Smoky Stuffed Mushrooms – Are you, in search of an appetizer that is bursting with flavors and ideal for entertaining your guests? Look no further than our recipe for Smoky Stuffed Mushrooms. These enjoyable morsels meld mushrooms, creamy cheese and smoky goodness. With a few components, you can efficiently whip up a batch of these delectable stuffed mushrooms that will leave everyone desiring more.
I still vividly remember the first time I tried my hand at making these Smoky Stuffed Mushrooms. It was a chilly evening. All I craved was something warm and comforting. With a basket of Baby Bella mushrooms at my disposal I decided to get creative. Little did I know that this experiment would become a family dearest.
As I prepared the mushrooms my kitchen filled with the inviting aroma of garlic, shallots and smoky goodness. My husband couldn’t resist sneaking a taste even before they made it to the smoker. Once they were ready our child couldn’t get enough of these bites. At that moment I knew I had created something special.
What makes this Smoky Stuffed Mushrooms truly special?
Indulge in the enchantment of our Smoky Stuffed Mushrooms where earthy Baby Bella mushrooms meet an infusion resulting in layers of flavor that make this appetizer stand out from the rest. The creamy and savory filling enriched, with cream cheese and aromatic spices beautifully balances the smokiness. What sets these stuffed mushrooms apart is the crispy parmesan coating that provides a crunch, with each bite. These delicious bites aren’t just appetizers; they take your taste buds on an experience that will have you craving for more.
What You Need To Make This Smoky Stuffed Mushrooms Recipe?
Baby Bella Mushrooms: These plump and earthy mushrooms take center stage providing a substantial foundation, for our stuffed mushrooms. Remember to give them a rinse to eliminate any dirt and gently remove the stems to make room for the mouthwatering filling.
Olive Oil: A drizzle of olive oil adds a hint of Mediterranean charm to our recipe. It aids in sautéing the shallots and mushroom stems, imparting a richness that perfectly complements the flavor.
Cream Cheese: This smooth and indulgent ingredient forms the heart of our stuffing lending it a velvety consistency. Once softened it effortlessly blends with the spices resulting in a filling that simply melts in your mouth.
Sea Salt: Sea salt elevates all the flavors in our recipe enhancing both the earthiness of the mushrooms and the creamy goodness of the cheese. It is instrumental in achieving that balance of taste.
Black Pepper: Just a dash of pepper adds a kick to our filling awakening your taste buds without overpowering the dish. It’s, like a spice that brings everything together harmoniously.
Thyme: Fresh thyme leaves infuse a touch into every bite of our mushrooms perfectly complementing their smoky and savory elements. Each mouthful feels like strolling through a garden.
Red Pepper Flakes: If you’re someone who enjoys a kick of spiciness red pepper flakes are the addition to elevate the flavor of your dish. They add a touch of excitement that ignites your taste buds.
Parmesan Cheese: Our recipe generously incorporates parmesan cheese to create that crispy crust. It’s the ingredient that gives a cheesy touch to the tops of our stuffed mushrooms.
Panko Bread Crumbs (or Pork Panko): Whether you opt for panko or its carb counterpart, pork panko you have the flexibility to customize the recipe according to your dietary preferences. Both options bring a crunch to our dish turning each bite into a texture experience.
Steps To Make Smoky Stuffed Mushrooms:
Step 1: Start by preheating your smoker to 250°F ensuring that it is set for indirect heat.
Step 2: Begin the process by cleaning the mushrooms and allowing them to dry on paper towels.
Step 3: Carefully remove the stems from each mushroom creating a space in the middle, for the filling. Take the removed stems. Dice them into pieces.
Step 4: In a skillet placed over heat add some olive oil, mushroom stems and minced shallot. Let them cook for 4 to 5 minutes. After that introduce minced garlic. Continue cooking for 1 to 2 minutes before removing from heat.
Step 5: Combine the cooked mushroom mixture with softened cream cheese and spices in a mixing bowl.
Step 6: Take another bowl. Mix panko crumbs with shredded parmesan cheese.
Step 7: Fill each mushroom with a spoonful of the cream cheese mixture so that it forms a dome on top. Gently dip the tops of each mushroom into the panko and parmesan mixture.
Step 8: To make it easier to transfer them to and from the smoker place all stuffed mushrooms on a wire rack.
Step 9: Smoke these mushrooms for 1.5 hours (but keep in mind that timing may vary depending on their size) until they become tender and acquire golden brown tops.
Step 10: Present these mouthwatering Smoky Stuffed Mushrooms on a platter either as an appetizer or, as a side dish. Enjoy their flavor combined with creamy goodness.
Tip:
To add a touch of smokiness and enhance the flavors you might want to try using hardwood smoking chips or chunks, in your smoker. Give types of wood a try, like hickory, applewood or mesquite as they each bring their unique smoky notes to your mushrooms. Soak the wood chips in water for 30 minutes before adding them to the smoker—this ensures a flavorful infusion of smoke. By making this adjustment you’ll elevate your stuffed mushrooms. Have your guests yearning for more of that irresistible smoky goodness.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I prepare these stuffed mushrooms in the oven instead of a smoker?
Sure you can definitely prepare these stuffed mushrooms in the oven instead of using a smoker. Just preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake them for 20 to 25 minutes until they are fully cooked and have a nice golden brown color on top.
What can I serve as a dipping sauce for these stuffed mushrooms?
While these mushrooms taste great on their own you can also serve them with a side of aioli or ranch dressing, for an added burst of flavor as a dipping sauce.
Can I make these mushrooms in advance for a party?
Absolutely! You can make these mushrooms ahead of time for a party. Simply prepare the stuffed mushrooms, in advance. Refrigerate them until you’re ready to either smoke or bake them. Just remember to let them come to room temperature before cooking.
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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Smoky Stuffed Mushrooms
Ingredients
- 24 Baby Bella Mushrooms cleaned, stems removed
- 2 teaspoons Olive Oil
- 1 Shallot minced
- 3 cloves Garlic minced
- 8 ounces Cream Cheese softened
- 1 teaspoon Sea Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1 teaspoon Thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes
- 2 cups Parmesan Cheese
- 1 cup Panko Bread Crumbs substitute with pork panko if desired
Instructions
- Prepare the mushrooms: Start by cleaning 24 Baby Bella mushrooms making sure to remove the stems to create room for the filling. Make sure to dry them thoroughly.
- Cook the filling: In a skillet sauté 1 minced shallot and diced mushroom stems in 2 teaspoons of olive oil until they become soft and tender. Then add 3 cloves of garlic. Continue cooking for another 1 to 2 minutes before removing from heat.
- Create the filling: In a bowl mix the sautéed mixture with 8 ounces of softened cream cheese along with 1 teaspoon of sea salt 1/2 teaspoon of pepper 1 teaspoon of thyme and finally add in half a teaspoon of red pepper flakes.
- Coat the mushrooms: Combine 1 cup of panko bread crumbs with 2 cups of Parmesan cheese in a bowl. Proceed by filling each mushroom with the cream cheese mixture; make sure to overfill them. Afterward dip the tops into the panko and Parmesan mixture.
- Smoke or bake: You have two options you can smoke your stuffed mushrooms at a temperature of around 250°F for approximately an hour and a half or bake them in an oven preheated to about 350°F for about 20 to 25 minutes until they turn tender and achieve that beautiful golden brown color on top.
- Serve and enjoy: Once done smoking or baking arrange your Smoky Stuffed Mushrooms nicely on a platter. Indulge in their combination of creamy filling paired with those smoky flavors! These can be enjoyed as either an appetizer or, as a side dish.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!