Creamy, savoury and slightly sweet, these stuffed mushrooms make an effortless appetizer for holidays or casual nights. The filling comes together quickly, and the mushrooms bake to a soft, golden finish. Serves 6-8 as an appetizer.
Ingredients
25mediumcremini mushrooms
18 ozblock cream cheese, softened
1/4cupsmoked mozzarella or gouda, grated
2tspshallot, minced
1/2tspfresh thyme minced, plus whole sprigs for garnish
2tbspdried cranberries, chopped
2tbsp pistachios, shelled and chopped fine
salt and pepper
3 1/2oz brie, rind removed and cut into small cubes
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350° F. Line a baking sheet with parchment.
Clean mushrooms, remove stems and, with a small spoon, carefully carve out a little space for the filling. Lay on parchment-lined baking sheet.
In a bowl, mix cream cheese, smoked cheese, shallot, diced thyme, cranberries, pistachios and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Carefully place a piece of brie in each mushroom at the bottom and stuff the mushrooms with as much cheese mixture as will fit. Mound slightly. Leftover mixture can be slathered onto a bagel or toasted baguette.
Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until mushrooms are tender and filling is lightly golden on top. Remove to a platter.
Garnish with small thyme sprigs and serve while hot.
Notes
Tips:
Replace shallot with diced white or yellow onion.
Use pecans instead of pistachios.
Freeze mushroom stems for up to 2 months to use in stock, soups, sauces, pilafs or scrambled eggs.
Enjoy with a glass of Pinot Noir or lightly oaked Chardonnay.