Baked Stuffed Mushrooms with Cheese: A Delicious Appetizer
Baked Stuffed Mushrooms with Cheese is a delightful and easy-to-make appetizer that will impress your guests at any gathering. These tender mushrooms are filled with a flavorful mixture of homemade cottage cheese, basil pesto, and cheddar cheese, then baked to golden perfection. Ideal for parties, tea time snacks, or even casual gatherings, this dish brings a perfect balance of softness, juiciness, and savory cheese flavors. You can even experiment with different pesto varieties, such as sun-dried tomato pesto, to elevate the taste. If you love high-protein vegetarian recipes, this one is sure to become a favorite.
Cuisine: Continental
Course: Appetizer
Diet: High Protein Vegetarian
Ingredients for Baked Stuffed Mushrooms with Cheese:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Portobello mushrooms (or button mushrooms, stemmed) | 15 mushrooms |
| Paneer (Homemade Cottage Cheese) (or ricotta cheese) | 1/2 cup |
| Homemade Basil Pesto (or sundried tomato pesto) | 1 tablespoon |
| Cheddar cheese (freshly grated) | 1/4 cup |
| Salt | To taste |
| Cayenne pepper | To taste |
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Serves: 4-6
Instructions for Baked Stuffed Mushrooms with Cheese:
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Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 200°C (400°F), ensuring it’s hot and ready to bake the mushrooms to perfection.
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Prepare the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the homemade cottage cheese (paneer), basil pesto (or your choice of pesto), salt, and cayenne pepper. Stir until the mixture is well-blended and smooth, ensuring the pesto is evenly distributed throughout.
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Prepare the Mushrooms: Take your portobello mushrooms (or button mushrooms) and carefully remove the stems. Place the mushroom caps on a baking sheet or tray, cavity side up, ensuring there’s enough space between them for even cooking.
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Stuff the Mushrooms: Spoon the prepared cheese mixture into the cavities of each mushroom, generously filling them to create a delicious cheesy stuffing.
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Add the Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the freshly grated cheddar cheese over the stuffed mushrooms. This will melt beautifully, adding a golden and bubbly finish to your dish.
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Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the stuffed mushrooms for about 25 minutes, or until the mushrooms are tender and the cheese filling is heated through and golden brown on top.
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Serve: Once the mushrooms are perfectly baked, remove them from the oven and serve immediately. These Baked Stuffed Mushrooms with Cheese make a perfect appetizer for parties or as a snack to enjoy with friends and family.
Tips for Customizing Your Baked Stuffed Mushrooms:
- Different Cheese Options: You can experiment with other cheeses such as mozzarella, parmesan, or goat cheese for a unique twist.
- Pesto Variations: If basil pesto isn’t to your liking, try sun-dried tomato pesto or a spicy red pepper pesto for a flavorful variation.
- Make Ahead: If you’re short on time, you can prepare the stuffing and stuff the mushrooms a few hours ahead of time. Just refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake.
- Add Extras: For additional flavor and texture, consider adding finely chopped vegetables like spinach, onions, or bell peppers to the stuffing.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180-220 |
| Protein | 10-12g |
| Fat | 14-16g |
| Carbohydrates | 6-8g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sodium | 250-350mg |
These Baked Stuffed Mushrooms with Cheese are a fantastic way to add a touch of elegance and flavor to your next meal. They combine the richness of cheese with the earthiness of mushrooms, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion. Enjoy them as an appetizer or pair them with a salad for a light meal. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or experiment with different flavors, you’re sure to enjoy this delicious vegetarian delight!
