Creamy Crab Stuffed Mushrooms
These Creamy Crab Stuffed Mushrooms are the perfect party appetizer or light supper. They combine the rich flavors of crab and cream cheese, making them a standout dish that’s sure to impress your guests. Whether you’re hosting a casual gathering or enjoying a cozy dinner at home, these stuffed mushrooms fit right in. Their versatility and mouthwatering taste make them a favorite among seafood lovers and mushroom fans alike.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: With minimal prep time, you can whip up these delicious mushrooms in just 35 minutes.
- Flavor Packed: The combination of fresh crab, cream cheese, and herbs creates a delightful flavor explosion in every bite.
- Versatile Serving Options: Great as an appetizer, side dish, or even a light main course when served with a salad.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for parties, holidays, or just a cozy night in; everyone will rave about this dish!
- Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to swap out ingredients based on your preference or what you have on hand.
Tools and Preparation
To create these delightful Creamy Crab Stuffed Mushrooms, you’ll need some essential tools that will help streamline the cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Knife and chopping board
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking sheet: Provides an even surface for the mushrooms to bake evenly without sticking.
- Mixing bowl: A spacious bowl allows for easy mixing of ingredients without spills.
- Knife and chopping board: Essential for finely chopping ingredients such as crab meat and green onions.
Ingredients
These delicious and easy Crab Stuffed Mushrooms are the perfect party appetizer or light supper. Use white button, cremini, or portobellos for a main course.
For the Mushrooms
- 12 medium button mushrooms or cremini mushrooms cleaned with stems removed and discarded
- Olive oil spray
For the Filling
- 1 box (8 ounce) cream cheese softened
- 1/2 cup fresh bread crumbs or panko breadcrumbs
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1/2 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 cup finely chopped green onions
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2-3 tablespoons fresh chopped Italian parsley
- 1 cup cooked shelled crab finely chopped (I use King Crab)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Creamy Crab Stuffed Mushrooms
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures that your mushrooms cook evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Mushrooms
Lightly spray the mushrooms with olive oil spray. Arrange them cap side down on a baking sheet or baking dish.
Step 3: Make the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the following:
1. Cream cheese
2. Bread crumbs
3. Minced garlic
4. Worcestershire sauce
5. Chopped green onions
6. Parmesan cheese
7. Chopped parsley
8. Finely chopped crab meat
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix until all ingredients are well combined.
Step 4: Fill the Mushrooms
Scoop about 1 ½ tablespoons of the cream cheese mixture into each mushroom cap, ensuring they are generously filled.
Step 5: Bake
Bake for approximately 20 minutes until heated through. Turn on the broiler for the last minute of cooking to brown the tops lightly. Stay close by, as broilers can be unpredictable!
Now you have a plate full of Creamy Crab Stuffed Mushrooms ready to impress!
How to Serve Creamy Crab Stuffed Mushrooms
Creamy Crab Stuffed Mushrooms make for an elegant and delicious appetizer that’s perfect for any gathering. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.
As a Standalone Appetizer
- Serve these mushrooms warm on a platter for guests to enjoy as they mingle.
With Dipping Sauces
- Pair with tartar sauce or a spicy aioli for added flavor.
Garnished with Fresh Herbs
- Top with additional chopped parsley or chives for a fresh touch and vibrant color.
Accompanied by Breads
- Include toasted baguette slices or crackers for scooping the stuffing.
How to Perfect Creamy Crab Stuffed Mushrooms
To ensure your Creamy Crab Stuffed Mushrooms are perfect every time, follow these helpful tips.
- Choose the right mushrooms: Opt for medium-sized button or cremini mushrooms that can hold the filling well.
- Don’t overstuff: Fill each mushroom cap generously but avoid overfilling to prevent spilling during baking.
- Use fresh crab meat: Freshly cooked crab enhances flavor significantly compared to canned options.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste your filling before stuffing the mushrooms; adjust salt and pepper based on preference.
- Broil carefully: Monitor closely while broiling to achieve a golden top without burning.
Best Side Dishes for Creamy Crab Stuffed Mushrooms
Creamy Crab Stuffed Mushrooms pair wonderfully with various side dishes. Here are some delicious options:
- Garlic Bread: Crunchy and savory, garlic bread complements the creamy texture of the mushrooms.
- Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the stuffed mushrooms.
- Coleslaw: The crunch of coleslaw adds texture and freshness, making it a great accompaniment.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables add color and nutrition to your plate.
- Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges provide a hearty side option that pairs well with seafood flavors.
- Cheesy Risotto: A creamy risotto can create a comforting meal when served alongside the mushrooms.
- Stuffed Peppers: Colorful stuffed peppers filled with rice or quinoa offer a nutritious complement to your appetizer.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Creamy Crab Stuffed Mushrooms, it’s easy to make a few missteps. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.
- Using stale breadcrumbs: Fresh bread crumbs or panko add a delightful crunch. Always check your breadcrumbs for freshness before use.
- Overfilling the mushrooms: While it’s tempting to pile on the filling, overfilling can lead to a mess. Aim for about 1 1/2 tablespoons of filling per mushroom cap.
- Not preheating the oven: Skipping this step can result in uneven cooking. Always preheat your oven to ensure even baking.
- Ignoring seasoning: Proper seasoning is key! Don’t forget to taste and adjust salt and pepper before baking for maximum flavor.
- Using cold cream cheese: Cold cream cheese makes mixing difficult. Make sure it’s softened at room temperature for a smooth filling.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Creamy Crab Stuffed Mushrooms in an airtight container.
- They will last up to 3 days in the fridge.
Freezing Creamy Crab Stuffed Mushrooms
- You can freeze unbaked stuffed mushrooms.
- Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. They can last for up to 3 months.
Reheating Creamy Crab Stuffed Mushrooms
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for 30-60 seconds. Check frequently to avoid overcooking.
- Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat. Cover and warm until heated through, stirring occasionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Creamy Crab Stuffed Mushrooms.
What kind of crab should I use for Creamy Crab Stuffed Mushrooms?
You can use any cooked crab meat you prefer, but King Crab offers a rich flavor and texture that works wonderfully in this recipe.
Can I make Creamy Crab Stuffed Mushrooms ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare them up to a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator before baking.
How do I know when the mushrooms are done?
The mushrooms should be tender, and the filling should be lightly browned on top after baking for about 20 minutes.
Are there any variations I can try with Creamy Crab Stuffed Mushrooms?
Absolutely! You can add ingredients like diced bell peppers or change the cheese types based on your preference.
Final Thoughts
Creamy Crab Stuffed Mushrooms are not only delicious but also versatile as appetizers or light meals. Feel free to customize them with different herbs or spices according to your taste. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the delightful flavors!
Creamy Crab Stuffed Mushrooms
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of Creamy Crab Stuffed Mushrooms, an elegant appetizer perfect for any occasion. These savory bites feature a luscious filling of crab meat, cream cheese, and fresh herbs, all baked to golden perfection. Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or enjoying a cozy dinner at home, these stuffed mushrooms are sure to impress your guests. With their rich taste and easy preparation, they are a must-have for seafood lovers and mushroom enthusiasts alike.
Ingredients
- 12 medium button or cremini mushrooms
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup fresh breadcrumbs or panko
- 1/2 cup cooked crab meat (finely chopped)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1/2 cup green onions (chopped)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- Fresh parsley (chopped)
- Olive oil spray
- Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Clean the mushrooms and remove stems; lightly spray with olive oil.
- In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, breadcrumbs, crab meat, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, green onions, Parmesan, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Generously fill each mushroom cap with the mixture.
- Bake for about 20 minutes until heated through and lightly browned.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Seafood
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 stuffed mushrooms (56g)
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
