These Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms are a savory, cheesy, and nutritious dish that can serve as a main or a hearty appetizer. The mushrooms are filled with a flavorful mixture of garlic, spinach, cherry tomatoes, and breadcrumbs, topped with melted mozzarella cheese for a delicious bite. They are easy to prepare, healthy, and perfect for any occasion!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 4 large Portobello mushrooms (stems removed)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 2 cloves garlic (minced)

• 1 cup spinach (chopped)

• ½ cup cherry tomatoes (diced)

• ¼ cup breadcrumbs

• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese (grated)

• ½ cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• Salt and pepper (to taste)

• Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish, optional)

Directions

1. Preheat and Prepare the Mushrooms:
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush both sides of the mushroom caps with olive oil, then season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Place the mushrooms, gill-side up, on a greased baking sheet.

2. Make the Filling:
   Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute, then add the chopped spinach and cook until wilted. Remove from heat and stir in the cherry tomatoes, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

3. Stuff the Mushrooms:
   Spoon the filling evenly into the mushroom caps. Top each stuffed mushroom with shredded mozzarella cheese.

4. Bake:
   Bake the stuffed mushrooms in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the mushrooms are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

5. Serve:
   Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve warm. Enjoy as a delicious appetizer or a light main dish!

Nutrients (per serving)

• Calories: 180 kcal

• Protein: 8g

• Carbohydrates: 12g

• Fat: 12g

• Fiber: 3g

• Sodium: 350mg

Why Portobello Mushrooms?

Portobello mushrooms are the ideal choice for stuffing due to their large size and meaty texture. They are hearty and have a natural depth of flavor that works well with a variety of fillings. Unlike smaller mushrooms, Portobellos can hold their shape during baking and provide a satisfying bite. Their wide caps create a perfect “bowl” for stuffing, ensuring that every bite is packed with flavor.

In addition to their taste and texture, Portobellos are also a great source of nutrients, including fiber, antioxidants, and B-vitamins. They are low in calories, making them an excellent option for a healthy meal that won’t weigh you down. Their ability to soak up the flavors of the filling while maintaining their structure makes them an ideal base for this dish.

The Flavorful Filling

The filling for these stuffed Portobello mushrooms is a delightful mix of ingredients that adds both flavor and texture. Garlic provides a savory depth, and spinach adds a healthy dose of vitamins and minerals, along with a pleasant earthy flavor. The cherry tomatoes bring a burst of freshness and slight acidity, balancing out the richness of the cheese and the earthiness of the mushrooms.

Breadcrumbs add texture and help bind the mixture together, while Parmesan cheese enhances the umami flavor and adds a bit of salty richness. The Italian seasoning ties everything together with its blend of herbs, adding a fragrant, herby note that elevates the overall taste of the filling. The result is a harmonious combination of ingredients that makes each bite full of flavor.

Making the Filling: Sautéing and Assembling

To make the filling, start by sautéing the garlic in olive oil until fragrant. This step brings out the savory flavor of the garlic, which serves as the base note for the filling. Then, add the spinach and cook it until wilted. The spinach cooks down significantly, so don’t worry about using too much—it will shrink as it cooks. Once the spinach is wilted, remove the pan from heat and stir in the diced cherry tomatoes, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. This mixture creates a flavorful, hearty filling that complements the mushrooms perfectly.

Assembling the Mushrooms

After preparing the filling, it’s time to stuff the mushrooms. First, brush the Portobello mushroom caps with olive oil, seasoning them lightly with salt and pepper. Place them on a greased baking sheet, gill-side up, ready for the stuffing. Then, spoon the filling evenly into each mushroom cap, packing it in gently to ensure it stays in place during baking.

The final touch is the shredded mozzarella cheese, which melts beautifully over the filling and adds a creamy, cheesy layer that holds everything together. The mozzarella not only enhances the flavor but also adds a satisfying, gooey texture to each bite.

Baking the Mushrooms

To bake the stuffed mushrooms, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the stuffed mushrooms on a baking sheet and bake them for 15-18 minutes, or until the mushrooms are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly. The mushrooms should be fully cooked, with the filling slightly golden and the cheese perfectly melted on top.

Baking the mushrooms at this temperature ensures that they cook evenly and that the cheese melts without burning. The result is a perfect balance of tender mushrooms, flavorful filling, and gooey cheese.

Serving and Garnishing

Once the stuffed mushrooms are baked to perfection, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a minute before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley for a pop of color and a touch of freshness that enhances the overall flavor. The herbs not only add visual appeal but also contribute a fragrant, herbal note that brightens up the richness of the dish.

These stuffed Portobello mushrooms can be served as a light main course or a delicious appetizer. They pair wonderfully with a variety of side dishes, such as a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or even a side of rice for a more filling meal.

Why These Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms Are Perfect for Any Occasion

Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed for a wide range of occasions. They make an excellent appetizer for a dinner party, offering a savory, cheesy bite that will leave your guests wanting more. If you’re looking for a healthier main dish, these mushrooms can easily be paired with a side salad or grain to make a complete meal.

In addition to being a crowd-pleaser, these stuffed mushrooms are a great option for vegetarians or anyone looking for a lighter meal. The combination of cheese, spinach, and tomatoes provides a satisfying and flavorful dish without the heaviness of meat. The mushrooms themselves offer a hearty base, so you won’t miss the meat at all.

Nutritional Benefits

Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms are a great way to enjoy a nutritious and flavorful dish without the guilt. The mushrooms themselves are low in calories, and the spinach adds fiber, vitamins, and minerals. The cheese provides protein and calcium, while the breadcrumbs help bind the filling together without adding unnecessary calories. With just 180 calories per serving, these mushrooms make for a satisfying yet light meal.

The addition of fresh basil or parsley not only enhances the flavor but also provides a touch of freshness, making the dish feel light and vibrant. This makes it an ideal choice for anyone looking for a healthy, satisfying meal that won’t weigh them down.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms are a delicious, cheesy, and healthy dish that can be served as a main or appetizer. The combination of garlic, spinach, cherry tomatoes, and cheese creates a flavorful filling that complements the tender, earthy mushrooms perfectly. Whether you’re looking for a light main course, a satisfying side dish, or an impressive appetizer, these stuffed mushrooms are sure to be a hit. Easy to make, full of nutrients, and bursting with flavor, they are a must-try for any occasion!