Gourmet Cheese and Pesto Stuffed Mushrooms
These Gourmet Cheese and Pesto Stuffed Mushrooms are the ultimate crowd-pleaser! Perfectly baked to golden perfection, each large mushroom cap is filled with a creamy, savory blend of ricotta, parmesan, and mozzarella cheeses, combined with aromatic basil pesto. Ideal for parties, potlucks, or as a rich appetizer at family gatherings, these tasty bites are not only easy to prepare but also packed with flavors that guests will rave about. Trust me, make a triple batch – they’ll disappear before your eyes!
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Large Fresh Stuffing Button Mushrooms
8 (Cleaned and stems removed)
Olive Oil
1 tablespoon (For brushing, more if needed)
Ricotta Cheese
2 cups (Softened)
Grated Parmesan Cheese
3/4 cup (Divided, with 1/4 cup reserved for topping)
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
3/4 cup (For filling)
Jarred Basil Pesto
4 tablespoons (For mixing with cheese)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lightly greasing it or lining it with parchment paper.
2
Gently wash the mushrooms under cold water, then remove the stems and hollow out the insides using a small spoon or a melon baller. Lightly brush both the inside and outside of each mushroom with olive oil.
3
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, grated parmesan (reserve 1/4 cup for topping), mozzarella cheese, and basil pesto. Mix until smooth and fully combined.
4
Generously fill each mushroom cap with the cheese and pesto mixture, pressing down gently to ensure they're packed well.
5
Place the filled mushrooms on the prepared baking sheet, arranging them close together to prevent tipping.
6
Sprinkle the tops of the stuffed mushrooms with the reserved grated parmesan cheese for an extra cheesy crust.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the mushroom tops are bubbling and a lovely golden brown.
8
Serve warm, and enjoy these delightful bites as your guests rave about their flavor!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Gourmet Cheese and Pesto Stuffed Mushrooms?
They are a savory appetizer consisting of large mushroom caps filled with a blend of ricotta, parmesan, mozzarella, and basil pesto, baked until golden brown.
How many mushrooms does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed for 8 large fresh stuffing button mushrooms, serving approximately 8 people.
What temperature should I preheat the oven to?
The oven should be preheated to 375°F (190°C) before baking the mushrooms.
How long do the stuffed mushrooms need to bake?
The mushrooms should bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the tops are bubbling and golden brown.
Which types of cheese are used in the filling?
The filling uses a combination of ricotta cheese, grated parmesan cheese, and shredded mozzarella cheese.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, these stuffed mushrooms are vegetarian-friendly as they contain only vegetables, cheese, and pesto.
How should I clean the mushrooms?
Gently wash the mushrooms under cold water to remove any dirt, then remove the stems and hollow out the insides.
Do I need to grease the baking sheet?
Yes, you should lightly grease the baking sheet or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
What tool is best for hollowing out the mushrooms?
A small spoon or a melon baller is ideal for hollowing out the centers of the mushrooms.
Why should I brush the mushrooms with olive oil?
Brushing both the inside and outside with olive oil helps the mushrooms roast properly and prevents them from drying out in the oven.
How much basil pesto is required?
You will need 4 tablespoons of jarred basil pesto to mix with the cheese filling.
Can I use the mushroom stems in the recipe?
While this specific recipe calls for removing them to make room for the cheese filling, you could finely chop them and add them to the filling if desired, though the instructions do not explicitly require it.
How do I ensure the mushrooms don't tip over on the pan?
Arranging the filled mushrooms close together on the baking sheet helps support them and prevents them from tipping over.
Is there a specific way to layer the cheese?
The ricotta, mozzarella, and most of the parmesan are mixed into the filling, while a reserved 1/4 cup of parmesan is sprinkled on top for a crust.
What is the flavor profile of this dish?
These mushrooms offer a rich, savory, and aromatic flavor profile thanks to the blend of three cheeses and the basil pesto.
Can these be served at room temperature?
While they are best enjoyed warm, they can also be served at room temperature during parties or potlucks.
How much ricotta cheese is used?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of softened ricotta cheese.
Can I prepare these mushrooms ahead of time?
Yes, you can clean and stuff the mushrooms in advance, then refrigerate them until you are ready to bake.
Are these mushrooms good for a holiday meal?
Yes, they are tagged as a 'holiday recipe' and make an excellent appetizer for festive gatherings.
Should the ricotta be cold when mixing?
The recipe suggests using softened ricotta cheese for easier mixing with the other ingredients.
How do I know when the mushrooms are perfectly cooked?
They are done when the cheese filling is bubbling and the parmesan topping has turned a lovely golden brown.
Can I use different sizes of mushrooms?
This recipe specifies 'Large' stuffing button mushrooms, but if you use smaller ones, you may need to adjust the baking time and quantity.
What type of parmesan is best?
Grated parmesan cheese is recommended for both the filling and the topping.
Is the pesto mixed in or drizzled on top?
The pesto is mixed directly into the ricotta, parmesan, and mozzarella cheese blend until smooth.
How should I pack the filling into the caps?
Generously fill each cap and press down gently to ensure the mixture is packed well inside the mushroom.
Does this dish contain many ingredients?
No, it is a relatively simple recipe with an ingredient count of 6 main items.
Are these mushrooms considered a healthy snack?
While they contain nutrient-rich mushrooms and pesto, they are a rich, cheese-based appetizer intended for enjoyment at social events.
Can I substitute jarred pesto for fresh?
Yes, while the recipe lists jarred basil pesto, fresh homemade pesto would work equally well and add vibrant flavor.
Is this a good recipe for a crowd?
Absolutely! The description recommends making a triple batch because they tend to disappear very quickly.
What is the main category for this recipe?
This recipe is categorized as 'High In Flavor'.