Tips Choose the Right Mushrooms: Opt for large portobello or cremini mushrooms for the best stuffing experience, as their size holds more filling and provides a meaty texture. Fresh Spinach is Key: Always use fresh spinach instead of frozen for a vibrant color and better texture in your filling. Customize Your Cheeses: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like feta or goat cheese for a unique twist on the flavor profile. Keep an Eye on Baking Time: Every oven is different, so start checking your mushrooms at the 20-minute mark to prevent overcooking and ensure the cheese is perfectly bubbly. {{image_4}} You can easily switch up the cheese in this recipe. Cream cheese adds great creaminess, but you can try goat cheese for a tangy twist. Feta cheese works well too, giving a Mediterranean flavor. Mozzarella is mild, while sharp cheddar adds boldness. Adding protein can turn these mushrooms into a heartier dish. Crumbled bacon adds a smoky taste. Shredded chicken gives a satisfying bite. Both options pair well with the creamy filling. Seasoning can take your stuffed mushrooms to new heights. Try adding Italian herbs like oregano or basil. A pinch of thyme provides a lovely aroma. You can also go for a zesty kick with lemon zest. Switching between vegetarian and meat versions is simple. Keep it meatless for a lighter treat or load it up with proteins. Both options taste great and please any crowd. For gluten-free options, ensure your cheese and other ingredients are certified gluten-free. Most cheeses are naturally gluten-free, but always check the labels. Serve these mushrooms with gluten-free bread for a complete meal. If you want to make it vegan, use a plant-based cream cheese. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan for a cheesy flavor. Add sautéed mushrooms or nuts for protein. These changes help you enjoy the dish while sticking to your diet. How do I make Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Mushrooms ahead of time? You can prepare the stuffed mushrooms in advance. Stuff the mushrooms and place them on a baking sheet. Cover them with plastic wrap and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, simply bake them at 375°F for about 25 minutes. Can I freeze stuffed mushrooms? Yes, you can freeze stuffed mushrooms. After stuffing them, place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag. They can last for up to three months. Just bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. What can I serve with Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Mushrooms? These mushrooms pair well with a variety of dishes. Try serving them with a fresh salad or some toasted bread. They also work as a side for pasta dishes or grilled meats. Can I grill stuffed mushrooms instead of baking? Yes, you can grill stuffed mushrooms! Preheat your grill to medium heat. Place the mushrooms directly on the grill grates. Cook for about 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the mushrooms are tender. What type of mushrooms work best for this recipe? Portobello and cremini mushrooms are the best choices for this recipe. They are sturdy and can hold the filling well. Their rich flavor complements the cheesy spinach filling perfectly. For this recipe, one serving equals three stuffed mushrooms. Each serving contains about: - Calories: 250 - Protein: 10g - Fat: 20g - Carbohydrates: 10g These mushrooms also provide dietary fiber and essential vitamins. Each serving has about 3g of fiber and is rich in vitamins A and C. This makes them a balanced snack or starter. Benefits of Spinach: Spinach is full of iron and calcium. It helps keep your bones strong. It also has antioxidants that protect your cells. Eating spinach may help your heart and eyes too. Nutritional Benefits of Mushrooms: Mushrooms are low in calories but high in nutrients. They provide B vitamins, which help your body make energy. They also contain selenium, an important mineral for your immune system. Reducing Caloric Content: You can cut calories by using low-fat cream cheese. This swap keeps the creamy texture but lowers fat. Adding Nutrient-Dense Ingredients: Try adding chopped nuts or seeds to the filling. They add crunch and extra nutrients without many calories. You can also use herbs like basil or thyme for more flavor. This article covered how to make delicious Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Mushrooms. We explored ingredients like mushrooms, spinach, and various cheeses. The steps walked through preparation, filling, and baking to reach a perfect dish. I shared tips for cooking, storing, and serving these tasty treats. Experiment with variations to match your taste, including dietary adjustments. Enjoying healthy recipes can be simple and fun. Now it’s your turn to try this dish and savor its flavors!$

Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Mushrooms

Delicious stuffed mushrooms filled with a creamy cheese and spinach mixture, perfect as an appetizer.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 25

Total Time 40

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

12 large portobello or cremini mushrooms, stems removed
2 cups fresh spinach, finely chopped
1 cup cream cheese, softened
1 2 mozzarella cheese, freshly shredded
1 4 Parmesan cheese, finely grated
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
to taste Salt and freshly cracked pepper
to garnish Fresh parsley, finely chopped

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the finely chopped spinach to the skillet and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until wilted and bright green. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and sautéed spinach. If using, add red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper, and mix until creamy.
Scoop the cheese filling into each mushroom cap, pressing down gently to fill them generously.
Arrange the stuffed mushrooms on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spaced apart for even cooking.
Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 20-25 minutes, until the mushrooms are tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

Serve on a rustic wooden platter drizzled with balsamic glaze for an elegant touch.

Keyword appetizer, cheese, spinach, stuffed mushrooms