These Stuffed Mushrooms with Cream Cheese are meatless and gluten free! They’re accented with lemon, basil, garlic, Parmesan, mozzarella and butter. A delicious appetizer!
You could say these stuffed mushrooms with cream cheese were 25 years in the making. When I worked as a newspaper reporter in Kentucky, there was a restaurant that featured a variation of these as its signature appetizer. The dish was so popular, it came with a “recipe card” that simply listed ingredients, minus the measurements.
Ha! Thanks a lot! Can you imagine if that’s all I provided here?
All I remember are “cream cheese”and “lemon zest.” I’m pretty sure I used to recall at least two other ingredients. But, hey, I’m no spring chicken anymore.
I absolutely loved those stuffed mushrooms. I’ve tried, every so often over the years, to replicate them, but was never satisfied. Well, there’s nothing like being a food blogger to motivate me to finally nail down a recipe. I’m sure mine is different from the original, but I’ve captured its essence.
I had to add ribbons of basil (you should see my plant still going strong in my kitchen), plus Parmesan, mozzarella and garlic. (Surely, there had to be garlic in those mushrooms from long ago!) And, after a few experiments, I realized the mushrooms are better when brushed all over with melted butter before they’re stuffed. Of course, I poured any extra butter on top. Yes, that’s what they needed. Yum!
I’ve said it before: I adore appetizers and will gladly eat them in place of “regular food” for dinner. I’m so excited to add these stuffed mushrooms with cream cheese to my repertoire!
Enjoy!
(Recipe Source: Inspired by an appetizer that used to be served at one of the restaurants in the Drawbridge complex in Ft. Mitchell, KY)
- 18 large white mushrooms
- 4 garlic cloves (medium or large)
- 6 tablespoons salted butter (divided use, plus extra to grease your pan)
- 8 ounces cream cheese (low fat is fine)
- 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (divided use)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 6 large basil leaves cut into ribbons (divided use)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 dashes Worcestershire sauce
- lemon juice to squeeze on top
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. Grease your baking pan with a little butter.
- Gently rinse mushrooms in cold water and brush off dirt (or wipe it off with a paper towel). Pat mushrooms dry and cut out the stems with a small knife. Chop up the stems.
- Peel and finely chop four cloves of garlic.
- In a 12-inch skillet, melt two tablespoons of butter. Add the garlic and cook it for a minute before adding in the mushroom stems. Stir to combine and cook the mixture for five minutes or until tender. Remove the stem mixture to a plate and spread it out to cool.
- In a medium mixing bowl, add your cream cheese and stir it to break it up and soften it. Add 1/4 cup mozzarella, 1/4 cup Parmesan, two basil leaves cut into ribbons, your lemon zest, pepper, salt, garlic powder and Worcestershire sauce. Add in your mushroom stem mixture. Stir with two spoons to mix well.
- Melt four tablespoons of butter in the microwave or in a small pan on the stove. Brush some butter all over each mushroom cap, including the top, bottom and sides. (You will have extra melted butter left to pour over the top later.) Place the mushroom caps into your baking pan.
- Use a small scoop or two teaspoons to scoop some cream cheese filling into each mushroom cap. Try to smooth over the top. Sprinkle your remaining mozzarella on top of the mushroom caps. Pour your remaining melted butter over the mushrooms.
- Bake for 15-17 minutes, or until the tops are just starting to get golden.
- Top the mushrooms with ribbons of basil and squeeze a little lemon juice over them. Let the mushrooms rest for five minutes before serving.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to five days. To prepare these ahead of time, stuff your mushrooms and refrigerate them, but hold off with the melted butter until just before baking them.
Lori says
Cooking right now and I’m scared bc the leftover filling I tasted was waaaaaaayyyyyyy too salty!! And I skipped the garlic salt! 😬 I should have tasted as I added versus just put in half tsp. We’ll see what happens!
Mamma C says
Hi Lori – The filling isn’t meant to be eaten by itself without being baked. Once it’s added to the mushrooms and baked, it should be much better. FYI, the recipe calls for garlic powder, not garlic salt.
Jennifer R says
Holy guacamole! I made this recipe because I needed a side for a steak dinner, and I had all of the ingredients except one…subbed the fresh basil for fresh garlic chives. I love to cook and make many delicious things in my kitchen, but this may be the best side/appetizer I’ve ever cooked! My hubby and his bestie are raving about how good these mushrooms taste! Thank you for sharing this recipe!!
Mamma C says
Hi Jennifer – I’m so happy you guys enjoyed these mushrooms! I love the idea of serving them with steak. Thanks so much for your sweet comment!
Jaszmin Toman says
These are just like a top restaurants appetizers …. I LOVED them. Absolutely worth the prep.
Mamma C says
I’m so happy you hear that, Jaszmin! We love these too. Thanks for letting me know!
Denise | Sweet Peas & Saffron says
These look absolutely heavenly! Mushroom caps are my favorite!
Mamma C says
Thanks, Denise! I love them too.
Cheryl "Cheffie Cooks" Wiser says
Oh yes please…yummy!
Mamma C says
What’s not to love, right? Thanks, Cheryl!
Angie says
I love a good stuffed mushroom, these look great!
Mamma C says
I know you love appetizers just as much as I do, Angie! Thanks!
Swayampurna says
We love these too!! I love serving them on tiny crostini or crackers. Love the flavour here
Mamma C says
I never thought of that, but I bet it’s delicious that way. Thanks, Swayampurna!
Suzy | The Mediterranean Dish says
I love stuffed mushroom! Great appetizer or even side dish!
Mamma C says
Yes! I served these as a side dish last night, and my family really enjoyed that. Thanks, Suzy.
Karen @ Seasonal Cravings says
I need new apps for a holiday party I’m having in two weeks. This looks like a huge win with that cheesy filling. I think the ladies would love them.
Mamma C says
Oh yes, I think they’d love them too! Good luck with your party, Karen!
Linda @ Your Daily Food Choices says
We devour stuffed mushrooms! Adding fresh basil sounds so good. Thanks for the make-ahead tip – must try these for Thanksgiving.
Mamma C says
These would be great for Thanksgiving. Enjoy, Linda!
Platter Talk says
Pretty mushroom app! I love any mushroom, any way but these look particularly delicious!
Mamma C says
Thanks, Dan! I loved stuffed mushrooms of any kind, and these have a bright, lemony cheesy flavor.