Pioneer Woman's Irresistible Stuffed Mushrooms Recipe

The Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond, has gained a massive following not just for her charming Oklahoma life but also for her mouth-watering recipes. Among her plethora of dishes, her stuffed mushrooms stand out as a crowd-pleaser, perfect for appetizers or a side dish. Let's delve into how you can create these irresistible stuffed mushrooms at home.

Ingredients

Here is the list of ingredients you will need:

• 24 large mushrooms (about 2-3 inches in diameter)
• 4 tablespoons butter, plus more for greasing the baking sheet
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ¹⁄₄ cup chopped onions
• ¹⁄₂ cup of breadcrumbs
• ¹⁄₂ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¹⁄₄ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Crushed red pepper flakes, for sprinkling (optional)

Preparing the Mushrooms

Begin with these steps to prepare your mushrooms:

• Clean and Stem: Gently wash the mushrooms and remove the stems by twisting and pulling. Finely chop the stems for use in the stuffing.
• Hollow Out: Use a spoon to hollow out the inside of each cap to create more space for the filling.
• Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Making the Stuffing

Now, let’s mix the ingredients for the delicious stuffing:

1. Melt Butter: In a large skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
2. Cook Aromatics: Add the chopped mushroom stems, garlic, and onions. Cook until the onions are translucent and the mushroom stems release their moisture.
3. Add Breadcrumbs: Stir in the breadcrumbs and cook for another minute to absorb excess liquid.
4. Mix Cheeses and Seasoning: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in cream cheese, Parmesan, parsley, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix well until you achieve a smooth, thick consistency.

Filling the Mushrooms

Here is how to stuff and bake your mushrooms:

• Fill each mushroom cap with the prepared stuffing using a spoon or your hands.
• Arrange: Place the stuffed mushrooms on a buttered baking sheet.
• Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the mushrooms are tender and the tops are golden brown.
• Optional Garnish: Before serving, sprinkle with a touch of red pepper flakes for a little kick.

Serving Suggestions

Pioneer Woman’s stuffed mushrooms can be served in several ways:

• As Appetizers: Perfect at gatherings or dinner parties. They can be finger food or served with small forks.
• Side Dish: Accompany grilled meats, steaks, or as a sophisticated side with a salad.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute Parmesan with nutritional yeast for a vegan version.

⚠️ Note: Ensure your mushrooms are of similar size for uniform cooking.

🧀 Note: Make sure cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easy mixing.

Overall, these stuffed mushrooms are not only delicious but also quite versatile, allowing for modifications to suit different tastes or dietary needs. Their rich, creamy filling makes them a favorite for any occasion, and following the Pioneer Woman's recipe ensures you'll have a dish that's both impressive and simple to make.

Can I prepare these stuffed mushrooms in advance?

+

Yes, you can prepare the stuffing in advance. Store it in the refrigerator, and fill the mushrooms just before baking to maintain their freshness and texture.

How do I keep stuffed mushrooms from getting soggy?

+

To avoid soggy mushrooms, ensure the stuffing is not overly moist. Let the breadcrumb mixture cool before adding the cheeses, and do not overfill the caps.

Can I freeze stuffed mushrooms?

+

Yes, you can freeze the mushrooms after stuffing them. Flash freeze them on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake them from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.