Olive Garden Stuffed Mushrooms are a delightful appetizer that combines tender mushroom caps with a flavorful stuffing made of savory ingredients like cream cheese, garlic, spinach, and Parmesan cheese. These mushrooms are baked to perfection, creating a deliciously creamy and cheesy filling that pairs beautifully with the earthy flavor of the mushrooms. The result is a bite-sized dish that’s bursting with flavor and perfect for sharing.
I first tried Olive Garden Stuffed Mushrooms when I was looking for an appetizer that felt indulgent yet light, and they did not disappoint! The creamy filling paired with the rich, earthy mushroom flavor was an irresistible combination. What I love most about this recipe is how versatile it is—you can add extra ingredients like beef bacon for more flavor, or use different types of cheese for a unique twist. It’s a simple but impressive dish that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering!
Perfect for:
- Appetizers
- Family gatherings
- Dinner parties
- Holiday meals
- Mushroom lovers
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are 10 reasons why Olive Garden Stuffed Mushrooms will become your go-to appetizer:
- Irresistible Flavor: The creamy cheese and savory mushroom combination is a flavor explosion.
- Simple and Quick: These stuffed mushrooms are easy to prepare and cook in under 30 minutes.
- Vegetarian Friendly: A hearty vegetarian option that’s rich in flavor without any meat.
- Perfect Bite-Sized Appetizers: Ideal for serving as appetizers at any gathering.
- Customizable Filling: You can adjust the seasonings or add your favorite ingredients to the filling.
- Crowd-Pleasing: They’re sure to be a hit at any party or holiday meal.
- Golden and Crispy: The outer layer of cheese gets perfectly crispy while keeping the inside soft and creamy.
- Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the stuffing in advance and fill the mushrooms right before baking.
- Fresh Ingredients: The mix of garlic, herbs, and cheese brings a fresh, vibrant taste.
- Healthier Option: A lower-carb alternative to traditional appetizers that still feels indulgent.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories per serving: Approximately 250-300 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 6g, Carbs: 12g, Fat: 20g
Ingredients
For the Stuffing:
- 12 large mushrooms, stems removed and chopped
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (preferably Italian-style)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Topping:
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Ingredient Highlights
- Mushrooms: The earthy base of the dish, providing a tender texture and umami flavor.
- Garlic and Herbs: Add depth and aromatic flavor to the stuffing.
- Parmesan Cheese: A sharp, salty flavor that balances the richness of the mozzarella.
- Breadcrumbs: Provide the perfect texture contrast in the stuffing.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Mushrooms:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Prepare the Mushrooms: Clean the mushrooms with a damp paper towel and remove the stems. Chop the stems and set them aside for the stuffing.
- Bake the Mushroom Caps: Arrange the mushroom caps on the baking sheet and bake for 5-7 minutes to soften them slightly.
Prepare the Stuffing:
- Cook the Mushroom Stems: In a pan, melt butter over medium heat and sauté the chopped mushroom stems with minced garlic for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Mix the Stuffing: In a mixing bowl, combine the sautéed mushroom stems, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, melted butter, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Fill the Mushrooms: Spoon the stuffing mixture into each mushroom cap, pressing down gently to pack the filling.
Bake the Stuffed Mushrooms:
- Top with Parmesan: Sprinkle the stuffed mushrooms with additional grated Parmesan cheese and drizzle with melted butter.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the tops are golden and the mushrooms are tender.
Serve:
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
How to Serve
Here are 9 serving suggestions for Olive Garden Stuffed Mushrooms:
- As a Party Appetizer: Serve as finger food at your next gathering or celebration.
- With a Fresh Salad: Pair with a light salad for a well-rounded meal.
- As a Side Dish: Complement any main course with these cheesy stuffed mushrooms.
- With Garlic Bread: Serve with crispy garlic bread for a comforting meal.
- For Holiday Feasts: Make them the star appetizer at Thanksgiving or Christmas dinners.
- With a Dip: Serve with a tangy marinara or creamy ranch dip on the side.
- On a Charcuterie Board: Include them as part of a larger spread of appetizers.
- For a Meatless Meal: Serve them as a standalone vegetarian main course with roasted vegetables.
- For Date Night: These are perfect for a cozy, romantic dinner at home.
Additional Tips
- Choose Fresh Mushrooms: For the best texture and flavor, select fresh, firm mushrooms that are free from bruises or blemishes. Large mushroom caps work best for stuffing.
- Don’t Overstuff: Avoid overfilling the mushroom caps. Stuff them generously, but leave a little space at the top for the stuffing to cook evenly.
- Add Garlic for Extra Flavor: Minced garlic adds a wonderful aromatic touch to the stuffing mix, giving it an authentic Mediterranean flavor.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley, basil, or thyme will enhance the dish’s flavor compared to dried herbs. Chop them finely and fold them into the stuffing.
- Use a Mixture of Cheeses: Combining different cheeses like Parmesan, mozzarella, and cream cheese gives a creamy and rich texture to the stuffing.
- Pre-cook the Mushroom Caps: Lightly cook the mushroom caps in a skillet with olive oil before stuffing to remove excess moisture and ensure they stay firm during baking.
- Try Adding Meat: Ground beef sausage can be incorporated into the stuffing for a savory, meaty twist.
- Add a Crunch: Top the stuffed mushrooms with breadcrumbs before baking to add a crispy, golden topping.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the stuffed mushrooms a day ahead. Store them in the fridge before baking, making it easier to entertain guests.
- Serve with a Sauce: A light marinara or creamy garlic dipping sauce pairs wonderfully with stuffed mushrooms, making them even more indulgent.
Recipe Variations
- Spinach and Artichoke Stuffed Mushrooms: Mix in a creamy spinach and artichoke dip with the stuffing mixture for a rich, savory twist.
- Beef Bacon and Cheddar Stuffed Mushrooms: Add crumbled crispy beef bacon and shredded cheddar cheese to the classic stuffing for a smoky, cheesy flavor.
- Italian Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms: Brown Italian sausage and mix it with the stuffing for a hearty, savory filling with a little kick.
- Garlic and Parmesan Stuffed Mushrooms: Infuse garlic and extra Parmesan cheese into the stuffing for a garlicky, cheesy punch.
- Crab and Cream Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms: For a seafood-inspired variation, combine crab meat and cream cheese with the stuffing mix.
- Pesto and Sun-Dried Tomato Stuffed Mushrooms: Add a spoonful of pesto and chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a herby, Mediterranean flavor.
- Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Mushrooms: Use shredded buffalo chicken and a bit of ranch dressing to give your mushrooms a spicy, tangy kick.
- Caprese Stuffed Mushrooms: Combine chopped tomatoes, fresh basil, and mozzarella with the stuffing mix for a refreshing twist on a classic Italian caprese.
- Vegan Stuffed Mushrooms: Swap out the cheese for a vegan cream cheese and use plant-based sausage or tofu for a cruelty-free option.
- Lobster and Garlic Butter Stuffed Mushrooms: Elevate the mushrooms with lobster meat and a drizzle of garlic butter for a luxurious, indulgent treat.
Special Equipment
- Oven – For baking the stuffed mushrooms until golden brown.
- Baking Sheet – To arrange the stuffed mushrooms evenly while baking.
- Parchment Paper – To line the baking sheet and prevent sticking.
- Mixing Bowls – For combining the filling ingredients.
- Spoon or Melon Baller – For hollowing out the mushroom caps.
- Small Spoon – To stuff the mushroom caps with the filling mixture.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons – For accurate measurement of ingredients.
- Kitchen Knife – For chopping herbs, garlic, and other ingredients.
- Grater – For finely grating Parmesan or mozzarella cheese.
- Cooking Spray – To lightly coat the baking sheet or mushrooms for even cooking.
FAQ Section
- Can I use smaller mushrooms?
Yes, but you will need to adjust the cooking time accordingly for smaller caps. - Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the stuffed mushrooms and refrigerate them for up to a day before baking. - Can I freeze the stuffed mushrooms?
Yes, you can freeze them before baking. Thaw in the fridge and bake as directed. - What can I use instead of breadcrumbs?
Crushed crackers, panko breadcrumbs, or ground almonds are great alternatives. - Can I add different cheeses?
Yes, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like goat cheese, cream cheese, or cheddar. - How do I prevent the mushrooms from getting soggy?
Pre-bake the mushroom caps to remove excess moisture before stuffing. - Can I make these vegan?
Yes, use plant-based cheese and breadcrumbs for a vegan-friendly version. - Can I add herbs to the stuffing?
Absolutely! Add your favorite herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil for extra flavor. - How can I keep the mushrooms from shrinking?
Don’t overcook them. Keep an eye on them while baking to ensure they remain tender and not shriveled. - Can I use different types of mushrooms?
Yes, you can use baby bella or portobello mushrooms for a different texture and flavor.
Conclusion
Olive Garden Stuffed Mushrooms are a savory and flavorful appetizer that combines tender mushroom caps with a creamy, cheesy filling. The stuffing is made with a blend of ricotta cheese, Parmesan, and mozzarella, along with breadcrumbs, garlic, and Italian seasoning, creating a rich and savory mixture. These mushrooms are baked until golden and bubbly, with a slightly crispy top that contrasts with the creamy filling inside.
The filling can be made even richer with the addition of crumbled Italian sausage or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or basil. They’re perfect as an appetizer for a dinner party or as a side dish to complement your main course.
I can’t wait to see how your Olive Garden Stuffed Mushrooms turn out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your beautiful creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made this dish your own!
