A simple starter or accompaniment to make is stuffed mushrooms, and you can even serve them as a main course. Although it is an exceptionally easy dish to make, there are some people who do not know how to stuff mushrooms. They may also not know the many variations of this dish that you can make.
In theory, you can stuff mushrooms with any filling of your choice. To inspire you, here are 12 ideas for how to stuff mushrooms and some tips for creating stuffed mushrooms.
How to Stuff Mushrooms: The Basics
You can use button mushrooms to make small stuffed mushrooms and serve several on the plate.
For individual portions, two of the best mushroom varieties are flat and portobello.
You will need to remove the stalk from the centre of the mushroom, and you can retain the stalk to use in the stuffing if you wish.
Upturn the mushroom lid to reveal the underside before stuffing.
A mushroom cooks quite quickly, so you do not need to pre-cook them before stuffing.
Most stuffed mushrooms take about 15 minutes in the oven.
How to Stuff Mushrooms: Vegetarian Options
- Creamy stuffed mushrooms: The way I usually make stuffed mushrooms is to remove the stalks, chop them into pieces, and then combine with cream cheese, breadcrumbs, a splash of cream, and black pepper. Return the mixture to the mushroom, and top with some grated cheese before baking in the oven.
2. Garlic and herb stuffed mushrooms: Combine softened butter, breadcrumbs, garlic, and finely chopped herbs of your choice. If you are serving them as an accompaniment, select herbs that complement the flavours of the rest of your meal. Parsley is a good herb to use, and other good options are basil, oregano, and thyme.
3. Blue cheese and walnut: Blue cheese and walnut are two ingredients that work exceptionally well together. Chop up the mushroom stalks, crush some walnut, and crumble blue cheese. Mix the ingredients together and season with freshly ground pepper.
4. Boozy stuffed mushrooms: Use the same ingredients as for the creamy stuffed mushrooms mixture, but add a splash of whiskey, brandy, or sherry.
5. Spinach and ricotta: Spinach and ricotta are flavours that work well together, and you will often find them in recipes for Italian food. Simply mix together finely chopped spinach and ricotta, and season with salt and black pepper.
6. Feta and tomato: A Greek-themed filling for stuffed mushrooms is feta and tomato. You can add extra flavour to this dish with black pepper, garlic, or oregano.
Vegan Options
7. Ratatouille: Create a ratatouille-type filling using ingredients such as courgettes, tomatoes, aubergines, or peppers. Add flavour with salt, black pepper, garlic, and herbs.
8. Sage and onion: Adding sage and onion stuffing to each mushroom is a tasty idea. If you are not vegan, then you can also serve this as an accompaniment to chicken or turkey dishes.
9. Couscous: Fill each mushroom with some couscous, peppers, and sultanas. If you wish, add a little spice to the mix.
How to Stuff Mushrooms: Meat Options
10. Cheese and bacon: If you are wondering how to stuff mushrooms in a simple way to create a dish that all the family will love, then the use of the classic combination of cheese and bacon is an excellent option.
11. Chilli con Carne: Cook our recipe for chilli con carne, and then fill each mushroom with the chilli. Cover with grated cheese and serve with salad and a dollop of soured cream.
12. Parma ham and rocket: Fill the middle of the mushroom, then add some ground black pepper and a knob of butter. Wrap two pieces of Parma ham, also known as prosciutto, around the mushroom so the ends finish underneath the mushroom.
13. Chinese pork: For stuffed mushrooms with an Asian twist, try flavouring pork mince with ginger, garlic, and soy sauce.
14. Sausage-filled mushrooms: Pack sausage meat into the middle of the mushroom and roast in the oven. Carefully lift the filling of one mushroom out once cooked to check the meat is cooked through, and then put it back into the mushroom.
15. Chinese duck: Coat some shredded duck meat in hoisin or plum sauce, then fill the centre of the mushroom.
You might also like to try our mushroom stroganoff recipe.