Stuffed Mushrooms with Blue Cheese and Fresh Thyme
Category: Appetizer & Snacks Recipes
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Difficulty: Medium
Servings: 4
Introduction:
Stuffed mushrooms are the perfect combination of savory and satisfying, making them an ideal choice for appetizers and snacks. These Portobello mushrooms, stuffed with a delicious blend of crumbled blue cheese, fresh thyme, and a pinch of salt, are baked to perfection and drizzled with extra virgin olive oil for an irresistible golden finish. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply treating yourself to something special, these stuffed mushrooms will surely impress your guests.
Ingredients Table:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Portobello mushrooms | 4 mushrooms |
| Crumbled blue cheese | 1 cup |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 2 teaspoons |
| Salt | To taste |
| Fresh thyme | 1 teaspoon |
Allergen Information:
This recipe contains dairy (blue cheese) and may also contain trace amounts of gluten, depending on the cheese used. If you have any concerns about allergies, consider substituting with dairy-free cheese and ensure other ingredients are free from gluten.
Dietary Preferences:
- Vegetarian-Friendly: Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as long as the blue cheese used is made without rennet from animal sources.
- Gluten-Free: This recipe can be made gluten-free by ensuring that all ingredients, particularly the cheese, are certified gluten-free.
Directions:
-
Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring it’s the perfect temperature for baking. -
Prepare the Mushrooms:
Gently remove the stems from the Portobello mushrooms, being careful not to tear the caps. Set the caps aside and chop the stems into small pieces for the filling. -
Mix the Filling:
In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped mushroom stems with fresh thyme, a pinch of salt, and crumbled blue cheese. Stir everything together until well-mixed, allowing the flavors to infuse. -
Stuff the Mushrooms:
Carefully spoon the cheese and herb mixture into each mushroom cap, pressing it down gently to ensure they are packed evenly. -
Drizzle with Olive Oil:
Drizzle the tops of the stuffed mushrooms with a little bit of extra virgin olive oil for added flavor and a golden finish as they bake. -
Prepare for Baking:
Place the stuffed mushrooms on a baking sheet, ensuring they are arranged in a single layer to cook evenly. -
Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the mushrooms are tender and the cheese filling is bubbling and golden. -
Serve and Enjoy:
Once baked to perfection, remove the mushrooms from the oven and serve them warm. These stuffed mushrooms are best enjoyed right away as a delicious appetizer or snack.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 124 kcal
- Fat: 22.4 g
- Carbohydrates: 5.4 g
- Protein: 1.2 g
Advice & Tips:
- Substitute the Cheese: If you prefer a milder flavor, you can substitute the blue cheese with goat cheese or cream cheese for a creamy, less tangy option.
- Add Bacon or Nuts: For an extra crunch, consider adding crispy bacon bits or chopped nuts to the filling mixture. This adds a savory contrast to the creamy cheese.
- Vary the Herbs: While fresh thyme gives a lovely aromatic flavor, feel free to experiment with rosemary or parsley for different variations.
Conclusion:
These stuffed mushrooms are the epitome of simple yet sophisticated. With their savory blue cheese filling and the earthy taste of Portobello mushrooms, they are perfect for any occasion—whether you’re entertaining guests or enjoying a quiet evening in. The combination of flavors is sure to make these stuffed mushrooms a new favorite on your appetizer menu. So, get baking, and let your taste buds enjoy this indulgent treat!
