Description
Indulge in the delicious harmony of flavors with the Crab and Cream Cheese Mushroom Bites. This recipe combines succulent crab meat with creamy cheese, herbs, and spices, stuffed in mushroom caps to create an appetizer that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party or looking for a sumptuous snack, these mushroom bites are an ideal choice.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large white or cremini mushrooms
- 8 oz crab meat (fresh or canned)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (Italian seasoned preferred)
- 1 tsp garlic powder (or 1 clove minced)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley or green onions, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Step-by-step Directions
1. Preheat the Oven
Begin by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the oven reaches the correct temperature for baking the mushroom bites evenly.
2. Prepare the Mushroom Caps
Clean the mushrooms thoroughly and carefully remove the stems. Arrange the caps, cavity side up, on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased.
3. Make the Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the crab meat, cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, minced or powdered garlic, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix in the chopped parsley or green onions. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Stuff the Mushrooms
Fill each mushroom cap generously with the crab and cream cheese mixture, ensuring they are well-stuffed.
5. Bake the Mushrooms
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake the mushrooms for 20-25 minutes, or until you see that the tops have turned golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
6. Serve
Allow the mushrooms to cool slightly on the baking sheet for a few minutes before serving. This rest period helps the flavors to meld beautifully.
Servings & Preparation Time
This recipe makes approximately 24 stuffed mushroom bites, depending on the size of the mushrooms used. Total preparation time, including baking, is about 45 minutes.
Tips for Storage & Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover mushroom bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (177°C) for about 5-10 minutes, or until heated through. Avoid microwaving to preserve the texture of the mushrooms.
Conclusion
The Crab and Cream Cheese Mushroom Bites recipe is a superb choice for those seeking a gourmet snack or a special appetizer that impresses without fail. Its rich flavors and elegant presentation make it fit for any dining occasion, while the simplicity of the steps ensures that anyone can make them with ease. Enjoy creating this delightful dish that is sure to win over your guests!
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Crab and Cream Cheese Mushroom Bites
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 stuffed mushroom bites 1x
Description
Indulge in the delicious harmony of flavors with the Crab and Cream Cheese Mushroom Bites. This recipe combines succulent crab meat with creamy cheese, herbs, and spices, stuffed in mushroom caps to create an appetizer that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party or looking for a sumptuous snack, these mushroom bites are an ideal choice.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large white or cremini mushrooms
- 8 oz crab meat (fresh or canned)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (Italian seasoned preferred)
- 1 tsp garlic powder (or 1 clove minced)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley or green onions, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the oven reaches the correct temperature for baking the mushroom bites evenly.
- Prepare the Mushroom Caps: Clean the mushrooms thoroughly and carefully remove the stems. Arrange the caps, cavity side up, on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased.
- Make the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the crab meat, cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, minced or powdered garlic, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix in the chopped parsley or green onions. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
- Stuff the Mushrooms: Fill each mushroom cap generously with the crab and cream cheese mixture, ensuring they are well-stuffed.
- Bake the Mushrooms: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake the mushrooms for 20-25 minutes, or until you see that the tops have turned golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Serve: Allow the mushrooms to cool slightly on the baking sheet for a few minutes before serving. This rest period helps the flavors to meld beautifully.