Vegetarian Stuffed Mushrooms – A Flavorful and Elegant Appetizer
Savory, aromatic, and visually appealing, Vegetarian Stuffed Mushrooms Recipe are a perfect appetizer for any occasion. These bite-sized delights combine earthy mushrooms with a flavorful, creamy filling that’s bursting with herbs, cheese, and seasonings. They are ideal for holiday gatherings, dinner parties, or a cozy weeknight treat. The beauty of vegetarian stuffed mushrooms lies in their simplicity—they take humble mushrooms and elevate them into a gourmet appetizer that impresses without requiring hours in the kitchen.
Mushrooms naturally provide a meaty texture and umami-rich flavor, making them a satisfying base for a variety of vegetarian fillings. By combining breadcrumbs, cheese, fresh herbs, and aromatic vegetables, you can create a stuffing that’s flavorful, creamy, and perfectly baked. These mushrooms are not only a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes, making them an elegant addition to any party platter.
Ingredients Needed
Here’s a simple ingredient list for about 12–15 stuffed mushrooms:
| Ingredient | Quantity | Approximate Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Large button or cremini mushrooms | 12–15 | 50 kcal |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons | 240 kcal |
| Onion, finely chopped | ¼ cup | 15 kcal |
| Garlic, minced | 2 cloves | 10 kcal |
| Bell pepper, finely chopped | ¼ cup | 12 kcal |
| Bread crumbs | ½ cup | 200 kcal |
| Parmesan cheese, grated | ¼ cup | 110 kcal |
| Cream cheese or ricotta | 3 tablespoons | 90 kcal |
| Fresh parsley, chopped | 2 tablespoons | 2 kcal |
| Salt and pepper | To taste | 0 kcal |
| Optional: red pepper flakes or paprika | ¼ teaspoon | 2 kcal |
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Mushrooms
Clean mushrooms with a damp cloth. Remove stems and finely chop them for the filling. Set mushroom caps aside.
3. Sauté Vegetables
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onions, garlic, chopped mushroom stems, and bell pepper. Cook until softened, about 4–5 minutes.
4. Make the Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine sautéed vegetables, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, cream cheese or ricotta, parsley, salt, pepper, and optional spices. Mix until well combined.
5. Stuff the Mushrooms
Spoon the filling into each mushroom cap generously, pressing lightly to hold the mixture.
6. Bake
Arrange stuffed mushrooms on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until the tops are golden and the mushrooms are tender.
7. Serve
Allow mushrooms to cool slightly before serving. Serve warm for best flavor.
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
- Cheese Options: Swap Parmesan with feta, goat cheese, or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
- Add Nuts: Finely chopped walnuts or pine nuts add crunch and richness.
- Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, or cayenne for a subtle kick.
- Vegan Option: Replace cheeses with vegan cream cheese and nutritional yeast.
- Herb Variations: Use thyme, rosemary, or basil to enhance the earthy flavors.
- Mini Mushroom Bites: Use smaller mushrooms for appetizer platters or party trays.
Nutritional Information
Vegetarian stuffed mushrooms are flavorful, satisfying, and nutrient-rich. Approximate values per serving (3–4 stuffed mushrooms):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180–200 kcal |
| Protein | 6–8 g |
| Fat | 12–14 g |
| Carbohydrates | 10–12 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
Mushrooms provide vitamins and minerals like selenium, potassium, and B vitamins, making this a nutritious appetizer.
Serving Suggestions
Vegetarian stuffed mushrooms pair beautifully with:
- A crisp green salad with vinaigrette
- Roasted vegetables or grain bowls
- Wine or sparkling water for a light appetizer option
- Party platters with other finger foods and dips
- Soups or pasta dishes as an elegant starter
Serve on a platter garnished with fresh parsley or microgreens for an appealing presentation.
Vegetarian Stuffed Mushrooms – A Flavorful and Elegant Appetizer
12–15 mushrooms
servings15
minutes20
minutes180-200
kcalIngredients
Ingredient Quantity Approximate Calories
Large button or cremini mushrooms 12–15 caps 50 kcal
Olive oil 2 tablespoons 240 kcal
Onion, finely chopped ¼ cup 15 kcal
Garlic, minced 2 cloves 10 kcal
Bell pepper, finely chopped ¼ cup 12 kcal
Bread crumbs ½ cup 200 kcal
Parmesan cheese, grated ¼ cup 110 kcal
Cream cheese or ricotta 3 tablespoons 90 kcal
Fresh parsley, chopped 2 tablespoons 2 kcal
Salt and pepper To taste 0 kcal
Optional: red pepper flakes or paprika ¼ teaspoon 2 kcal
Directions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare Mushrooms: Clean mushrooms with a damp cloth. Remove stems and finely chop them for the filling. Set caps aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onions, garlic, chopped mushroom stems, and bell pepper. Cook until softened, about 4–5 minutes.
- Make Filling: In a bowl, combine sautéed vegetables, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, cream cheese or ricotta, parsley, salt, pepper, and optional spices. Mix well.
- Stuff Mushrooms: Spoon the filling into each mushroom cap, pressing lightly.
- Bake: Place stuffed mushrooms on the baking sheet and bake for 18–20 minutes, or until tops are golden and mushrooms are tender.
- Serve: Allow to cool slightly before serving warm.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Choose Fresh Mushrooms: Large button or cremini mushrooms work best because their caps are firm and can hold the filling without collapsing.
Clean Gently: Wipe mushrooms with a damp cloth instead of washing under running water to prevent them from absorbing too much moisture.
FAQs
1. Are vegetarian stuffed mushrooms healthy?
Yes! They are nutrient-rich, low in calories, and provide fiber, protein, and essential vitamins from mushrooms, vegetables, and cheese.
2. Can I make stuffed mushrooms ahead of time?
Absolutely. Prepare the mushrooms and filling in advance, store separately in the fridge, and bake just before serving to maintain freshness.
3. Can I make them vegan?
Yes! Substitute cream cheese or ricotta with vegan cream cheese and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
4. What mushrooms are best for stuffing?
Large button mushrooms or cremini mushrooms work best because their caps are sturdy and can hold the filling.
5. Can I add other vegetables to the filling?
Definitely. Finely chopped spinach, zucchini, or roasted red peppers make excellent additions.
Conclusion
Vegetarian stuffed mushrooms transform simple ingredients into a flavorful, elegant appetizer that’s perfect for any occasion. Combining tender mushrooms with a savory, cheesy filling creates a dish that’s both satisfying and visually appealing. With endless possibilities for customization, these stuffed mushrooms cater to a variety of tastes and dietary preferences.
