Spinach Parmesan Stuffed Mushrooms Recipe

I absolutely adore this stuffed mushroom recipe because it’s super easy to make yet feels like a classy appetizer that can impress anyone—even if cooking for someone special virtually over a shared FaceTime meal. Plus, the combo of creamy cheeses with spinach and the crunchy breadcrumb topping is an umami explosion, making these little bites an irresistible, guilt-free pleasure!

I love generating culinary formulas that are both delectable and healthy, and this dish of Mushrooms Stuffed with Spinach and Parmesan fits the bill perfectly. I take a dozen jumbo button mushrooms and fill them with a not-so-secret mixture of finely chopped spinach, softened cream cheese, and grated Parmesan.

(Gee, I wonder how that could have happened.) For flavor, I use a bit of garlic powder and onion powder. Crispy breadcrumbs on top tie the whole dish together and make it feel like a not-so-guilt-inducing appetizer.

And why is it an iron- and calcium-packed dish that my guests seem to adore? Because “indulgent” is a flavor profile unto itself.

Ingredients

Mushrooms are low in calories, high in fiber, and an excellent source of B vitamins.

Spinach: High in iron and vitamin K, with an abundance of antioxidants, making it a potent promoter of bone and immune health.

Parmesan Cheese: Source of calcium and protein (bone health).

Adds umami flavor.

Cream cheese: Delivers creaminess; serves as a source of calcium and healthy fats.

Olive Oil: Fats that benefit cardiovascular health, contain antioxidants, support anti-inflammatory actions.

Mild heat and depth are added by black pepper.

It aids digestion, and it is rich in antioxidants.

Ingredient Quantities

• 12 large button mushrooms
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup finely chopped spinach
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs

Instructions

1. Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Gently clean the mushrooms with a damp cloth and remove the stems; set the caps aside.

3. Chop the stems of the mushrooms very finely and set them aside.

4. In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped stems of the mushrooms and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.

5. Finely chop the spinach and add it to the skillet, then cook for another 2 minutes or so until it is thoroughly wilted. Remove the skillet from the heat.

6. In a mixing bowl, combine the sautéed mushroom stems and spinach with the following ingredients: Parmesan cheese, cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.

7. Fill each mushroom cap with the spinach and cheese mixture, pressing gently to make sure they are completely filled.

8. In a tiny bowl, blend the breadcrumbs with the leftover tablespoon of olive oil.

9. The oiled breadcrumbs should be sprinkled over the stuffed mushrooms.

10. Put the stuffed mushrooms on the prepared baking sheet and bake them for 15-20 minutes. You’re looking for the mushrooms to be fully tender and the stuffing to have taken on a nice golden-brown color. Serve them warm for best results, though they’re still tasty at room temperature.

Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Baking sheet
3. Parchment paper
4. Damp cloth
5. Skillet
6. Mixing bowl
7. Tiny bowl
8. Knife
9. Cutting board
10. Spoon

FAQ

• Q: Can I use a different type of cheese?Q: Can Parmesan be substituted, and if so, with what?
• Q: Is there a substitute for cream cheese?Cream cheese can be replaced by ricotta or mascarpone.
• Q: How do I clean the mushrooms?To remove dirt, gently wipe the mushrooms with a damp paper towel. Do not soak them in water.
• Q: Can these stuffed mushrooms be made ahead of time?You can prepare them the day before and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
• Q: What can I use instead of breadcrumbs for a gluten-free option?To make this recipe gluten-free, use breadcrumbs or panko that are free from gluten.

Substitutions and Variations

You can substitute melted butter or avocado oil for olive oil.
Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast can be substituted for grated Parmesan cheese in a dairy-free option.
Ricotta cheese or dairy-free cream cheese can be used as substitutes for cream cheese, yielding a comparable texture.
Substituting garlic powder with fresh garlic requires the use of 1 clove of fresh garlic, which must be minced.
For a gluten-free alternative, almond flour or crushed nuts can be used instead of breadcrumbs.

Pro Tips

1. For extra flavor, toast the breadcrumbs lightly in a dry skillet before mixing them with olive oil. This adds a deeper toasted bread flavor and a bit more crunch to the topping.

2. Experiment with adding fresh herbs to the stuffing mixture. Chopped fresh parsley, basil, or thyme can enhance the flavor profile and add a touch of freshness.

3. If you prefer a spicier kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the filling mixture.

4. Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened before mixing it with the other ingredients to achieve a smoother, more even filling. You can quickly soften it by leaving it at room temperature or giving it a brief zap in the microwave.

5. For a richer taste, replace half of the Parmesan cheese with a complementary cheese like Gruyère or sharp cheddar, which melt nicely and add depth to the filling.