Creamy Garlic Crab-Stuffed Mushrooms

Let’s dive into what makes these mushrooms the ultimate crowd-pleaser. The mix of sweet, succulent crab and the rich creaminess of the filling inside each mushroom cap is a combo made in flavor heaven. Plus, the garlic just takes everything to the next level—it’s impossible not to fall in love with this dish.

Why You’ll Love Creamy Garlic Crab-Stuffed Mushrooms

Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor
These mushrooms use basic ingredients—crab, garlic, cream cheese, and a few other staples—but the flavors come together in a way that’s simply irresistible. It’s the kind of dish that makes you wonder, “Why didn’t I think of that?”

Impressive Yet Easy
Even though they look fancy and elegant, these stuffed mushrooms are surprisingly easy to make. Perfect for a dinner party, a cozy appetizer, or even a special date night. You’ll look like a culinary genius with minimal effort!

Perfectly Bite-Sized
These mushrooms are the perfect size for popping in your mouth in one or two bites. They’re just the right balance of creamy, savory, and slightly indulgent, but not overwhelming.

Can Be Made Ahead
Need to prep ahead? No problem. You can assemble these little bites earlier in the day, refrigerate, and then pop them in the oven when you’re ready to bake them.

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

Ingredients in Creamy Garlic Crab-Stuffed Mushrooms

Ready to make these irresistible little bites? Here’s what you’ll need:

Large Mushrooms

Choose big, firm mushrooms for stuffing. Button mushrooms work, but you can also use cremini or portobello if you want a little more flavor.

Crab Meat

You can use fresh crab if you have it (lucky you!) or opt for canned or frozen crab meat. Just make sure to drain it well if you’re using canned.

Cream Cheese

The rich, creamy base of our stuffing mixture. It’s smooth and decadent, and it binds everything together perfectly.

Parmesan Cheese

A little parmesan in the stuffing adds a salty, nutty kick that balances the richness of the crab and cream cheese.

Garlic

Garlic is the star here. You’ll sauté it to bring out its sweet, fragrant flavor, which pairs perfectly with the delicate crab meat.

Fresh Parsley

For a pop of color and a fresh, herby contrast to the creamy stuffing.

Lemon Juice

Just a squeeze to brighten the dish and enhance the sweet crab flavor. The acidity cuts through the richness of the cream cheese.

Salt and Pepper

Essential for seasoning. You want a little saltiness from the cheese, but also a bit of pepper to round out the flavors.

Butter

For sautéing the garlic and adding richness to the stuffing mixture.

Instructions

Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and greasing a baking dish or lining a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Prepare the Mushrooms

Clean the mushrooms and remove the stems. You can chop the stems and add them to the stuffing if you like, but be sure to leave the caps nice and hollow for the crab mixture.

Sauté the Garlic

Melt butter in a pan over medium heat and sauté the garlic until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to burn it! Once fragrant, remove from heat.

Make the Filling

In a bowl, combine the cream cheese, crab meat, sautéed garlic, parmesan cheese, lemon juice, parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well-mixed. The filling should be creamy but thick enough to hold its shape.

Stuff the Mushrooms

Spoon the crab mixture into the mushroom caps, pressing gently to pack it in. Be generous with the filling—you want those mushrooms to be stuffed to the brim!

Bake to Perfection

Arrange the stuffed mushrooms in the prepared baking dish or on the baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the mushrooms are tender and the filling is golden and bubbly.

Garnish and Serve

Top with extra parsley or a little more parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve these babies warm and enjoy the round of applause you’ll surely get!

Serve and Enjoy

These mushrooms are perfect on their own, but you can serve them with a side of crispy bread or a light salad to balance the richness.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 220
Total Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 45mg
Sodium: 450mg
Total Carbohydrates: 5g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 2g
Protein: 12g
Calcium: 100mg
Iron: 1mg
Potassium: 280mg

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Crab-Stuffed Mushrooms

As an Appetizer
Serve these stuffed mushrooms as an appetizer to impress your guests before the main course. They’re perfect for passing around at a party or event.

With a Fresh Salad
Pair them with a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness of the mushrooms.

With Crispy Bread
Serve with a loaf of crusty bread for dipping into any leftover creamy filling. You’ll want to scoop up every last bit of goodness.

Additional Tips

Make It Ahead: You can assemble the stuffed mushrooms earlier in the day and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake them. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if they’re cold from the fridge.

Add More Spice: If you like a little heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper into the filling for a spicy kick.

Substitute Crab: If you’re not a fan of crab, you can substitute cooked shrimp or even make a vegetarian version with a mixture of sautéed mushrooms and cheese.

Leftovers: Leftovers are rare, but if you happen to have some, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Reheat them gently in the oven.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use imitation crab meat?
A1: Yes, imitation crab works perfectly for this recipe and is a more affordable option.

Q2: Can I make these ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! You can prepare the stuffed mushrooms and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Q3: Can I freeze these?
A3: Yes, you can freeze them before baking. Just assemble them, wrap them tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake them directly from the freezer, adding extra time.

Q4: What can I use instead of cream cheese?
A4: You can substitute cream cheese with mascarpone, ricotta, or even a dairy-free cream cheese for a different texture and flavor.

Q5: Can I add more vegetables to the stuffing?
A5: Yes! Chopped spinach, bell peppers, or even sautéed onions would add nice flavor and texture to the filling.

Q6: How do I know when the mushrooms are done?
A6: The mushrooms will be tender, and the filling will be golden and bubbly. If you’re unsure, check with a fork to see if the mushrooms are soft.

Q7: Can I use small mushrooms instead of large ones?
A7: You can! Just use more mushrooms and adjust the filling amount accordingly. Mini mushrooms are great for bite-sized appetizers.

Q8: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A8: Sure! Gouda, mozzarella, or even a sharp cheddar would work well for a different flavor profile.

Q9: Can I make these with a different protein?
A9: Absolutely! Shrimp or even cooked chicken can be used instead of crab. The garlic and creamy filling will pair wonderfully with any of those.

Q10: How should I reheat leftover stuffed mushrooms?
A10: Reheat them gently in the oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes to keep the filling creamy and prevent the mushrooms from becoming soggy.

Conclusion

Creamy Garlic Crab-Stuffed Mushrooms are the kind of dish that makes a statement at any gathering. They’re rich, flavorful, and guaranteed to disappear in seconds. Whether you’re making them for a dinner party or just because you deserve something delicious, these little bites of heaven are always a crowd favorite. So, grab your mushrooms and get ready to impress!

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