Baking sheet or roasting pan A rimmed baking sheet works perfectly to keep the mushrooms stable. Line with parchment paper or foil for easier cleanup.
Mixing bowl For combining the filling.
Small sauté pan To cook the garlic, onion, and mushroom stems.
Melon baller or small spoon To hollow out the mushrooms neatly.
Pastry brush (optional) For brushing the mushrooms with olive oil.
Oven A standard oven preheated to 375°F does the job.
Piping bag or zip-top bag (optional) For neatly filling the mushroom caps if you want that picture-perfect look. Otherwise, a spoon works just fine.
Ingredients
For the Mushrooms
24medium white button mushrooms or cremini mushroomsstems removed and cleaned
2tablespoonsolive oilplus more for drizzling
Salt and freshly cracked black pepperto taste
For the Filling
1tablespoonunsalted butter
2clovesgarlicfinely minced
1/4cupfinely chopped mushroom stemsfrom the ones you hollowed out
1/4cupfinely chopped yellow onion or shallot
1/3cupItalian-style breadcrumbs
1/2teaspoondried thyme
1/2teaspoondried oregano
1/4teaspooncrushed red pepper flakesoptional, for a little kick
1/2cupfreshly grated Parmesan cheeseplus extra for topping
2tablespoonsfinely chopped fresh parsley
2tablespoonscream cheesesoftened
Salt and pepperto taste
Instructions
Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Lightly grease the surface with olive oil or cooking spray.
Clean and Hollow the Mushrooms
Wipe the mushrooms clean with a damp paper towel—avoid rinsing them directly under water as they absorb moisture. Remove the stems and set them aside for the filling. Using a melon baller or the tip of a spoon, gently widen the cavity of each mushroom cap to make room for more filling.
Sauté the Aromatics
In a small sauté pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped mushroom stems and onion, and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly browned. Add the minced garlic, thyme, oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
Make the Filling
Transfer the cooked mixture to a bowl. Add the breadcrumbs, cream cheese, Parmesan, parsley, and a drizzle of olive oil. Stir to combine into a cohesive mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste. The filling should be moist but not wet.
Stuff the Mushrooms
Using a small spoon or piping bag, fill each mushroom cap generously with the mixture. Top each with a pinch of extra Parmesan for that crispy, golden finish.
Roast to Perfection
Arrange the filled mushrooms on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle a little olive oil over the tops to encourage browning. Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the mushrooms are tender and the tops are golden and slightly crisp.
Garnish and Serve
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Garnish with additional chopped parsley and serve warm.
These are best enjoyed hot, but they're still delicious at room temperature—which makes them perfect for a christmas eve appetizers table where guests might nibble throughout the evening.