Smoky Stuffed Mushrooms

All you’ll smell is Turkey  Bacon while these smoky stuffed mushrooms bake. They’re filled with creamy, cheesy goodness mixed with onions, mushrooms, and (you guessed it) Turkey  Bacon. They’re a tasty appetizer for watching football or a holiday party.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of creamy cheese and smoky turkey bacon creates an irresistible taste.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and minimal prep time, these stuffed mushrooms are a breeze to make.
• Versatile Appetizer: Perfect for parties, game days, or just a cozy family dinner.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves stuffed mushrooms, and this recipe is sure to impress your guests.
• Customizable Filling: Feel free to add your favorite herbs or spices to enhance the flavor.

Tools and Preparation

To create these savory smoky stuffed mushrooms, you’ll want to gather your kitchen tools ahead of time. Having everything ready will help streamline the cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking dish or sheet pan
• Mixing bowl
• Cooking spray
• Knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking dish or sheet pan: Essential for evenly baking the stuffed mushrooms and ensuring they get crispy on top.
• Mixing bowl: Necessary for combining all the filling ingredients smoothly.
• Cooking spray: Helps prevent sticking and ensures your mushrooms come out perfectly.

Ingredients

For the Mushrooms

• 12 – button or cremini (baby portobello) mushrooms

For the Filling

• 7 slices –  Turkey Bacon
• 1/4 cup – diced onion
• 8 ounces – cream cheese, room temperature
• 1/2 – 1 cup – shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• black pepper, to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon – garlic powder
• 2-3 tablespoons – butter or reserved turkey Bacon drippings
• 1/2 cup – bread crumbs, seasoned or plain

How to Make Smoky Stuffed Mushrooms

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Clean the mushrooms and remove their stems. Chop the stems finely and set them aside.

Step 2: Cook the Turkey Bacon and Vegetables

Cook 3 slices of the  Turkey Bacon until they are limply cooked. Cook the remaining 4 slices until they are crispy. Transfer all Turkey Bacon to a paper towel-lined plate but reserve the drippings in the pan.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling Mixture

Add the diced onion and chopped mushroom stems into the reserved drippings. Sauté until soft. Chop the crisp  Turkey Bacon into small pieces. In a mixing bowl, add the cream cheese and stir in both the crisp Turkey Bacon pieces and shredded cheddar cheese.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Stir in the sautéed onion/mushroom mixture along with black pepper and garlic powder until well combined.

Step 5: Fill the Mushrooms

Spray a baking dish or sheet pan with cooking spray. Fill each mushroom cap generously with the cheese filling mixture.

Step 6: Add Toppings

Cut each slice of limp Turkey Bacon into four small pieces so that one piece fits onto each mushroom. Sprinkle bread crumbs on top of each filled mushroom and drizzle with either reserved Turkey Bacon drippings or melted butter.

Step 7: Bake

Bake in preheated oven for about 20 minutes until golden brown on top. Enjoy your delicious smoky stuffed mushrooms!

How to Serve Smoky Stuffed Mushrooms

Smoky stuffed mushrooms make a delightful appetizer that can be served in various ways. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your presentation and enjoyment.

As a Standalone Appetizer

• Serve these smoky stuffed mushrooms hot right out of the oven for a warm, cheesy treat. They are perfect for parties or game day gatherings.

With Dipping Sauces

• Pair your stuffed mushrooms with a variety of dipping sauces such as ranch, marinara, or garlic aioli. This adds an extra layer of flavor that guests will love.

On a Charcuterie Board

• Include smoky stuffed mushrooms on a charcuterie board alongside cheeses, fruits, and crackers. Their unique taste will complement the other savory elements beautifully.

Garnished with Fresh Herbs

• Top the mushrooms with fresh herbs like parsley or chives before serving. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds freshness to each bite.

How to Perfect Smoky Stuffed Mushrooms

To ensure your smoky stuffed mushrooms turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh mushrooms and quality turkey bacon will enhance flavor and texture.
• Don’t Overstuff: Fill each mushroom cap just enough to avoid spilling while baking. This keeps them neat and easy to serve.
• Bake Until Golden: Keep an eye on your mushrooms as they bake; you want them golden brown on top for the best flavor.
• Experiment with Cheese: Try different types of cheese like mozzarella or gouda for varied flavors alongside cheddar.
• Let Them Cool Slightly: Allow the mushrooms to cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps set the filling and makes them easier to handle.

Best Side Dishes for Smoky Stuffed Mushrooms

While smoky stuffed mushrooms shine on their own, pairing them with side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options.

1. Mixed Green Salad – A light salad with vinaigrette balances the richness of the mushrooms.
2. Garlic Bread – Serve warm garlic bread for dipping into any leftover sauces from the stuffed mushrooms.
3. Roasted Vegetables – A mix of seasonal roasted vegetables adds color and nutrition to your table.
4. Quinoa Pilaf – Fluffy quinoa pilaf provides a nutritious base that complements the flavors of the mushrooms.
5. Coleslaw – A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and contrasts nicely with the soft texture of baked mushrooms.
6. Potato Wedges – Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs provide a hearty addition that pairs well with appetizers.
7. Stuffed Peppers – Mini bell peppers filled with rice or beans create variety in flavors and textures at your meal.
8. Pasta Salad – A cold pasta salad can add freshness and is easy to prepare ahead of time, making it ideal for gatherings.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your Smoky Stuffed Mushrooms are perfect, avoid these common mistakes.

• Boldly overstuffing: Overfilling the mushrooms can lead to a messy dish. Aim for a generous but manageable amount of filling.
• Ignoring mushroom size: Using uneven mushroom sizes may result in inconsistent cooking. Select mushrooms of similar size for even baking.
• Skipping seasoning: Neglecting to season your filling can make the dish bland. Season well with black pepper and garlic powder for flavor enhancement.
• Not preheating the oven: Baking in a cold oven will affect texture and cooking time. Always preheat to 350 degrees F before placing your mushrooms inside.
• Forgetting about leftovers: Leaving out leftover stuffed mushrooms can lead to spoilage. Store them properly to enjoy later.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Keep the mushrooms separate from any sauces to maintain texture.

Freezing Smoky Stuffed Mushrooms

• Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Smoky Stuffed Mushrooms

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and bake for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently to avoid overheating.
• Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat, covered, for about 5 minutes until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Smoky Stuffed Mushrooms.

Can I use different types of mushrooms?

Yes! While button or cremini mushrooms are recommended, you can experiment with portobello or shiitake varieties.

How can I customize my Smoky Stuffed Mushrooms?

Feel free to add different cheeses or herbs like thyme or parsley for added flavor.

Are Smoky Stuffed Mushrooms gluten-free?

To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

What should I serve with Smoky Stuffed Mushrooms?

These mushrooms pair well with a fresh salad or as part of a larger appetizer platter.

Final Thoughts

Smoky Stuffed Mushrooms are an irresistible appetizer that combines creamy cheese with savory flavors. Their versatility allows you to customize them easily, making them perfect for any occasion. Give this recipe a try and impress your guests!