Description
These Creamy Garlic Crab-Stuffed Mushrooms are a delicious appetizer featuring large button mushrooms filled with a rich mixture of cream cheese, fresh lump crab meat, garlic, and herbs. Topped with Parmesan and mozzarella cheese and baked to perfection, they make an elegant and flavorful dish perfect for parties or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Mushrooms
- 20 large button mushrooms, stems removed and caps cleaned
Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 4 oz lump crab meat, drained and flaked
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley, plus more for garnish
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Topping
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Prepare the mushrooms: Clean the mushrooms thoroughly and remove the stems carefully. Using a small spoon or melon baller, hollow out the mushroom caps to create space for the filling. Finely chop the removed stems and set the caps aside.
- Make the crab filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, lump crab meat, melted butter, minced garlic, freshly chopped parsley, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated and the mixture is creamy.
- Stuff the mushrooms: Spoon the crab cheese mixture into each mushroom cap, pressing gently to pack the filling tightly without spilling over.
- Top with cheese: Evenly sprinkle the grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheeses on top of each stuffed mushroom to create a golden, bubbly crust when baked.
- Bake the stuffed mushrooms: Arrange the stuffed mushrooms on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the mushrooms are tender and the cheese topping is fully melted and bubbly, with a slightly golden finish.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the mushrooms from the oven. Garnish with additional freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve warm and enjoy this creamy, savory appetizer.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easier mixing.
- Use fresh lump crab meat for the best flavor and texture, avoiding canned or imitation crab.
- You can prepare the filling in advance and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before stuffing the mushrooms.
- For a spicier twist, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling mixture.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, verify that all ingredients, especially cheese, are certified gluten-free.
- Leftover stuffed mushrooms can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated in the oven.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
