Indulge in these delectable crab stuffed mushrooms, a perfect appetizer for any occasion. With a rich filling of crab meat, cream cheese, and parmesan cheese, topped with buttery panko breadcrumbs, these mushrooms are sure to impress your guests.
Photos of Crab Stuffed Mushrooms Recipe
When preparing this recipe, note that crab meat and cream cheese might not be staple ingredients in every household. Ensure you pick up fresh or canned crab meat from the seafood section and select a good quality cream cheese for the best results.
Ingredients For Crab Stuffed Mushrooms
Mushrooms: Used as the base, providing a hearty and earthy flavor.
Butter: Adds richness and helps to sauté the onions and garlic.
Onion: Provides sweetness and depth to the filling.
Garlic: Adds an aromatic and slightly spicy flavor.
Crab meat: The star of the filling, offering a delicate seafood taste.
Cream cheese: Adds creaminess and helps to bind the filling.
Cheese: Enhances the filling with a melty, cheesy texture.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty flavor to the filling.
Chives: Offers a mild onion flavor and a pop of color.
Panko breadcrumbs: Provides a crunchy topping for the mushrooms.
Cooking spray: Used to coat the sheet pan, preventing the mushrooms from sticking.
One reader, Cory Grossman says:
These crab stuffed mushrooms are absolutely delicious! The filling is creamy and flavorful, and the panko topping adds the perfect crunch. They were a hit at my dinner party, and everyone asked for the recipe. Will definitely make again!
Techniques Required for Making Crab Stuffed Mushrooms
How to clean mushrooms: Gently wipe the mushrooms with a damp paper towel or use a mushroom brush to remove any dirt. Avoid soaking them in water as they can become waterlogged.
How to cook onions until translucent: Heat butter in a pan over medium heat, add chopped onions, and cook while stirring occasionally until they become soft and translucent, usually taking 3 to 4 minutes.
How to melt butter in the microwave: Place the butter in a microwave-safe dish and heat it in short intervals (about 10-15 seconds), stirring in between until fully melted.
How to coat panko breadcrumbs with butter: After melting the butter, stir in the panko breadcrumbs until they are evenly coated with the butter.
How To Make Crab Stuffed Mushrooms
You can make these crab stuffed mushrooms ahead for your busy days. Mushroom caps are filled with flaked crab and cheese then baked to a tasty dish.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 18pcsmushroomsstems removed
- 3tbspbutter
- ½cuponionfinely diced
- 1tspgarlicminced
- 8ozcrab meat
- 4ozcream cheesesoftened
- ½cupcheeseshredded
- ¼cupParmesan cheesefinely grated
- 3tbspchivessliced
- ⅓cupPanko Breadcrumbs
- cooking spray
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Coat a sheet pan with cooking spray.
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Arrange the mushroom caps on the sheet pan.
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Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a pan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes or until translucent. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds more.
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Place the onion mixture in a large bowl along with the crab, cream cheese, shredded cheese, parmesan, and 2 tablespoons of chives. Stir to combine.
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Place a dollop of the crab filling into each of the mushrooms.
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Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in the microwave. Stir in the panko crumbs until they’re coated in butter.
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Sprinkle the panko mixture over the tops of the mushrooms.
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Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown.
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Sprinkle with the remaining tablespoon of chives, then serve.
Nutrition
- Calories: 87.48kcal
- Fat: 6.60g
- Saturated Fat: 3.55g
- Trans Fat: 0.12g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 1.87g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.44g
- Carbohydrates: 2.37g
- Fiber: 0.31g
- Sugar: 0.82g
- Protein: 5.01g
- Cholesterol: 29.38mg
- Sodium: 149.34mg
- Calcium: 71.84mg
- Potassium: 112.41mg
- Iron: 0.23mg
- Vitamin A: 54.38µg
- Vitamin C: 1.46mg
Helpful Technique for Preparing Crab Stuffed Mushrooms
When preparing the mushrooms, make sure to remove the stems and use a small spoon to gently scrape out some of the gills. This creates more space for the crab filling and ensures the mushrooms cook evenly.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Recipe
Prepare the filling ahead: Make the crab mixture a day in advance and store it in the fridge.
Use pre-chopped ingredients: Buy pre-chopped onions and garlic to save prep time.
Pre-clean mushrooms: Clean and de-stem the mushrooms the night before.
Microwave butter: Melt the butter in the microwave to save time.
Preheat oven early: Start preheating the oven before you begin prepping.
Use a food processor: Quickly mix the crab filling using a food processor.
Line the sheet pan: Use parchment paper on the sheet pan for easy cleanup.
Substitute Ingredients For Crab Stuffed Mushrooms Recipe
mushrooms - Substitute with zucchini: Zucchini can be hollowed out and stuffed similarly to mushrooms, providing a different texture and flavor.
butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil is a healthier fat option and can be used to sauté the onions and garlic.
onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder and sweeter flavor compared to onions, which can add a subtle difference to the stuffing.
garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: If fresh garlic is unavailable, garlic powder can provide a similar flavor, though it is less pungent.
crab meat - Substitute with shrimp: Chopped shrimp can mimic the texture and provide a similar seafood flavor to the stuffing.
cream cheese - Substitute with ricotta cheese: Ricotta cheese has a similar creamy texture and can be used as a filling base.
cheese - Substitute with mozzarella: Mozzarella melts well and has a mild flavor that complements the other ingredients.
parmesan cheese - Substitute with pecorino romano: Pecorino Romano has a similar hard texture and salty flavor, making it a good alternative.
chives - Substitute with green onions: Green onions can provide a similar mild onion flavor and a bit of color.
panko breadcrumbs - Substitute with regular breadcrumbs: Regular breadcrumbs can be used to add a similar crunchy texture to the stuffing.
cooking spray - Substitute with melted butter: Brushing melted butter on the baking sheet can prevent sticking and add flavor.
Presentation Ideas for Crab Stuffed Mushrooms
Select the finest mushrooms: Choose mushrooms that are uniform in size and shape to ensure even cooking and an elegant presentation.
Create a smooth filling: Mix the crab meat, cream cheese, shredded cheese, and parmesan until the texture is velvety and well-blended, ensuring a luxurious mouthfeel.
Perfect the sauté: Cook the onion and garlic in butter until they are perfectly translucent and fragrant, adding depth to the filling.
Stuff with precision: Use a piping bag to fill each mushroom cap with the crab mixture, ensuring a neat and consistent appearance.
Enhance with chives: Incorporate finely chopped chives into the filling and as a garnish, adding a pop of color and a hint of freshness.
Create a golden crust: Coat the panko breadcrumbs in melted butter and sprinkle them evenly over the stuffed mushrooms, ensuring a crispy, golden-brown finish.
Bake to perfection: Arrange the mushroom caps on a baking sheet and bake until they are golden brown and the filling is heated through, ensuring a perfect balance of textures.
Plate with elegance: Arrange the crab stuffed mushrooms on a pristine white plate, spacing them evenly and garnishing with a final sprinkle of chives for a refined touch.
Add a touch of luxury: Drizzle a light lemon butter sauce around the plate to complement the flavors and add a touch of sophistication.
Essential Tools for Making Crab Stuffed Mushrooms
Oven: Used to bake the stuffed mushrooms at 375 degrees Fahrenheit until they are golden brown.
Sheet pan: Used to arrange the mushroom caps and bake them in the oven.
Cooking spray: Used to coat the sheet pan to prevent the mushrooms from sticking.
Pan: Used to cook the onions and garlic in butter until they are translucent and fragrant.
Microwave: Used to melt the butter for coating the panko breadcrumbs.
Large bowl: Used to mix the cooked onion mixture with crab, cream cheese, shredded cheese, parmesan, and chives.
Spoon: Used to place a dollop of the crab filling into each mushroom cap.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure out the butter, garlic, and chives accurately.
Measuring cups: Used to measure out the onion, cheese, parmesan, and panko breadcrumbs.
Knife: Used to chop the onions and chives finely.
Cutting board: Used as a surface for chopping the onions and chives.
Mixing spoon: Used to stir the onion mixture and other ingredients together in the large bowl.
Storage and Freezing Instructions for Crab Stuffed Mushrooms
- Let the crab stuffed mushrooms cool completely before storing or freezing.
- To store in the refrigerator, place the cooled mushrooms in an airtight container. They will keep well for up to 3-4 days.
- For longer storage, you can freeze the stuffed mushrooms:
- Place the cooled mushrooms on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure they are not touching each other.
- Put the baking sheet in the freezer for about 2 hours, or until the mushrooms are frozen solid.
- Transfer the frozen mushrooms to a freezer-safe container or a resealable plastic bag, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents.
- Frozen crab stuffed mushrooms will maintain their best quality for up to 2-3 months.
- To reheat refrigerated mushrooms, place them on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
- For frozen mushrooms, you can either thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat as directed above, or place the frozen mushrooms directly on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.
- Keep in mind that the texture of the mushrooms may change slightly after freezing and reheating, but the flavor should still be delicious.
How To Reheat Leftover Crab Stuffed Mushrooms
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover crab stuffed mushrooms on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and the tops are slightly crispy. This method will help maintain the texture of the breadcrumbs and prevent the mushrooms from becoming soggy.
If you prefer a quicker reheating method, you can use the microwave. Place the stuffed mushrooms on a microwave-safe plate and heat them on high power for 30-45 seconds. Check the temperature and continue heating in 15-second intervals until they are heated through. Be careful not to overheat them, as this can cause the mushrooms to become rubbery.
For a crispy top, after microwaving the stuffed mushrooms, place them under the broiler for 1-2 minutes. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
If you have an air fryer, you can reheat the crab stuffed mushrooms at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes. This method will help crisp up the tops while heating the mushrooms through.
To maintain the moisture of the crab filling, you can sprinkle a few drops of water or chicken broth over the mushrooms before reheating them in the oven or microwave. This will help prevent the filling from drying out during the reheating process.
Interesting Fact About Crab Stuffed Mushrooms
A random fact about this crab stuffed mushrooms recipe is that panko breadcrumbs are a Japanese-style breadcrumb known for their light, airy texture, which helps create a crispier topping compared to regular breadcrumbs.
Is Making Crab Stuffed Mushrooms at Home Cost-Effective?
This crab stuffed mushrooms recipe is moderately cost-effective. The mushrooms, onion, and garlic are inexpensive, while the crab meat and cheese can be pricier. However, the luxurious taste justifies the cost. Overall Verdict: 7/10. Approximate cost: $20-$25 for a household of 4 people.
Are Crab Stuffed Mushrooms Healthy or Unhealthy?
This crab stuffed mushroom recipe, while delicious, is not particularly healthy due to several factors:
- The recipe contains a significant amount of butter, which is high in saturated fat.
- Cream cheese and shredded cheese add additional fat and calories to the dish.
- The use of panko breadcrumbs increases the carbohydrate content and provides little nutritional value.
- The recipe lacks vegetables or other nutrient-dense ingredients, focusing mainly on the crab meat and cheese filling.
However, the mushrooms themselves are a healthy component, as they are low in calories and provide various vitamins and minerals.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:
- Reduce the amount of butter used or replace it with a healthier alternative, such as olive oil or avocado oil.
- Use low-fat cream cheese or replace it with Greek yogurt for a protein-rich, lower-fat option.
- Opt for reduced-fat shredded cheese or use a smaller amount of a stronger-flavored cheese, such as sharp cheddar, to maintain taste while reducing fat content.
- Replace panko breadcrumbs with whole wheat breadcrumbs or almond meal for added fiber and nutrients.
- Incorporate more vegetables into the filling, such as diced bell peppers, spinach, or artichokes, to increase the nutrient density of the dish.
- Serve the stuffed mushrooms alongside a fresh salad or roasted vegetables to create a more balanced meal.
Editor's Opinion on Crab Stuffed Mushrooms
This crab stuffed mushrooms recipe is a delightful appetizer, combining the rich flavors of crab meat and cream cheese with the subtle earthiness of mushrooms. The addition of parmesan and chives adds a sophisticated touch, while the panko breadcrumbs provide a satisfying crunch. The instructions are clear and straightforward, making it accessible for home cooks. Baking at 375 degrees ensures the mushrooms are tender and the topping is perfectly golden. Overall, it's a well-balanced dish that would impress guests at any gathering.
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Why trust this Crab Stuffed Mushrooms Recipe:
This recipe combines the rich flavors of crab meat and cream cheese with the earthy taste of mushrooms. The addition of onions, garlic, and parmesan cheese enhances the savory profile, while panko breadcrumbs add a delightful crunch. Each step is carefully crafted to ensure a delicious outcome. Trust this recipe for its balanced ingredients and straightforward instructions, promising a gourmet appetizer that will impress any guest.
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