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Stuckintooth

Perfect Stuffed Mushrooms with Optional Ingredients

Mushrooms are a versatile and delightful ingredient for all kinds of recipes.

While mushrooms are for both vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike, whether baked or fried, our recipe today is a vegetarian version with emphasis on how to make perfect stuffed mushrooms in the oven.

Perfect Stuffed Mushrooms Recipe

These almost bite-sized delights are crowd-pleasers! In addition, I will go over various stuffing options and provide tips to help ensure your stuffed mushrooms turn out flawlessly. Here’s what we have for you:

  1. Ingredients & Options
  2. Instructions
  3. Mushroom Selection Guide
  4. FAQs, Tips and Tricks
  5. Nutrition Information
  6. Interesting Dinner Table Fodder

How to Make Perfect Stuffed Mushrooms

1. Ingredients:

  • 12 mushrooms* (see selection guide below)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Stuffing Options:

  1. My Style (as pictured): Top with diced bell peppers (whatever colors you prefer).
  2. Classic: Use the ingredients listed above for a classic stuffed mushroom.
  3. Vegan: Replace Parmesan with a vegan cheese alternative.
  4. Mediterranean: Mix breadcrumbs with feta cheese, black olives, and sun-dried tomatoes.
  5. Spinach and Artichoke: Combine cream cheese, chopped spinach, and marinated artichoke hearts.

2. Instructions:

  1. Prep the Mushrooms:
    • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
    • Carefully remove the stems from the mushrooms. Reserve the stems for later use.
    • Gently wipe the mushroom caps with a damp cloth. Avoid washing them as mushrooms are like sponges and can become soggy.
  2. Prepare the Filling:
    • Finely chop the reserved mushroom stems.
    • In a pan, heat olive oil and sauté the chopped mushroom stems and garlic until they become tender. Season with salt and pepper.
  3. Mix the Stuffing:
    • In a mixing bowl, combine the sautéed mushroom stems, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley. Mix well.
  4. Stuff the Mushrooms:
    • Fill each mushroom cap generously with the stuffing mixture.
  5. Bake:
    • Place the stuffed mushrooms on a baking sheet.
    • Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the mushrooms are tender and the stuffing is golden brown.
  6. Serve:
    • Allow the stuffed mushrooms to cool for a few minutes before serving.

3. Selecting the right mushrooms is crucial

Here are some tips on what to look for when choosing mushrooms to stuff:

1. Size: Opt for large, whole mushrooms. They should be big enough to hold a substantial amount of stuffing and to make a satisfying appetizer.

2. Freshness: Choose mushrooms that are firm, with a smooth surface and unblemished caps. Avoid any with bruises, wrinkles, or dark spots.

3. Variety: While white button mushrooms are commonly used for stuffing, you can also consider cremini (baby bella) or portobello mushrooms for a deeper, earthy flavor.

4. Stem Condition: Examine the mushroom stems. They should be sturdy and not overly woody or fibrous. The stem should be easy to remove from the cap for stuffing.

5. Color: Look for mushrooms that have a consistent color. For white mushrooms, they should be a clean, creamy white.

Cremini mushrooms should have a rich brown color. Portobellos should be dark brown and free from discoloration.

6. Spacing: Check for any signs of mushrooms growing close together, such as fused caps or overlapping. These can make it difficult to remove the stem and stuff the mushrooms evenly.

7. Freshness Smell: Fresh mushrooms should have a mild, earthy, and slightly nutty aroma. Avoid mushrooms that have a strong or unpleasant odor, as it could be a sign of spoilage.

8. Touch: Mushrooms should feel dry to the touch. Avoid mushrooms that feel slimy, as this is a sign of overripeness or spoilage.

9. Organic vs. Conventional: If you have the option, consider buying organic mushrooms, as they are less likely to have been treated with pesticides and may have a better flavor.

Remember that mushrooms are highly perishable, so it’s best to use them soon after purchase. Proper storage in the refrigerator in a paper bag will help maintain their freshness.

By selecting high-quality mushrooms, you’ll set the stage for delicious stuffed mushrooms that are not only visually appealing but also have the perfect texture and flavor.

4. FAQs, Tips and Tricks:

  • Should mushrooms be washed before cooking? No, don’t wash mushrooms. Instead, wipe them gently with a damp cloth to remove any dirt. Mushrooms can absorb water and become soggy if washed.
  • How to remove moisture before stuffing them? Saute the chopped mushroom stems and garlic before stuffing to remove excess moisture.
  • Why do they get chewy, rubbery, or soggy? Overcooking or washing mushrooms can lead to an undesirable texture. Cook them until tender, not mushy.
  • How to reheat them: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or in the microwave for a minute or two.
  • How to tell when they are perfectly cooked: Mushrooms should be tender, but not mushy. The stuffing should be golden brown.
  • How to buy and store mushrooms properly: Select mushrooms that are firm, dry, and free of blemishes. Store them in a paper bag in the refrigerator for up to a week.

There are also lots of general cooking FAQs and Tips here.

5. Nutrition Information (per serving):

  • Calories: 85
  • Protein: 3g
  • Carbohydrates: 5g
  • Fat: 6g
  • Fiber: 1g

Mushroom Facts:

  • Mushrooms are a great source of vitamin D, which can be produced when they are exposed to sunlight.
  • Some fungi, including mushrooms, are used for medicinal purposes and have been studied for potential health benefits.
  • The largest living organism on Earth is a mushroom mycelium network that spans over 2,385 acres in Oregon’s Malheur National Forest.

6. Dinner Table Fodder:

Mushrooms have a rich history in folklore and mythology across various cultures. They are often associated with mystical and symbolic significance.

Here are some intriguing stories and beliefs related to mushrooms:

1. Ancient Greece:

  • In Ancient Greece, mushrooms were believed to be a gift from the gods.The word “amanita,” used to describe a genus of mushrooms, is thought to have originated from the Greek word “amánēs,” which means “without madness.”

    Some believed that consuming certain mushrooms, like the Amanita muscaria, could provide visions and spiritual experiences.

2. Siberian Shamanism:

  • The Amanita muscaria, also known as the fly agaric, has a long history of use in Siberian shamanic rituals.Shamans would ingest this hallucinogenic mushroom to connect with the spirit world and gain insight.

3. Celtic Lore:

  • In Celtic folklore, mushrooms were considered to be a link between the human world and the fairy realm. Fairy rings, which are naturally occurring circles of mushrooms, were believed to be gateways to the fairy world.Stepping inside a fairy ring could lead to encounters with fairies, but it was also considered dangerous.

4. Chinese Culture:

  • In Chinese mythology, the reishi mushroom is highly revered. Reishi is believed to grant immortality and has been referred to as the “Elixir of Life.”It’s often associated with longevity, health, and spiritual enlightenment.

5. Mexican Aztec Civilization:

  • The Aztecs used the Psilocybe mushrooms, known for their hallucinogenic properties, in their religious ceremonies.These mushrooms were thought to connect them with the divine and spiritual realms.

6. Native American Tribes:

  • Various Native American tribes had their own beliefs and uses for mushrooms. Some believed that certain mushrooms could offer insight, healing, or visions.The Amanita muscaria was consumed by some tribes for its psychoactive effects.

7. European Witchcraft:

  • In medieval Europe, mushrooms were sometimes associated with witches and their potions. Witch’s ointments were said to contain psychoactive mushrooms and were used for supposed supernatural purposes.

These stories highlight the mystique and fascination that mushrooms have held in the collective human imagination for centuries.

They’ve been considered as portals to other worlds, sources of enlightenment, and sometimes even associated with the supernatural.

While many of these beliefs and practices are rooted in ancient times, mushrooms continue to captivate our modern imaginations and play a significant role in various cultural and culinary traditions.

That’s All There is to Making Perfect Stuffed Mushrooms

These vegetarian stuffed mushrooms are a delightful appetizer or side dish that can be customized to suit your taste.

Following the tips can help you achieve the perfect, savory, and golden-brown stuffed mushrooms every time.

Enjoy these fantastic fungi!