Creamy Crab Stuffed Mushrooms Recipe
If you are looking for a delightful appetizer that flawlessly balances indulgence and fresh flavors, this Creamy Crab Stuffed Mushrooms Recipe is just the ticket. Each bite bursts with the rich creaminess of cheese and the delicate sweetness of crab, all nestled inside tender, juicy mushrooms. Whether you’re entertaining guests or simply treating yourself, these stuffed mushrooms bring an elegant touch to any occasion, making them an absolute favorite in my kitchen and, soon, hopefully in yours!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these ingredients is the first step to bringing this scrumptious dish to life. Each element plays a crucial role, contributing layers of flavor, texture, and color that make the mushrooms irresistible.
- 12 medium button or cremini mushrooms, cleaned and stems removed: These serve as the perfect natural cups to hold the creamy filling.
- Olive oil spray: Helps the mushrooms roast to tender perfection without drying out.
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened: The backbone of the creamy texture that makes the filling luxuriously smooth.
- 1/2 cup fresh or panko breadcrumbs: Adds just the right touch of crunch and helps bind the filling together.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced: Infuses the filling with a gentle aromatic depth.
- 1/2 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Boosts umami and enhances the savory profile of the stuffing.
- 1/2 cup finely chopped green onions: Brings a fresh, mild bite and lovely green color that brightens the dish.
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Provides a salty, nutty punch that tears up the flavor complexity.
- 2-3 tablespoons fresh chopped Italian parsley: Offers a fresh herbal note and a burst of vibrant green.
- 1 cup cooked, shelled crab (King Crab recommended), finely chopped: The star ingredient adding sweet, delicate seafood goodness.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that tie all the flavors seamlessly together.
How to Make Creamy Crab Stuffed Mushrooms Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Roast the Mushrooms
Begin by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray the cleaned mushrooms lightly with olive oil spray to aid in roasting and prevent sticking. Arrange the mushrooms cap side down on a baking sheet or dish — this positioning helps maintain their juicy texture while roasting.
Step 2: Create the Creamy Crab Filling
In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with the breadcrumbs, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, chopped green onions, Parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley. Gently fold in the finely chopped crab meat, seasoning the mixture with salt and pepper to your preference. This mixture should be thick, creamy, and packed with layers of flavor that will make you smile with every scoop.
Step 3: Stuff and Bake the Mushrooms
Spoon about 1 1/2 tablespoons of the creamy crab filling into the cavity of each mushroom cap, making sure to fill generously but neatly. Bake the mushrooms in your preheated oven for 20 minutes, allowing the filling to heat through and the mushrooms to soften perfectly.
Step 4: Broil for a Golden Finish
Turn your oven broiler on for the last minute of cooking to brown the tops lightly. Keep a close eye on them—the broiler can be unpredictable, and a quick toast transforms these stuffed mushrooms into irresistible golden bites with a slight crisp on top.
How to Serve Creamy Crab Stuffed Mushrooms Recipe
Garnishes
For an added touch of elegance and freshness, sprinkle a little extra chopped Italian parsley or finely grated Parmesan cheese right before serving. These garnishes brighten the look and introduce a fresh pop of flavor that complements the creamy crab filling.
Side Dishes
These stuffed mushrooms make a delightful appetizer on their own but also pair well with light sides like a crisp mixed green salad, crusty bread, or even a chilled glass of white wine. The contrast of textures and temperatures enhances the overall experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, arrange these mushrooms on a decorative platter lined with fresh herbs or a bed of baby spinach to add a festive splash of color. You can also serve them on individual appetizer spoons for a sophisticated single-bite presentation that wows guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers of this Creamy Crab Stuffed Mushrooms Recipe, place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to two days, maintaining much of their creamy, savory charm.
Freezing
While freshly baked stuffed mushrooms are best enjoyed immediately, you can freeze the prepared stuffing mixture before baking. Scoop the mixture into a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to one month. Thaw in the refrigerator before stuffing fresh mushrooms and baking.
Reheating
To reheat leftovers, place the stuffed mushrooms in an oven-safe dish and warm at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the mushrooms soggy and the texture less appealing.
FAQs
Can I use other types of mushrooms?
Absolutely! While button or cremini mushrooms are classic choices, baby portobellos or large white mushrooms also work well as long as they’re sturdy enough to hold the filling.
What type of crab works best for this recipe?
King Crab is a popular choice because of its sweet and tender meat, but you can also use lump crab meat or snow crab, depending on what’s available and your preference.
Is this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet?
You can easily make this recipe gluten-free by swapping regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.
Can I prepare the mushrooms ahead of time?
You can prepare the filling and clean the mushrooms a day ahead to save time. Store them separately in the refrigerator and assemble just before baking to keep the mushrooms fresh.
How can I make the filling less creamy or lighter?
To lighten the filling, consider reducing the amount of cream cheese slightly or substituting half with ricotta cheese for a lighter texture. Just be mindful that this changes the traditional creaminess a bit.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Creamy Crab Stuffed Mushrooms Recipe a try because it is such a rewarding culinary treat. It’s a perfect balance of creamy, savory, and fresh flavors that can impress anyone lucky enough to enjoy them. Once you take that first bite, you’ll understand why they have such a cherished spot in my recipe collection, and I bet they will in yours too!
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Creamy Crab Stuffed Mushrooms Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
These Creamy Crab Stuffed Mushrooms are a delicious and elegant appetizer perfect for entertaining. Button mushrooms are filled with a rich mixture of cream cheese, crab meat, Parmesan, and fresh herbs, then baked until golden and bubbly. The combination of tender mushrooms and savory crab filling creates a crowd-pleasing bite-sized treat that’s quick to prepare and impressive to serve.
Ingredients
Mushrooms
- 12 medium button or cremini mushrooms, cleaned with stems removed and discarded
- Olive oil spray
Crab Filling
- 1 box (8 ounces) 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 meat, finely chopped (preferably King Crab)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven. Set your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the stuffed mushrooms.
- Prepare mushrooms. Lightly spray the cleaned mushrooms with olive oil spray and arrange them cap side down on a baking sheet or baking dish.
- Mix the filling. In a large bowl, thoroughly combine the softened cream cheese, bread crumbs, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, finely chopped green onions, grated Parmesan cheese, fresh chopped Italian parsley, and finely chopped cooked crab meat. Season the mixture with salt and pepper according to your taste.
- Stuff the mushrooms. Use a spoon to scoop about 1 1/2 tablespoons of the crab cheese mixture into each mushroom cap, filling them generously.
- Bake. Place the stuffed mushrooms in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes until heated through and the filling is set.
- Broil to brown. For the last minute of cooking, turn on the broiler and lightly brown the tops of the stuffed mushrooms. Stay close to the oven during this step to avoid burning as broilers can be unpredictable.
Notes
- Use fresh or high-quality frozen crab meat for best flavor.
- Make sure cream cheese is softened for easy mixing.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to preference.
- Watch the broiler closely to prevent burning the tops.
- For a gluten-free variation, substitute bread crumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed nuts.
- This dish is best served warm as an appetizer or party snack.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
