Three-Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms

Ingredients

• 12–15 Large Whole Mushrooms (White button or Cremini/Baby Bella mushrooms work best)
• 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
• 4 oz (approx. $\frac{1}{2}$ cup) Cream Cheese, softened at room temperature
• $\frac{1}{4}$ cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (plus a little extra to sprinkle on top)
• $\frac{1}{4}$ cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
• 1–2 cloves Garlic, minced
• $\frac{1}{4}$ teaspoon Onion Powder
• $\frac{1}{4}$ teaspoon Black Pepper
• Salt (to taste)
• Fresh Parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Mushrooms

1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) and lightly grease a baking sheet with olive oil or cooking spray.
2. Clean the mushrooms using a damp paper towel to remove any dirt. Avoid washing them under running water, as mushrooms absorb moisture easily and can become soggy.
3. Carefully pop the stems out of the mushroom caps.
4. Finely chop about 2–3 tablespoons of the removed mushroom stems (discard the rest or save for another recipe).

2. Make the Filling

1. Heat the olive oil in a small pan over medium heat. Sauté the chopped mushroom stems and minced garlic for about 2 to 3 minutes until soft and fragrant. Remove from heat.
2. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, cooked mushroom stems/garlic, onion powder, black pepper, and a small pinch of salt. Mix thoroughly until smooth.

3. Stuff and Assemble

1. Use a small spoon to fill each mushroom cap generously with the cheese mixture, pressing it slightly into the cavity.
2. Place the stuffed mushrooms on your prepared baking sheet, filling-side up.
3. Sprinkle a tiny bit of extra mozzarella cheese on the very top of each mushroom to get that perfect golden crust.

4. Bake

1. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until the mushroom caps are tender and the cheese filling is hot, bubbly, and beautifully browned on top.
2. Remove from the oven and let them cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley right before serving.

Pro-Tip: If you love a bit of crunch, you can mix 2 tablespoons of Panko breadcrumbs into the cheese filling, or sprinkle them over the top right before baking!