Creamy Garlic Parmesan Stuffed Mushrooms: The Ultimate Party Appetizer

Perfectly Creamy Garlic Parmesan Stuffed Mushrooms

These delicious stuffed mushrooms are the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer that always disappears first at any gathering. With a creamy, savory filling and a golden toasted topping, these bite-sized delights deliver restaurant-quality flavor with surprisingly little effort.

Why You’ll Love These Stuffed Mushrooms

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or contributing to a potluck, these stuffed mushroom caps are guaranteed to impress. The combination of cream cheese, aromatic garlic, and savory Parmesan creates a filling that’s irresistibly rich and flavorful, while the mushrooms themselves provide the perfect earthy vessel.

The best part? You can prepare these ahead of time and simply pop them in the oven when guests arrive!

Ingredients for Perfect Stuffed Mushrooms

• 12 large fresh mushrooms (white button or cremini work best)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for topping
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

• Baking sheet
• Cooking spray
• Medium mixing bowl
• Spoon for cleaning mushrooms
• Piping bag or spoon for filling

How to Make the Best Stuffed Mushrooms

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a baking sheet with cooking spray.
2. Clean the mushrooms with a damp paper towel (don’t rinse them or they’ll absorb water). Remove the stems by gently twisting them out, creating a cavity for the filling. Tip: Save the stems for another use like homemade stock!
3. Place the mushroom caps on the prepared baking sheet, hollow side up.
4. In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, cayenne pepper, and black pepper. Mix until well blended and smooth.
5. Using a spoon or piping bag, fill each mushroom cap generously with the cream cheese mixture.
6. In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with a tablespoon of Parmesan cheese and sprinkle over the filled mushrooms.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the mushrooms are tender and the filling is golden brown on top.
8. Allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley.

Chef’s Tips for Spectacular Stuffed Mushrooms

• Choose the right mushrooms – Look for mushrooms that are roughly the same size for even cooking. Larger mushrooms create more impressive appetizers.
• Room temperature cream cheese – Make sure your cream cheese is properly softened for a smooth, easily mixed filling.
• Make-ahead option – Prepare these up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. Just add a few minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
• Flavor variations – Try adding crispy bacon bits, fresh herbs, or swap the Parmesan for another cheese like sharp cheddar or goat cheese.

Nutritional Information for Creamy Stuffed Mushrooms

Each serving (1 stuffed mushroom) contains approximately:

• Calories: 90 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Cholesterol: 21mg
• Sodium: 97mg
• Sugar: 1g

Perfect Pairings for Stuffed Mushrooms

These versatile appetizers pair beautifully with:

• A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc
• Light beer or sparkling water with lemon
• Other finger foods like bruschetta or deviled eggs
• A fresh green salad for a complete light meal

Common Questions About Stuffed Mushrooms

Can I make these stuffed mushrooms ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare these mushrooms up to 24 hours before baking. Simply cover and refrigerate, then add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

What are the best mushrooms to use for stuffed mushrooms?

White button mushrooms or cremini (baby portobello) mushrooms are ideal. Look for mushrooms that are firm, fresh, and have caps that are around 1.5-2 inches wide.

Can I freeze stuffed mushrooms?

While you can freeze them, the texture may change slightly upon thawing. It’s best to freeze them unbaked, then bake from frozen, adding about 10 minutes to the cooking time.

How do I know when stuffed mushrooms are done?

The mushrooms should be tender and the filling should be golden brown on top. You’ll also notice the mushrooms releasing some of their moisture.

These cream cheese stuffed mushrooms are guaranteed to be the star of your next gathering. Simple to prepare but impressive to serve, they deliver big flavor in every bite!