If you’re looking for a delicious appetizer recipe that is both easy and vegetarian, then these basil pesto and mozzarella stuffed mushrooms are a perfect choice. These cheesy stuffed mushrooms will impress your guests and are guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering.
The recipe calls for Portobello mushrooms, light mascarpone, basil pesto, and chopped mozzarella. The mushrooms are filled with a flavorful mixture of cooked onions, mushroom stalks, mascarpone, lemon zest, pesto, mozzarella, and seasoning. Once assembled, the mushrooms are baked in the oven until tender and the topping is crisp.
To add a burst of freshness, you can serve these stuffed mushrooms with a dressing made from olive oil, lemon juice, and seasoning. It pairs perfectly with a side of garlic bread, completing the appetizer experience.
Whether you’re hosting a party or simply want to treat yourself to a delicious snack, these basil pesto and mozzarella stuffed mushrooms are an easy and impressive option. They are guaranteed to satisfy your cravings for a flavorful and cheesy appetizer.
Ingredients and Instructions for Basil Pesto & Mozzarella Stuffed Mushrooms
To satisfy your taste buds with a delightful appetizer, you can make these Italian-inspired stuffed mushrooms. With the combination of basil pesto and melted mozzarella, this vegetarian party appetizer is sure to be a hit. Here’s what you’ll need and how to prepare it:
Ingredients:
- 6 large Portobello mushrooms
- 1/4 cup light mascarpone
- 2 tablespoons basil pesto
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/2 cup chopped mozzarella
- 1/4 cup dried breadcrumbs
- Rocket leaves (for garnish)
- Cherry tomatoes (for garnish)
- Olive oil
- Optional: Garlic bread for serving
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Remove the stems from the Portobello mushrooms and chop them finely.
- In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the chopped mushroom stems and 1/2 onion until soft and fragrant.
- In a bowl, combine the cooked mushroom stems and onion mixture with mascarpone, basil pesto, lemon zest, and chopped mozzarella. Mix well.
- Place the Portobello mushrooms on the prepared baking sheet, gill side up. Fill each mushroom with the stuffing mixture.
- Sprinkle the tops of the stuffed mushrooms with dried breadcrumbs for added texture.
- Bake the mushrooms in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the mushrooms are tender and the topping is golden brown.
- In the meantime, prepare a simple dressing by mixing olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Once the stuffed mushrooms are cooked, remove them from the oven and drizzle the dressing over the top.
- Garnish with fresh rocket leaves and cherry tomatoes.
- Serve the basil pesto and mozzarella stuffed mushrooms with garlic bread on the side for a complete and delicious appetizer.
These Italian-inspired stuffed mushrooms are the perfect vegetarian party appetizer. They are bursting with flavors from the basil pesto and creamy melted mozzarella. The combination of textures, from the tender mushroom caps to the crispy breadcrumb topping, will keep you coming back for more. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply looking for a tasty snack, this stuffed mushroom recipe is sure to impress. Enjoy!
Tips and Variations for Basil Pesto & Mozzarella Stuffed Mushrooms
When making these basil pesto and mozzarella stuffed mushrooms, it’s important to use fresh and high-quality ingredients. Look for Portobello mushrooms that are not discolored or overly dirty.
Feel free to customize the recipe by using different types of pesto, such as homemade basil pesto or spinach pesto. This will add a unique flavor to your stuffed mushrooms. You can also experiment with different cheeses like Gruyere or cheddar if you don’t have mozzarella on hand. The cheesiness will enhance the overall taste.
If you want to take these stuffed mushrooms to the next level, consider adding extra toppings like crumbled cooked Italian sausage or crabmeat. These additions will provide an extra burst of flavor and make your appetizer even more delicious.
These versatile stuffed mushrooms can be enjoyed as a delicious appetizer or as a side dish for a vegetarian meal. They are quick and easy to prepare, making them the perfect dish for any occasion.
