Looking to elevate your appetizer game for a special occasion? Look no further than these delectable Crab Stuffed Mushrooms. Combining the richness of crabmeat with the earthy flavors of mushrooms, this recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that won’t break the bank.
Why You’ll Love These Crab Stuffed Mushrooms
- Easy Elegance: Impress your guests with this gourmet appetizer that is surprisingly simple to make.
- Perfect Flavor Combination: Sweet crabmeat, tangy cheese, and savory veggies create a harmonious blend of flavors.
- Great for Entertaining: Perfect for parties and gatherings with a touch of sophistication.
- Customizable Ingredients: Use fresh or canned crabmeat depending on your preference and budget.
Ingredients
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Adds creaminess and a cheesy texture to the stuffing.
- Onion: Provides a savory base flavor to the filling.
- Old Bay Seasoning: Brings a touch of spice and depth.
- Celery: Adds crunch and freshness.
- Garlic Powder: Enhances the savory profile of the dish.
- Red Bell Pepper: Adds sweetness and color to the stuffing.
- Salt & Pepper: Season to taste.
- Oyster Crackers: Act as a binding agent in the filling.
- Mushrooms: Use big, plump mushrooms for stuffing.
- Water: Helps achieve the perfect consistency in the filling.
- Crab Claw Meat: The star ingredient for its signature seafood flavor.
- Egg: Helps bind the stuffing mixture.
- White Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully on top for a gooey, cheesy finish.
How to Make Crab Stuffed Mushrooms
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetable Mixture
- In a skillet, sauté the celery, bell pepper, and onion until tender.
- Allow the mixture to cool in the fridge.
Step 3: Prep the Mushrooms
- Remove the stems and gills from the mushrooms.
- Finely chop half of the stems to add to the filling.
Step 4: Make the Filling
- In a mixing bowl, combine the:
- Sautéed vegetables
- Chopped mushroom stems
- Cheddar cheese
- Old Bay seasoning
- Garlic powder
- Salt and pepper
- Oyster cracker crumbs
- Water
- Crab meat
- Egg
Step 5: Stuff and Bake
- Place the mushrooms in a buttered baking dish.
- Fill each mushroom cap with the stuffing mixture.
- Top with white cheddar cheese.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden and cooked through.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Allow the stuffed mushrooms to cool slightly before serving.
Storage Options
- Refrigerate Leftovers: Store in an airtight container and gently reheat before serving.
- Freezing: While best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze these mushrooms for up to 1 month.
Variations and Substitutions
- Canned Crab: Use canned crab meat as a budget-friendly option.
- Shrimp Stuffed Mushrooms: Swap crab meat for shrimp for a delicious variation.
- Cheese Variations: Try Swiss or Emmentaler cheese for a unique flavor twist.
What to Serve With Crab Stuffed Mushrooms
- Garlic Herb Roasted Potatoes
- Lemon Arugula Salad
- White Wine Spritzer
- Mini Caprese Skewers
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Crab Stuffed Mushrooms ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the mushrooms in advance and bake them just before serving for the best results.
How should I store leftover Crab Stuffed Mushrooms?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat gently before enjoying.
Are Crab Stuffed Mushrooms freezer-friendly?
While they’re best fresh, you can freeze them for up to 1 month.
What ingredient substitutions can I try?
Experiment with different cheeses or replace the crab with shrimp for a fun twist!
When you prepare these Crab Stuffed Mushrooms, you’ll enjoy a burst of flavor with every bite. The savory richness of crab, combined with earthy mushrooms and creamy cheese, creates a perfect appetizer for any occasion.
Enjoy these rich and flavorful Crab Stuffed Mushrooms as the perfect addition to your next gathering! 🦀🍄
Crab Stuffed Mushrooms
Ingredients
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese
- 1 Onion
- Old Bay Seasoning
- 1 Celery
- Garlic Powder
- 1 Red Bell Pepper
- Salt & Pepper
- Oyster Crackers
- 8 Mushrooms
- 1 cup Water
- Crab Claw Meat
- 1 Egg
- White Cheddar Cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- In a skillet, sauté the celery, bell pepper, and onion until tender. Let it cool in the fridge.
- Remove the stems and gills from the mushrooms and finely chop half of the stems.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the sautéed vegetables, mushroom stems, cheddar cheese, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, salt, oyster cracker crumbs, pepper, water, crab meat, and egg.
- Place the mushrooms in a buttered baking dish, fill each cap with the mixture, top with cheese, and bake for 12-15 minutes.
- Allow the stuffed mushrooms to cool slightly before serving.