Elevate your appetizer game with these creamy spinach and cheese stuffed portobello mushrooms. Perfect for entertaining or as a delightful side dish, these stuffed mushrooms are rich in flavor and easy to prepare. The combination of creamy cheeses, fresh spinach, and aromatic herbs stuffed into hearty portobello mushrooms creates a savory bite that’s sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients
- 4 large portobello mushrooms, with stems removed and gills carefully scooped out
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup panko crumbs (optional, for an extra crispy topping)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Mushrooms: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Clean the portobello mushrooms by removing the stems and scraping out the gills. Coat both sides of the mushrooms with olive oil using a brush, then arrange them on a baking sheet with the caps facing down.
- Cook the Spinach: In a medium skillet, heat a small amount of olive oil over medium heat. Stir in the chopped spinach and cook until it wilts, which should take around 2-3 minutes. Take off the heat and allow it to cool a bit.
- Make the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth. Fold in the cooked spinach until evenly distributed.
- Stuff the Mushrooms: Spoon the cheese and spinach mixture into each of the prepared portobello mushrooms, dividing it evenly among them. If using, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top of the filling for a crunchy texture.
- Bake the Mushrooms: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the mushrooms are tender and the filling is golden and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the mushrooms from the oven and let them cool slightly. Top with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley and enjoy while warm.
Conclusion
These creamy spinach and cheese stuffed portobello mushrooms are a delightful blend of rich flavors and textures, making them an excellent addition to any meal. They are simple to prepare yet offer a gourmet touch that will impress your family and friends. Whether served as an appetizer, side dish, or even a vegetarian main course, these stuffed mushrooms are sure to be a hit. Enjoy the savory goodness and happy cooking!