Description
These stuffed mushrooms make a perfect party appetizer, filled with a crispy and savory mixture of panko breadcrumbs, pecorino cheese, fresh herbs, sun-dried tomatoes, pine nuts, and garlic. Baked until golden and tender, they're best served warm to impress your guests with every bite.
Ingredients
Filling
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated pecorino or Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup finely chopped fresh parsley, plus more for garnish
- ¼ cup chopped oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes (about 4 tomatoes)
- 2 tablespoons pine nuts
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt, plus more for sprinkling
- Freshly ground black pepper
Mushrooms and Finishing
- 20 to 24 large cremini mushrooms, stems removed
- Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling
- Pinches of red pepper flakes, optional
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Prepare Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated pecorino cheese, finely chopped parsley, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, pine nuts, minced garlic, sea salt, and several grinds of freshly ground black pepper. Mix thoroughly to evenly distribute all ingredients.
- Prepare Mushrooms: Place the cleaned cremini mushrooms on the prepared baking sheet with the cavity side facing up. Drizzle each mushroom with extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt to enhance flavor.
- Stuff Mushrooms: Spoon the breadcrumb and cheese filling generously into the cavity of each mushroom. Drizzle a little more olive oil over the filled mushrooms to ensure the topping bakes up golden and crispy.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 22 minutes or until the mushrooms are tender and the filling has turned a beautiful golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Once baked, garnish the stuffed mushrooms with additional fresh parsley and, if desired, sprinkle with red pepper flakes for a hint of heat. Adjust seasoning if needed and serve warm for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Choose large cremini mushrooms for a perfect bite size and easier stuffing.
- For a vegetarian option, ensure the cheese used does not contain animal rennet.
- Sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil add great flavor; if using dry ones, soak them in warm water before chopping.
- Toasting pine nuts before mixing them in can enhance their nutty flavor.
- The recipe can be doubled easily for larger gatherings.
- These stuffed mushrooms are best served immediately but can be reheated gently in the oven.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
