Delectable New England Style Seafood Stuffing and Make-Ahead Stuffed Mushrooms
Description:
This exquisite New England-style seafood stuffing, primarily crafted using buttery Ritz crackers, is a versatile delight that can be used to stuff plump mushrooms, enhance a variety of seafood dishes, or serve as a delicious topping for baked fish. By combining some of my favorite ingredients from various cherished recipes, this stuffing not only boasts incredible flavor but also allows for adaptability to suit your culinary needs. The accompanying stuffed mushroom recipe can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to two days or frozen for as long as a month, thanks to the convenience of pre-cooking the mushrooms. This recipe yields enough stuffing for approximately 20 to 25 small appetizer-sized mushrooms, making it perfect for gatherings or special occasions. While you’re welcome to include the chopped mushroom stems in the stuffing, I typically set them aside for another use, enhancing the overall efficiency of my meal prep.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 704.6 |
| Total Fat | 49.3 g |
| Saturated Fat | 18.6 g |
| Cholesterol | 61.1 mg |
| Sodium | 1067.9 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 53.3 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.2 g |
| Sugars | 6.6 g |
| Protein | 11.6 g |
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 6 | Dried parsley flakes |
| 1 tablespoon | Olive oil |
| 1/4 cup | Butter |
| 1 | Celery, finely chopped |
| 1 | Carrot, finely chopped |
| 2 | Green onions, finely chopped |
| 1/4 cup | Green pepper, finely chopped |
| 4 cloves | Garlic, minced |
| 1/4 teaspoon | Nutmeg |
| 1 tablespoon | Madeira wine |
| 1 tablespoon | Marsala wine |
| 1 teaspoon | Worcestershire sauce |
| 3/4 cup | Vegetable broth |
| 1/4 teaspoon | Fresh ground black pepper |
| 1 teaspoon | Salt |
| 1/4 teaspoon | Paprika |
| 1 pound | Small mushrooms (for stuffing) |
| 1 tablespoon | Olive oil (for mushrooms) |
| 1 teaspoon | Salt (for mushrooms) |
| Lemon wedge | For garnish |
Recipe Instructions
-
Prepare the Cracker Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, take the Ritz crackers and finely crush them until they resemble coarse crumbs. Add the dried parsley flakes into the crushed crackers and gently mix until well combined. Set this mixture aside to allow the flavors to meld.
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Cook the Vegetables:
In a large skillet over medium to high heat, combine 1 tablespoon of olive oil with 3 tablespoons of butter. Keep a close eye on the pan as it heats; you want it hot enough to just begin bubbling without burning the butter. Once ready, introduce the finely chopped celery and carrot to the skillet, cooking them for about one minute, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking. -
Add the Remaining Vegetables:
Next, add the finely chopped green onions and green peppers to the skillet. If you choose to include the chopped mushroom stems, this is the perfect time to add them as well. Continue cooking for an additional minute until the vegetables begin to soften. Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for another 30 seconds to a minute, ensuring the garlic becomes fragrant and the vegetables are tender but not overcooked. -
Combine Ingredients:
Remove the skillet from the heat and carefully pour the entire vegetable and butter mixture into the bowl with the crushed cracker mixture. Stir in the chopped seafood of your choice along with the Old Bay seasoning, nutmeg, Madeira wine, Worcestershire sauce, and vegetable broth. Mix everything thoroughly, ensuring that the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the stuffing. Take a moment to taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning as desired; you may find that the saltiness from the crackers and other ingredients is sufficient. -
Prepare the Stuffed Mushrooms:
Preheat your oven to 425Β°F (220Β°C). Gently remove the stems from the small mushrooms and wash them thoroughly. If you decide to utilize the mushroom stems, finely chop them and add them to the stuffing mixture along with the green onions and green peppers. To avoid wasting, you can set the stems aside for a different recipe. Toss the cleaned mushrooms in 1 1/2 teaspoons of olive oil and a pinch of salt, then arrange them in a single layer in a shallow baking pan. -
Bake the Mushrooms:
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake the mushrooms for 8 to 10 minutes, depending on their size, until they become tender. Once baked, remove the mushrooms from the oven and allow them to cool slightly. -
Stuff the Mushrooms:
Using a spoon, generously fill each mushroom cap with the prepared seafood stuffing, ensuring they are evenly stuffed. Arrange the stuffed mushrooms in a shallow baking dish and sprinkle paprika over the top for added color and flavor. -
Storing Options:
At this stage, you have the option to refrigerate the stuffed mushrooms for up to 2 days or freeze them for up to a month. If freezing, be sure to thaw them at least partially before cooking. -
Final Baking:
When you’re ready to serve, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and drizzle it evenly over the stuffed mushrooms. If the mushrooms are at room temperature, broil them for a few minutes until the tops are crispy and they are heated through. If they were refrigerated or partially frozen, bake them in a preheated oven at 350Β°F (175Β°C) until they are heated through, and then run them under the broiler for a few seconds to achieve that perfect crispness. -
Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish your stuffed mushrooms with fresh lemon wedges for a zesty finish, and serve them warm as a delicious appetizer that will delight your guests. This dish not only showcases the freshness of seafood but also highlights the comforting flavors of classic stuffing, making it a beloved addition to any gathering or holiday feast.
By following these comprehensive instructions, you can create an enticing seafood stuffing and delightful stuffed mushrooms that will surely impress your family and friends, while also being a breeze to prepare ahead of time. This recipe combines practicality with flavor, ensuring that your culinary endeavors yield both delicious results and cherished memories around the dining table. Enjoy your cooking experience and the smiles that come with serving this scrumptious dish!
