Ah, the holidays! A time of joy, laughter, and the glorious aroma of incredible food wafting through the house. One of my absolute favorite holiday recipes has to be these **Best Christmas Stuffed Mushrooms**. Every year, I whip these up for family gatherings, and they never fail to disappear in record time—a true testament to their deliciousness!
I remember the first time I made them; I had invited friends over for a cozy holiday gathering. As we sat around the table, sharing stories and laughter, someone took a bite of these stuffed wonders and exclaimed, “This is the best bite of Christmas!” From that moment on, they became a staple in my holiday repertoire. The blending of rich cream cheese and tangy goat cheese with the sweet pops of cranberries and the crunch of walnuts is simply irresistible. So, let’s dive in!
What’s in Best Christmas Stuffed Mushrooms?
Let me break down the ingredients that make these stuffed mushrooms a festive hit:
Portobello Mushrooms: These large, meaty mushrooms are a perfect base for stuffing. Their robust flavor really stands up to the rich filling.
Breadcrumbs: I prefer using Italian seasoned breadcrumbs for an extra dash of flavor. They add a bit of structure and soak up all the delicious juices.
Cream Cheese: The creamy, dreamy base that brings everything together. It adds moisture and richness to our stuffing.
Goat Cheese: This tangy cheese crumbles beautifully and gives a delightful creaminess. Plus, more goat cheese on top just to make it fancy!
Dried Cranberries: The sweet, tart bursts of flavor that complement the savory elements perfectly. They’re like little jewels in our filling!
Walnuts: For that lovely crunch and a hint of earthiness. If you’re not a walnut fan, you can easily swap them out for pecans!
Garlic and Onion: They add depth and savoriness that elevate the flavor profile—because who can resist the smell of sautéing garlic?
Fresh Parsley: The fresh herb brings a subtle brightness and balances everything out.
Dried Thyme and Seasonings: A little bit of thyme adds a woodsy note, while the salt and pepper round out the flavors.
Olive Oil: For sautéing and adding a touch of richness to the filling.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: This is the crowning glory, giving that crusty, golden finish we all crave.
Is Best Christmas Stuffed Mushrooms Good for You?
This recipe has some wonderful health benefits, so you can feel good about indulging!
Portobello Mushrooms: Low in calories and rich in nutrients, these mushrooms are fantastic for you. They provide fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Cranberries: Dried cranberries are not just delicious but also packed with antioxidants. They may help support heart health and fight off infections.
Walnuts: These little powerhouses are great sources of Omega-3 fatty acids and can be beneficial for brain health.
Goat Cheese: Lower in calories than many other cheeses, goat cheese is still creamy and flavorful.
Just a little note: if you’re watching your sodium or calorie intake, it’s best to enjoy these mushrooms in moderation—because it’s hard to stop at just one!
Ingredients List
This recipe serves about 12 delightful stuffed mushrooms. Here’s what you’ll need:
– 12 large portobello mushrooms
– 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Italian seasoned)
– 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup goat cheese, crumbled (plus more for topping)
– 1/4 cup dried cranberries, chopped
– 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 onion, finely chopped
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
– 1/2 tsp dried thyme
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
How to Make Best Christmas Stuffed Mushrooms?
Ready to create some holiday magic? Here’s how to whip up these mouth-watering stuffed mushrooms:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Clean the portobello mushrooms by gently wiping them with a damp cloth. Remove the stems and finely chop them.
3. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped mushroom stems, onion, and garlic. Sauté until the onions are translucent, about 5 minutes.
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sautéed mixture with breadcrumbs, cream cheese, goat cheese, cranberries, walnuts, parsley, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are incorporated.
5. Generously fill each portobello mushroom cap with the stuffing mixture, pressing down gently to ensure they are packed.
6. Place the stuffed mushrooms on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Top each mushroom with additional crumbled goat cheese and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the mushrooms are tender and the tops are golden brown.
8. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Delicious Tips for Best Christmas Stuffed Mushrooms
– **Make Ahead:** These stuffed mushrooms can be prepared early in the day and just baked before serving. A perfect time saver during the bustling holiday rush!
– **Garnish:** For a little extra flair, sprinkle some fresh thyme or additional cranberries on top for a lovely presentation.
– **Variation:** Feeling adventurous? Add some cooked sausage or shredded chicken to the filling for added protein!
As I wrap up this little culinary adventure, I genuinely encourage you to give these **Best Christmas Stuffed Mushrooms** a try for your holiday gatherings. They’re bound to be a hit, and who knows, they might just become a family tradition in your home too! If you try them, please let me know how they turn out. Happy cooking!
