If you are on the hunt for an appetizer that will wow your guests and warm hearts, this Creamy Shrimp Stuffed Mushrooms Recipe is absolutely your new best friend. Imagine juicy mushrooms filled with a luscious, garlicky shrimp cream cheese blend, baked to golden perfection, and bursting with flavor in every bite. This dish perfectly balances the richness of the creamy filling with the earthy mushroom base, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at any gathering or a special treat for cozy nights in. Trust me, once you make these, they won’t just be appetizers—they’ll be mini show-stoppers on your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering fresh and simple ingredients is key to achieving that perfect harmony of flavors and textures in this recipe. Each component plays a special role, whether it’s the plump mushrooms offering the perfect vessel, the shrimp bringing a subtle sweetness, or the creamy cheeses providing that irresistible comfort factor.
- 20 large white or cremini mushrooms: Choose firm mushrooms with intact caps, perfect for stuffing.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: This adds a subtle richness and prevents the mushrooms from drying out.
- 1/2 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined: Finely chopping them ensures the filling stays creamy and even.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic provides a fragrant kick that complements the shrimp perfectly.
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened: The star ingredient for that luscious, creamy texture.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, savory depth to the filling.
- 2 tablespoons sour cream or mayonnaise: Keeps the mixture silky and adds a slight tang.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley: Brings a burst of freshness and a pop of green color.
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika: Adds a gentle warmth and a pretty hint of red.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for balancing all the flavors.
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella (optional): A melty topping that turns golden and irresistible.
How to Make Creamy Shrimp Stuffed Mushrooms Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Mushrooms
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s warming up, gently clean your mushrooms with a damp cloth to remove any dirt. Carefully remove the stems, creating a perfect little pocket for the filling. Lightly brush the mushroom caps with olive oil—this will help them roast beautifully without drying out. Arrange them cavity-side up on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp and Garlic
In a small skillet over medium heat, cook the finely chopped shrimp with minced garlic until the shrimp just turn pink, about 2 to 3 minutes. This quick sauté builds flavor without overcooking, keeping your shrimp tender and juicy. Remove the skillet from the heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly before mixing it into the creamy filling.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Filling
Grab a mixing bowl and combine the cooked shrimp and garlic with softened cream cheese, grated Parmesan, sour cream (or mayo if you prefer), freshly chopped parsley, paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything gently but thoroughly until you have a smooth, luscious filling that’s bursting with flavor—a true highlight of this Creamy Shrimp Stuffed Mushrooms Recipe.
Step 4: Stuff the Mushrooms
Now for the fun part: spoon the creamy shrimp mixture generously into each mushroom cap, making sure it’s piled high. For an extra melty, golden touch, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top. This step transforms the dish from simple to spectacular with that sparkling cheese blanket.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pop the stuffed mushrooms into your preheated oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes. You’re looking for tender mushrooms and a slightly golden, bubbly top. The savory aroma that fills the kitchen at this stage is downright irresistible and a sneak peek of the deliciousness to come!
How to Serve Creamy Shrimp Stuffed Mushrooms Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a fresh green contrast that brightens the dish visually and flavor-wise. A light dusting of extra paprika can add a hint of color and a subtle smoky note if you’re feeling adventurous. Presentation matters, especially with such a charming appetizer.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or a refreshing cucumber and tomato salad to balance out the richness. For a heartier meal, serve alongside a fragrant rice pilaf or a simple garlic butter pasta. These sides complement the creamy and savory notes without overpowering the delicate shrimp flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun party presentation, arrange the stuffed mushrooms on a large platter layered with fresh lettuce or kale leaves. You might also serve them in decorative mini muffin tins for an easy grab-and-go appetizer. If you want to elevate the experience, place each mushroom on an individual small plate with a drizzle of pesto or a squeeze of lemon for a vibrant flavor twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Shrimp Stuffed Mushrooms can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Because of the creamy cheese and seafood, it’s best to consume them as fresh as possible, but they do keep well enough for a quick snack or next-day treat.
Freezing
Freezing is possible but not ideal for maintaining the best texture in the mushrooms. Should you choose to freeze, place the stuffed mushrooms on a baking sheet and freeze individually before transferring to a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, bake leftovers in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 10 to 15 minutes. Avoid the microwave to keep the mushrooms from becoming soggy and the cheese from drying out. A gentle reheat helps preserve that creamy, luscious filling you loved the first time around.
FAQs
Can I use other types of mushrooms for this recipe?
Absolutely! While white and cremini mushrooms work perfectly due to their size and texture, you can experiment with baby portobellos or shiitake caps for a different flavor profile and extra earthiness.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, with some adjustments. Substitute cream cheese and sour cream with your favorite dairy-free alternatives, like cashew cream or coconut-based cream cheese. Keep in mind the flavor and texture will differ slightly but can still be delicious.
How spicy is the filling?
The filling in this Creamy Shrimp Stuffed Mushrooms Recipe is mild with a gentle warmth thanks to the paprika. You can easily adjust spices to your liking by adding cayenne or crushed red pepper if you prefer more heat.
Can I prepare these ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare the filling and stuff the mushrooms a few hours in advance, then refrigerate until ready to bake. This makes day-of hosting much easier and stress-free.
What is the best way to clean mushrooms?
Use a damp paper towel or soft brush to gently wipe soil off the mushrooms. Avoid soaking them in water as mushrooms absorb moisture quickly, which can affect both texture and cooking.
Final Thoughts
Making this Creamy Shrimp Stuffed Mushrooms Recipe is like giving your taste buds a warm, flavorful hug. It’s easy enough to whip up for unexpected guests but special enough to serve at any occasion where you want to impress. The creamy, garlicky shrimp filling combined with tender baked mushrooms makes this recipe a guaranteed favorite in your kitchen rotation. So go ahead, try it out, and get ready to receive compliments and requests for seconds!
Print
Creamy Shrimp Stuffed Mushrooms Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 20 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Creamy Shrimp Stuffed Mushrooms are a delicious and elegant appetizer featuring large mushroom caps filled with a savory blend of chopped shrimp, cream cheese, Parmesan, and herbs, baked to golden perfection. Perfect for parties or a special gathering, this recipe yields 20 bite-sized treats bursting with creamy seafood flavor.
Ingredients
Mushrooms
- 20 large white or cremini mushrooms, stems removed and cleaned
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Shrimp Filling
- 1/2 pound shrimp, peeled, deveined, and finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons sour cream or mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (plus more for garnish)
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Topping (Optional)
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Mushrooms: Clean the mushrooms thoroughly and remove the stems. Lightly brush the mushroom caps with olive oil and arrange them cavity-side up on the baking sheet, ready to be filled.
- Cook Shrimp: Heat a small skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped shrimp and minced garlic. Cook for about 2 to 3 minutes, or until the shrimp just turns pink. Remove the skillet from heat and allow the shrimp to cool slightly before mixing.
- Make Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked shrimp and garlic mixture with softened cream cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, sour cream (or mayonnaise), chopped fresh parsley, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until the filling is smooth, creamy, and well incorporated.
- Stuff Mushrooms: Spoon a generous amount of the shrimp filling into each mushroom cap, ensuring they are well filled. If desired, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top of each stuffed mushroom for a melty topping.
- Bake: Place the filled mushrooms in the preheated oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes or until the mushrooms are tender and the tops are golden and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the mushrooms from the oven and garnish with extra fresh parsley. Serve warm as a delicious appetizer or party snack.
Notes
- Peeling and deveining the shrimp thoroughly ensures the best texture and taste.
- You can substitute sour cream with mayonnaise based on preference for a tangier or creamier filling.
- Using cremini mushrooms instead of white mushrooms adds a deeper earthier flavor.
- For a cheesier finish, be generous with the mozzarella topping or add Parmesan on top as well.
- Make sure not to overcook the shrimp to keep the filling tender and juicy.
- This recipe can be prepared a few hours ahead and baked fresh before serving.
