Crab Stuffed Mushrooms are a delicious appetizer perfect for any occasion. These mushrooms are filled with a creamy mixture of crab meat, cream cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic, green onions, Parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley. To make this dish, start by cleaning and prepping the mushrooms. Mix the cream cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, green onions, Parmesan, parsley, and crab meat in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Fill each mushroom cap with the cream cheese mixture and bake at 375°F for 20 minutes. For a crispy top, broil for the last minute. Serve these savory mushrooms hot and enjoy a delightful blend of flavors.
Crab Stuffed Mushrooms are a delicious appetizer perfect for any occasion. Below are the detailed ingredients needed to create these savory bites.
INGREDIENTS
- Button or Cremini Mushrooms: 12 medium, cleaned with stems removed and discarded. Provides the perfect base for the stuffing.
- Olive Oil Spray: Lightly spray mushrooms to help them cook evenly.
- Cream Cheese: 8 ounces, softened. Creates a rich and creamy filling.
- Fresh Bread Crumbs or Panko: 1/2 cup. Adds texture to the stuffing.
- Garlic Cloves: 2, minced. Adds a savory depth of flavor.
- Worcestershire Sauce: 1/2 tablespoon. Enhances the umami flavor.
- Green Onions: 1/2 cup, finely chopped. Adds freshness and a mild onion flavor.
- Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup, freshly grated. Adds a sharp, nutty flavor.
- Italian Parsley: 2-3 tablespoons, fresh chopped. Adds a bright, herby note.
- Cooked Shelled Crab: 1 cup, finely chopped. Provides a sweet and delicate seafood flavor.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste. Balances and enhances all the flavors.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 1:
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly spray mushrooms with olive oil spray and arrange mushrooms cap side down on a baking sheet or baking dish.
- Step 2:
- In a large bowl, stir together the softened cream cheese, bread crumbs, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, finely chopped green onions, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and fresh chopped parsley. Mix until well combined.
- Step 3:
- Gently fold in the finely chopped crab meat. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
- Step 4:
- Scoop about 1 1/2 tablespoons of the cream cheese mixture into each mushroom cap. Arrange the stuffed mushrooms on the prepared baking sheet.
- Step 5:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the tops are lightly browned. For an extra crispy top, turn on the broiler for the last minute of cooking, but watch closely to avoid burning.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serve the Crab Stuffed Mushrooms hot, straight from the oven. They are perfect for parties and gatherings.
- Pair them with a crisp white wine or sparkling water for a refreshing contrast.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Helpful Notes
- For best results, use fresh, high-quality crab meat. It makes a significant difference in the flavor.
- You can substitute the fresh bread crumbs with panko for a crunchier texture.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste; you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a bit of heat if desired.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Chef Ina Garten: "Always use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Let the filling sit for a few minutes before stuffing the mushrooms to allow the flavors to meld together."
- Chef Gordon Ramsay: "Browning the tops under the broiler adds a nice texture and enhances the overall appearance of the dish."
- Chef Bobby Flay: "Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the filling for a burst of brightness."