Savory Crab Stuffed Mushrooms are a delicious and elegant appetizer that’s perfect for parties, holidays, or any special occasion. The combination of sweet, tender crab meat with a creamy, savory filling is encased in a tender mushroom cap, creating a bite-sized treat that’s bursting with flavor.
Here’s a simple recipe for Savory Crab Stuffed Mushrooms:
Savory Crab Stuffed Mushrooms
Ingredients:
- 16-20 large white mushrooms or baby bella mushrooms (stems removed and cleaned)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise or sour cream
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup crumbled crab meat (fresh or canned, or use imitation crab if preferred)
- 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs (preferably panko for a crunchy topping)
- Olive oil for drizzling or brushing
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Mushrooms:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Clean the mushrooms by gently wiping them with a damp paper towel (don’t soak them in water). Remove the stems carefully and set them aside. You can chop the stems finely and add them to the filling or discard them, depending on your preference.
2. Make the Crab Filling:
- In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise (or sour cream), and parmesan cheese. Stir until smooth and creamy.
- Add the crab meat, green onions, parsley, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything together until well combined.
- Taste the filling and adjust the seasonings if needed.
3. Stuff the Mushrooms:
- Spoon the crab mixture into each mushroom cap, packing it in gently to ensure the filling is nicely snug in the mushroom. You want the filling to mound a little above the top of the mushroom cap.
4. Add the Topping:
- In a small bowl, combine the bread crumbs with a little olive oil (or melted butter) to moisten them. This helps them get golden and crispy as they bake.
- Sprinkle the bread crumbs evenly over the top of the stuffed mushrooms for a nice crunchy topping.
5. Bake the Mushrooms:
- Arrange the stuffed mushrooms in a single layer on a baking sheet or in a baking dish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the mushrooms are tender and the filling is golden and bubbling. If you want a crispier topping, you can broil the mushrooms for an additional 1-2 minutes, but keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
6. Serve:
- Once done, remove from the oven and let them cool slightly. Garnish with extra fresh parsley for color and a bit of freshness.
- Serve warm as a savory appetizer or party snack.
Storage:
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
Tips & Variations:
- Crab Options: Use fresh crab meat if you want a more premium version of this dish. You can also use canned crab or imitation crab meat if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option.
- Cheese Variations: You can use other cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, or Gruyère for different flavors. Try mixing different cheeses into the filling for added complexity.
- Spicy Kick: For a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the filling.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this dish gluten-free. You can also skip the breadcrumbs for a lower-carb version and simply drizzle with extra olive oil or melted butter for a rich finish.
These Savory Crab Stuffed Mushrooms are the perfect blend of creamy, savory, and slightly sweet from the crab. They make for a delicious, crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s sure to impress your guests! Enjoy!
