Smoky Stuffed Mushrooms Recipe

Introduction

Smoky stuffed mushrooms are a flavorful appetizer that combines savory bacon, creamy cheese, and tender mushrooms. This easy recipe is perfect for gatherings or a delicious snack any time you crave something comforting and smoky.

Ingredients

• 12 button or cremini (baby portobello) mushrooms
• 7 slices bacon
• 1/4 cup diced onion
• 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
• 1/2 to 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• Black pepper, to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2-3 tablespoons butter or reserved bacon drippings
• 1/2 cup bread crumbs, seasoned or plain

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Clean the mushrooms and remove the stems. Chop the stems and set aside. Cook 3 slices of bacon until limp and the other 4 slices until crisp. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate and reserve the drippings.
2. Step 2: Add the diced onion and chopped mushroom stems to the reserved bacon drippings. Cook over medium heat until soft and fragrant.
3. Step 3: Chop the crisp bacon into small pieces. In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, crisp bacon pieces, and shredded cheddar cheese.
4. Step 4: Stir the cooked onion and mushroom mixture into the cheese mixture. Season with black pepper and garlic powder, mixing well.
5. Step 5: Lightly spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish or sheet pan. Fill each mushroom cap with the cheese filling, packing it generously.
6. Step 6: Cut the limp bacon slices into small pieces and place one piece on top of each stuffed mushroom. Sprinkle bread crumbs evenly over the mushrooms and drizzle with bacon drippings or melted butter.
7. Step 7: Bake for 20 minutes, until the tops are golden brown and bubbly. Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and use smoked paprika or liquid smoke to add smokiness.
• Try mixing in chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for added freshness.
• Use panko bread crumbs for extra crunch on top.
• To make cleanup easier, line your baking dish with foil before spraying.

Storage

Store leftover stuffed mushrooms in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 300 degrees F for about 10 minutes or until warmed through to maintain crispiness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare stuffed mushrooms ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare and stuff the mushrooms a few hours ahead, then refrigerate them covered until ready to bake. Add the bread crumbs and drippings just before baking to keep them crisp.

What type of mushrooms work best for this recipe?

Button or cremini mushrooms are ideal because they hold their shape well and have a mild flavor that complements the filling. Baby portobello mushrooms are a great alternative too.

Smoky Stuffed Mushrooms Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 61 reviews

Delicious smoky stuffed mushrooms featuring a creamy blend of cream cheese, sharp cheddar, crispy bacon, and sautéed mushroom stems with onions, baked until golden and topped with seasoned bread crumbs for an irresistible appetizer or snack.

• Author: Ruby
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 stuffed mushrooms 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Mushrooms

• 12 button or cremini (baby portobello) mushrooms

Bacon and Aromatics

• 7 slices bacon
• 1/4 cup diced onion
• Chopped mushroom stems (from the 12 mushrooms)

Cheese and Seasonings

• 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
• 1/2 to 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• Black pepper, to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Others

• 2 to 3 tablespoons butter or reserved bacon drippings
• 1/2 cup bread crumbs, seasoned or plain
• Cooking spray (for the casserole dish or sheet pan)

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Bacon: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Clean the mushrooms thoroughly and carefully remove the stems, then chop the stems and set them aside for later use. Cook 3 slices of the bacon until limp and the other 4 slices until crispy. Transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain but reserve the bacon drippings for cooking and flavoring.
2. Sauté Vegetables: In the reserved bacon drippings, add the diced onion and chopped mushroom stems. Cook over medium heat until the mixture is soft and fragrant, which usually takes a few minutes. This step builds a smoky, savory flavor base for the filling.
3. Prepare Filling: Chop the crispy bacon slices into small pieces. In a mixing bowl, add the room temperature cream cheese and stir in the chopped crispy bacon pieces along with the shredded sharp cheddar cheese. This creamy and cheesy mixture forms the heart of your stuffed mushrooms.
4. Combine Aromatics and Seasonings: Add the sautéed onion and mushroom stem mixture to the cream cheese blend. Season with black pepper to taste and 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder. Mix everything thoroughly to ensure an even distribution of flavors.
5. Fill Mushrooms: Lightly spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish or sheet pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Spoon the cheese filling generously into each mushroom cap, filling them to the top for maximum flavor and texture.
6. Add Topping: Cut each slice of the limp bacon into four small pieces so you can place one small piece on top of each filled mushroom. Then, sprinkle the stuffed mushrooms evenly with the bread crumbs. Finally, drizzle the tops with the reserved bacon drippings or melted butter to help create a golden, crispy topping during baking.
7. Bake and Serve: Bake the mushrooms in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and bubbly. Once baked, remove them from the oven and serve immediately. Enjoy these smoky, savory stuffed mushrooms as an appetizer or party snack!

Notes

• For a stronger smoky flavor, use smoked bacon and consider adding a small pinch of smoked paprika to the filling.
• Allow cream cheese to come to room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother filling.
• If you prefer a crustier top, broil the mushrooms for an additional 1-2 minutes after baking, watching carefully to avoid burning.
• You can substitute the bread crumbs with crushed crackers or panko for a different texture.
• These mushrooms can be prepared a few hours ahead and baked right before serving to save time.

Keywords: stuffed mushrooms, smoky mushrooms, bacon stuffed mushrooms, cheesy stuffed mushrooms, appetizer, party snacks