Caprese Stuffed Garlic Butter Portobellos

When you’re craving something hearty yet light, Caprese Stuffed Garlic Butter Portobellos will become your go-to dish. Think of the rich, savory flavors of garlic butter, paired with the freshness of tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil—stuffed inside juicy, meaty portobello mushrooms. These mushrooms are like little edible bowls, holding all the goodness of a classic Caprese salad but with an added depth of flavor that’s impossible to resist.

This dish is perfect for everything from a light lunch to a show-stopping appetizer for your next gathering. It’s easy to make, packed with flavors, and guaranteed to impress anyone you serve it to. Trust me, every bite is like a burst of summer!

Why You’ll Love Caprese Stuffed Garlic Butter Portobellos

Flavor Explosion: The garlic butter brings richness and depth, while the fresh basil, mozzarella, and tomatoes create a perfect balance of brightness and creaminess. It’s a combination you’ll want to make over and over.

Quick and Easy: These stuffed mushrooms come together in just 30 minutes, making them perfect for a busy weeknight or a last-minute dinner party. You won’t believe how little effort it takes to make something so impressive!

Vegetarian-Friendly: For all the veggie lovers, this dish is a dream. It’s hearty enough to be a meal on its own, and packed with fresh ingredients that give you a satisfying bite without the need for meat.

Customizable: Want to make it a bit spicier? Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. Need more flavor? Drizzle some balsamic glaze on top before serving. It’s versatile, so feel free to get creative!

Ingredients in Caprese Stuffed Garlic Butter Portobellos

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Portobello Mushrooms

These large, meaty mushrooms are the perfect vessel for stuffing. They have a robust flavor and texture that holds up to the garlic butter and cheesy filling.

Fresh Mozzarella

Fresh mozzarella gives the dish a creamy, melty texture when it’s baked. It’s the perfect complement to the savory mushrooms and zesty tomato topping.

Cherry Tomatoes

Sweet and juicy cherry tomatoes provide a burst of freshness and slight acidity, balancing the richness of the mozzarella and garlic butter.

Fresh Basil

The fragrant basil adds that fresh, herby note that makes Caprese salad so irresistible. It’s key to bringing all the flavors together.

Garlic Butter

A mix of butter, minced garlic, and olive oil creates a flavorful base that you’ll drizzle over the mushrooms. It’s the secret to adding depth to every bite.

Balsamic Glaze (Optional)

For a final touch of sweetness and tang, a drizzle of balsamic glaze takes this dish to the next level. It’s the perfect finishing touch.

Salt and Pepper

To taste, salt and pepper will help balance all the flavors and ensure the dish is perfectly seasoned.

Instructions

Prepare the Mushrooms

Start by cleaning the portobello mushrooms. Gently remove the stems and scrape out the gills with a spoon, leaving the mushroom caps ready to hold the filling. Set them aside.

Make the Garlic Butter

In a small bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, and olive oil. Stir to mix well. Brush the mushroom caps with this garlic butter mixture, making sure to coat both sides generously.

Roast the Mushrooms

Place the garlic butter-coated mushroom caps on a baking sheet, gill-side up. Roast them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes to soften and start releasing their natural juices.

Stuff the Mushrooms

After roasting, remove the mushrooms from the oven. Stuff each mushroom with a few slices of fresh mozzarella, halved cherry tomatoes, and some chopped basil. Add a little more garlic butter on top if you like extra richness.

Bake to Perfection

Return the stuffed mushrooms to the oven and bake for another 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the mushrooms are tender.

Finish and Serve

Remove the mushrooms from the oven. Drizzle with balsamic glaze, sprinkle with a little more fresh basil, and serve immediately. Enjoy the burst of fresh, creamy, and savory flavors!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 215
Total Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 40mg
Sodium: 480mg
Total Carbohydrates: 9g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Total Sugars: 5g
Protein: 10g

Nutrition values are approximate and may vary depending on ingredients and preparation method.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Caprese Stuffed Garlic Butter Portobellos

With a Side Salad: Pair these stuffed mushrooms with a simple green salad or an arugula salad dressed with olive oil and lemon. The peppery arugula and bright dressing will complement the richness of the mushrooms.

As an Appetizer: These are perfect for parties and gatherings. Serve them as a light appetizer, or make a few extra to enjoy as leftovers!

With Grilled Chicken or Steak: If you want to make the meal more substantial, serve these stuffed mushrooms alongside grilled chicken or steak. The mushrooms are flavorful enough to be a side or a main dish on their own.

As a Snack: If you’re craving something simple yet satisfying, these stuffed mushrooms are great for a quick snack or light lunch. You’ll feel like you’re treating yourself to something special without all the effort.

Additional Tips

Use Good Quality Mozzarella: Fresh mozzarella is key for this dish! It melts beautifully and adds that gooey, creamy texture that makes every bite satisfying.

Don’t Skip the Garlic Butter: It’s what brings the mushrooms to life! Make sure to brush each mushroom generously with the garlic butter, as it infuses the flavor into the mushrooms and keeps them moist while baking.

Add More Veggies: Feel free to add more veggies like spinach, bell peppers, or even roasted zucchini inside the mushrooms. This will only enhance the flavor and texture.

Make It Ahead: You can prepare the mushrooms and garlic butter ahead of time, stuff them with mozzarella and tomatoes, and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. This makes for a perfect make-ahead meal!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of mushroom?
A1: While portobellos are ideal for stuffing, you could use large cremini mushrooms if you prefer something smaller. Just be sure they’re big enough to hold the filling.

Q2: Can I make these mushrooms ahead of time?
A2: Yes! You can prepare them up to the point of stuffing them, then cover and refrigerate them for up to 1 day before baking. When you’re ready to eat, just bake them as usual.

Q3: Can I add meat to the stuffing?
A3: Absolutely! Ground sausage, turkey, or grilled chicken would be a great addition to these stuffed mushrooms for extra protein and flavor.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through.

Q5: Can I freeze these stuffed mushrooms?
A5: Yes! You can freeze the stuffed mushrooms before baking. Simply place them on a baking sheet, freeze them, then transfer to a zip-top bag. When ready to eat, bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes.

Q6: What’s the best way to serve these mushrooms?
A6: These mushrooms are fantastic on their own as a main dish, or paired with a light salad, grilled meats, or pasta. They’re perfect as an appetizer or a vegetarian entrée.

Q7: How can I make this dish spicier?
A7: Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or finely chopped jalapeños to the stuffing. You can also drizzle some spicy olive oil over the top before serving.

Q8: Can I use other herbs besides basil?
A8: Yes, you can use fresh oregano, thyme, or parsley if you prefer. However, basil really captures the essence of a Caprese salad, so I recommend trying it first!

Q9: How do I prevent the mushrooms from becoming too watery?
A9: Be sure to pre-roast the mushrooms to release some of their moisture before stuffing them. You can also gently pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess water.

Q10: Can I use store-bought balsamic vinaigrette instead of glaze?
A10: While balsamic vinaigrette can work in a pinch, balsamic glaze is thicker, sweeter, and provides a more intense flavor. If using vinaigrette, reduce it a bit on the stove to thicken it before drizzling.

Conclusion

Caprese Stuffed Garlic Butter Portobellos are a true flavor-packed delight that brings all the goodness of a Caprese salad into a hearty, satisfying dish. Whether served as an appetizer, side dish, or light main course, this recipe will wow your taste buds with every bite. It’s easy to make, versatile, and the perfect balance of fresh, creamy, and savory. Enjoy!

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