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Creamy Crab Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms are a delightful and sophisticated appetizer that brings together the earthy flavor of Portobello mushrooms and the luxurious richness of crab. The mushrooms serve as the perfect vessel for the creamy, flavorful crab filling, creating a dish that’s both indulgent and light. These stuffed mushrooms are ideal for serving at dinner parties, holiday gatherings, or even as a special weeknight treat.

The combination of crab meat, cream cheese, and herbs baked inside large, meaty mushrooms results in a mouthwatering bite that is sure to impress. It’s an easy-to-make dish with a big impact, making it a favorite for any occasion.

Ingredients for Creamy Crab Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

4 large Portobello mushrooms, cleaned and stems removed
1 cup crab meat (fresh or canned, drained and flaked)
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tbsp mayonnaise
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Salt and pepper, to taste
Olive oil, for drizzling
Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Creamy Crab Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

Step 1: Prepare the Mushrooms

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Clean the Portobello mushrooms by wiping the caps with a damp paper towel. Remove the stems, being careful not to tear the caps. You can finely chop the stems and add them to the stuffing mixture for added flavor, if desired.
Lightly brush the mushroom caps with olive oil and season with a little salt and pepper. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased.

Step 2: Prepare the Crab Stuffing

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, mayonnaise, and Dijon mustard. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Add the grated Parmesan cheese and shredded mozzarella cheese, followed by the garlic powder, onion powder, and lemon juice. Stir to combine.
Gently fold in the crab meat, being careful not to break it apart too much. Add a little chopped parsley and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Mix the stuffing until everything is well combined and creamy.

Step 3: Stuff the Mushrooms

Spoon the creamy crab mixture generously into each Portobello mushroom cap, pressing down lightly to ensure the stuffing stays in place.
Make sure each mushroom is fully filled, leaving the top slightly heaping for a nice presentation once baked.

Step 4: Bake the Mushrooms

Place the stuffed mushrooms on the prepared baking sheet and drizzle them with a little extra olive oil on top.
Bake the mushrooms in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the mushrooms are tender and the crab stuffing is golden brown on top. You can also broil them for an additional 1-2 minutes at the end to get a crispy, golden finish.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Remove the mushrooms from the oven and let them cool slightly.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges for a refreshing touch.
Serve immediately while the mushrooms are warm and the stuffing is creamy.

Tips for the Best Creamy Crab Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

Crab meat: If you have access to fresh, lump crab meat, it’s the best choice for this dish. However, canned crab meat can also work well. Just make sure to drain it properly to avoid excess moisture.
Cheese variations: You can experiment with different cheeses for the stuffing. Creamy goat cheese, cheddar, or Gruyère can be added to the mix for different flavor profiles.
Mushroom size: Choose large Portobello mushrooms that can hold the stuffing well. If you use smaller mushrooms, you may need to adjust the quantity of stuffing accordingly.
Make it spicy: For a little extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or a splash of hot sauce to the stuffing mixture.
Vegetarian option: If you want a vegetarian version, you can replace the crab with a mixture of spinach, artichokes, and cheese for a creamy, savory filling.

Variations of Creamy Crab Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

Combine shrimp with the crab to add a mix of seafood flavors. Chop the shrimp into small pieces and fold them into the crab mixture for added texture and flavor.

Spinach and Crab Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

For a green veggie twist, add spinach to the stuffing. You can use fresh or frozen spinach. If using frozen spinach, make sure to thaw and squeeze out excess water before adding it to the mixture.

Bacon Crab Stuffed Mushrooms

Add some crispy bacon to the stuffing for an extra layer of savory goodness. Bacon’s smoky flavor pairs wonderfully with the crab and creamy cheese.

Vegan Crab Stuffed Mushrooms

For a plant-based option, use vegan cream cheese and vegan cheese along with a plant-based substitute for the crab, such as hearts of palm or jackfruit, both of which have a similar texture to crab.

What to Serve with Creamy Crab Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

While these stuffed mushrooms can easily stand alone as an appetizer or a main course, they pair beautifully with various side dishes:

Mixed Green Salad: Serve with a light mixed green salad dressed in a lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness of the stuffed mushrooms.
Garlic Bread: A side of garlic bread or crispy baguette slices is perfect for dipping in the creamy stuffing that might spill over the sides.
Wine Pairing: A glass of chardonnay or a crisp white wine complements the creamy richness of the mushrooms and crab.

Storing and Reheating Creamy Crab Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

Storing:

Leftover stuffed mushrooms can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
The mushrooms will lose their crispness after storage, so it’s best to eat them right away for the best texture.

Reheating:

To reheat, place the stuffed mushrooms in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or until heated through. You can cover them with foil to prevent them from drying out.
Alternatively, reheat them in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes, but the texture may not be as ideal.

Conclusion: A Luxurious and Flavorful Dish

Creamy Crab Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms are an excellent choice for anyone looking to elevate their appetizer game. The combination of tender mushrooms and rich, creamy crab filling creates a perfect balance of textures and flavors. Whether you serve them for a holiday gathering, a dinner party, or just as a treat for yourself, these stuffed mushrooms are sure to become a favorite. With a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can create an impressive dish that tastes as good as it looks.