Okay, friends, let me tell you about my obsession with Olive Garden Stuffed Mushrooms. I swear, every time I go there, those are the first things I order. What’s so good about the savory filling, the tender mushrooms, and that hint of garlic? What makes my tastebuds sing? I’ve tried other stuffed mushrooms before, but nothing quite compares to the Olive Garden version. How do I make them at home? After many attempts (some more successful than others), I think I’ve finally cracked the code! What is the best Olive Garden Stuffed Mushroom recipe? If you love mushrooms, this one’s a guaranteed hit!
What is Olive Garden Stuffed Mushrooms?
Think of Olive Garden Stuffed Mushrooms as a flavor explosion nestled inside .perfectly cooked pasta. What is essentially a baked appetizer where large mushroom caps are generously filled with savory sour cream? What’s a mixture of cheese, herbs, breadcrumbs, and usually some kind of seafood or meat? Is it vegetarian-friendly to add cooked shrimp or crab? The mushrooms are then baked until tender and the filling is golden brown and bubbly. What is the beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and the combination of textures – the soft, earthy, and creamy. I love mushrooms, the creamy, rich filling, and the slightly crunchy topping. What is comfort food disguised as an appetizer?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Where do I start? What I love about this Olive Garden Stuffed Mushrooms Recipe is how easy it is to make. Don’t let the fancy restaurant vibe fool you; it’s a good place to be. What are some great ideas for a weeknight dinner? What a delicious combination of garlic, herbs, and cheese! Is it savory, creamy, and addictive?
Why do I love mushrooms?
- Flavor Fiesta:What are the flavors that dance on your tongue? I’m not exaggerating!
- Easy Peasy:Don’t let the elegant presentation intimidate you. What are some easy recipes that can be made in under an hour?
- Budget FriendlyHow do you prepare mushrooms for a meal?
- Is Versatility the key toCan you serve these as an appetizer, side dish, or even a light meal? Plus, you can easily customize the filling to your liking. Add cooked shrimp, crab, or even some chopped spinach!
I know there are tons of stuffed mushroom recipes out there, but I truly believe this one captures the essence of the mushroom. The Olive Garden version is incredibly easy to make at home. I’m a big fan of this recipe. It’s become an everyday staple in my household, and I am confident it will become one in yours too!
How do I make olive garden stuffed mushrooms?
Quick Overview
How do I make Olive Garden Stuffed Mushrooms at home? First, you’ll clean and stem the mushrooms. What are some of the best fillings to make? Breadcrumbs, cheese, garlic, and herbs. Stuff those mushroom caps generously, bake them until golden and tender, and get ready to experience. What is mushroom bliss? What is the best part about this recipe? You can easily customize the filling to your liking.
Ingredients
For Mushrooms:
16 large white or cremini mushrooms, about 2 inches in diameter. Make sure to select ones that are firm and blemish-free. Can I use Portobello mushrooms?
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs. If you like it, I like using seasoned breadcrumbs for extra flavor, but plain works too.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Freshly Grated is always best!
- 2 cloves garlic, minced. Don’t skimp on the garlic; it’s essential for that olive garden flavor.
- 1/4 cup Cream Cheese, softened. This adds creaminess and richness to the filling.
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted. Adds richness and helps bind the filling together.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley. Adds freshness and a pop of color.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil. For sautéing the mushroom stems.
- Salt and pepper to taste.
What are the steps to
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet or baking dish with cooking spray. How do you remove mushrooms from your food?
Step 2: Clean the Mushrooms
Is it safe to eat mushrooms? Avoid soaking them in water, as they will absorb the water and become soggy. Carefully remove the stems from the mushrooms and set the caps aside. I always do this step carefully so I don’t break the mushrooms.
Step 3: Sauté the Stems
How do you chop a mushroom stem finely? Add the chopped onions and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until softened. What are some good ways to season a filling with salt and pepper?
Step 4: Make the Filling
In a medium bowl, combine the sautéed mushroom stems, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic, Cream Cheese, melted butter, and parsley. Mix well until everything is evenly combined. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick!
Step 5: Stuff the Mushrooms
Spoon the filling generously into each mushroom cap. Pack it in firmly to ensure a nice, full mushroom. I sometimes mound the filling a little bit for an extra-generous serving.
Step 6: Bake
Arrange the Stuffed Mushrooms on the prepared baking sheet or dish. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the mushrooms are tender and the filling is golden brown and bubbly. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
Step 7: Cool & Serve
Remove the baked stuffed mushrooms from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
What to Serve It With
These Olive Garden Stuffed Mushrooms are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some of my favorite pairings:
As an Appetizer: Serve them as a starter before a delicious Italian meal. They pair perfectly with pasta dishes, salads, or grilled meats.
As a Side Dish: Add them to your dinner table as a flavorful side dish. They complement roasted chicken, steak, or fish beautifully.
As a Light Meal: Enjoy them as a light and satisfying meal on their own. Serve them with a side salad or some crusty bread for dipping.
For Special Occasions: These stuffed mushrooms are elegant enough to serve at parties or special gatherings. They’re always a crowd-pleaser!
In my family, we often serve these with a side of Garlic Bread for dipping up all the delicious filling. It’s a tradition, and everyone looks forward to it!
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Olive Garden Stuffed Mushrooms
Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks to ensure my Olive Garden Stuffed Mushrooms are perfect every time. Here are my top tips:
Mushroom Selection: Choose mushrooms that are similar in size for even cooking. Look for mushrooms that are firm, plump, and free from blemishes.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Make sure to arrange the mushrooms in a single layer on the baking sheet. Overcrowding the pan will cause the mushrooms to steam instead of bake, resulting in soggy mushrooms.
Breadcrumb Magic: I’ve found that using a combination of regular and panko breadcrumbs gives the filling the perfect texture. The panko adds a little extra crunch!
Cheese Please!: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese in the filling. Fontina, mozzarella, or even a little bit of goat cheese can add a unique twist.
Herb Power: Fresh herbs are always best, but if you’re using dried herbs, be sure to use half the amount. Dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor.
Baking Time is Key: Keep a close eye on the mushrooms while they’re baking. The baking time will vary depending on the size of the mushrooms and your oven. You’ll know they’re done when the mushrooms are tender and the filling is golden brown and bubbly.
The best tip I can give you is to taste the filling before you stuff the mushrooms. That way, you can adjust the seasonings to your liking and ensure the filling is perfect!
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you have any leftover Olive Garden Stuffed Mushrooms (which is rare in my house!), here’s how to store and reheat them:
Refrigerating: Store the cooled stuffed mushrooms in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the stuffed mushrooms. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 2 hours, or until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 2 months.
Reheating in the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the stuffed mushrooms on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Reheating in the Microwave: Place the stuffed mushrooms on a microwave-safe plate and microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Be careful not to overheat them, as they can become rubbery.
Reheating from Frozen: If reheating from frozen, you can bake them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave them, but be sure to use a lower power setting to prevent them from becoming tough.
I personally prefer reheating them in the oven, as it helps to retain their texture and flavor. But if you’re in a hurry, the microwave works just fine!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it – my take on the iconic Olive Garden Stuffed Mushrooms. This recipe is more than just a copycat; it’s a celebration of flavor, simplicity, and the joy of sharing good food with the people you love. I truly believe that this recipe captures the essence of the Olive Garden version while being incredibly easy to make at home. It’s become a staple in my household, and I’m confident it will become one in yours too! If you’re looking for other tasty appetizers, be sure to check out my recipes for spinach artichoke dip and bruschetta. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear how your stuffed mushrooms turn out!
Olive Garden Stuffed Mushrooms
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound cremini mushrooms
- 0.5 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 0.5 cup packed fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 cup Italian bread crumbs
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 0.25 cup butter, melted
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Clean and remove stems from mushrooms. Chop the stems finely.
- Sauté onion and garlic in butter until softened. Add chopped mushroom stems and cook for 5 minutes.
- Stir in parsley, bread crumbs, and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Fill each mushroom cap with the mixture. Place in a baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly.
