Olive Garden Stuffed Mushrooms

Imagine biting into a plump mushroom, its earthy flavor exploding in your mouth, followed by a creamy, savory stuffing that’s pure comfort. That’s the magic of Olive Garden Stuffed Mushrooms, a dish so good, it’s practically addictive.

We’re talking about the ultimate appetizer—a flavor bomb of tender mushrooms and a rich, herbaceous filling that will transport you straight to foodie paradise. Prepare to be amazed at how simple it is to recreate this restaurant favorite in your own kitchen.

Here’s why you absolutely NEED to make these Olive Garden Stuffed Mushrooms:

• They’re surprisingly easy to whip up, even if you’re a culinary klutz like yours truly, trust me on this one.
• The combination of earthy mushrooms and savory filling creates a flavor symphony that will have everyone singing your praises.
• These stuffed mushrooms make a stunning presentation, perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to something special.
• They’re incredibly versatile, making them a delightful appetizer, side dish, or even a light meal; options are unlimited.

Ingredients for Olive Garden Stuffed Mushrooms

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Large Cremini Mushrooms Choose mushrooms that are firm, with tightly closed caps. These provide the perfect size and texture for stuffing.

Ground Turkey A leaner alternative to ground beef, providing a savory base for the stuffing. Ensure it is thoroughly cooked before mixing.

Italian Bread Crumbs These add texture and help bind the stuffing together. You can use store-bought or make your own by toasting bread and pulsing it in a food processor.

Grated Parmesan Cheese Adds a salty, nutty flavor to the stuffing. Freshly grated Parmesan will melt beautifully and enhance the overall taste.

Cream Cheese Provides a creamy, tangy element to the filling. Ensure it is softened to room temperature for easy mixing.

Garlic Essential for adding a pungent, aromatic flavor to the filling. Use fresh garlic, minced finely, for the best results.

Fresh Parsley Adds a fresh, herbaceous note to the stuffing. Chop it finely to ensure it distributes evenly throughout the mixture.

Olive Oil Used for sautéing the mushrooms and adding richness to the filling. Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for its superior flavor.

Chicken Broth Adds moisture and depth of flavor to the mushrooms as they bake. It prevents them from drying out and keeps them tender.

Salt and Black Pepper To taste. Season generously to enhance the flavors of all the ingredients.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Olive Garden Stuffed Mushrooms

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Prep the Mushrooms

Carefully remove the stems from the mushrooms and set them aside. Gently clean the mushroom caps with a damp paper towel to remove any dirt. Do not submerge in water, as they will absorb too much moisture.

Step 2: Sauté the Mushroom Stems and Garlic

Finely chop the mushroom stems. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped mushroom stems and minced garlic and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes. This step intensifies the mushroom flavor and adds a savory base to the filling.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

In a large bowl, combine the sautéed mushroom stems and garlic, ground turkey, Italian bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, softened cream cheese, and fresh parsley. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Mix everything together until well combined. The filling should be moist and hold its shape.

Step 4: Stuff the Mushrooms

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish. Fill each mushroom cap generously with the prepared stuffing. Arrange the stuffed mushrooms in the baking dish, making sure they are not overcrowded.

Step 5: Bake the Mushrooms

Pour chicken broth into the bottom of the baking dish, about 1/4 inch deep. This will help keep the mushrooms moist and flavorful as they bake. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the mushrooms are tender and the stuffing is golden brown and heated through.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the baking dish from the oven and let the stuffed mushrooms cool slightly before serving. Garnish with additional fresh parsley, if desired. These Olive Garden Stuffed Mushrooms are fantastic as an appetizer, side dish, or even a light meal. Enjoy the savory, comforting flavors!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To maximize flavor and efficiency when recreating these delightful Olive Garden Stuffed Mushrooms, start by prepping all your ingredients. Sauté the mushrooms and aromatics first. While they cool slightly, prepare the cheesy filling. Finally, stuff and bake until golden brown and bubbly.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to customize your Olive Garden Stuffed Mushrooms! Try different types of mushrooms like cremini or shiitake. You could also experiment with various cheeses, such as Gruyere or mozzarella, for a unique flavor profile. Add some chopped sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers to the filling for an extra layer of taste.

Storing & Reheating

To store leftover Olive Garden Stuffed Mushrooms, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave them, but the texture might be slightly softer.

Here are some helpful tips to make your Olive Garden Stuffed Mushrooms a resounding success:

• Don’t overcrowd the pan when sautéing the mushrooms; work in batches to ensure they brown properly and release their moisture.
• Let the mushroom mixture cool slightly before adding the cheese to prevent it from melting prematurely and creating a gooey mess.
• For extra flavor, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top of the stuffed mushrooms during the last few minutes of baking.

(Personal anecdote formated as paragraph subheading)

I remember the first time I made these for a potluck; everyone raved about them! My usually picky cousin even asked for the recipe, which was a huge win in my book.

Conclusion for Olive Garden Stuffed Mushrooms :

These Olive Garden Stuffed Mushrooms are simple to make and impressive to serve. They’re a crowd-pleaser for any occasion, from casual get-togethers to elegant dinner parties. The combination of savory mushrooms, flavorful stuffing, and melty cheese makes them irresistible. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and prepare to wow your family and friends with this delectable appetizer. They will be wondering if you secretly became a professional chef!

Print

FAQs :

Can I prepare Olive Garden Stuffed Mushrooms ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the stuffed mushrooms a few hours in advance. Just keep them covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake them. This makes them a fantastic appetizer for parties because you can prep everything beforehand and then simply pop them in the oven when your guests arrive. Trust me; your future self will thank you for the planning! Just be sure to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they’re going straight from the fridge to the oven.

How do I store leftover stuffed mushrooms?

Got leftover Olive Garden Stuffed Mushrooms? Lucky you! Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, you can microwave them for a minute or two, or bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. I personally prefer the oven method as it helps retain their texture, preventing them from becoming too soggy. Enjoy reliving the deliciousness all over again!

What can I serve with these mushrooms to make a complete meal?

These stuffed mushrooms are incredibly versatile! They make a delightful appetizer, but they can also be part of a larger meal. Serve them alongside a fresh salad, grilled chicken, or a hearty pasta dish. For a vegetarian option, pair them with a quinoa salad or a lentil soup. The possibilities are endless! They even taste great as a topping for a juicy steak. The rich, savory flavor complements so many dishes.

Is there a substitute for breadcrumbs in Olive Garden Stuffed Mushrooms?

Yes, if you’re looking for a gluten-free alternative, you can use gluten-free breadcrumbs, crushed gluten-free crackers, or even almond flour. Almond flour will give the stuffing a slightly nutty flavor, which can be quite delicious! You could also use finely ground pork rinds for a low-carb option, although we’re keeping it pork-free in this particular recipe. Feel free to experiment and find the substitution that best suits your dietary needs and taste preferences.