Olive Garden Stuffed Mushrooms

When it comes to comfort food, few things evoke the same cozy feelings as a plate of stuffed mushrooms. I can still remember the first time I indulged in Olive Garden’s iconic stuffed mushrooms. The savory aroma wafting through the air as they emerged from the oven, the golden, bubbly cheese topping—pure magic! That experience ignited a passion for replicating those delightful bites at home. The combination of fresh ingredients, the satisfying texture of the mushrooms, and the umami-rich filling makes every bite an adventure. Today, I’m excited to share my take on Olive Garden’s classic stuffed mushrooms, a dish that unites friends and family around the dinner table.

Recipe Timing

• Prep Duration: 15 minutes
• Active Cooking: 30 minutes
• Total Duration: 45 minutes
• Portion Size: Serves 6
• Complexity: Simple

Nutritional Recipe

• Calories per portion: Approximately 142
• Protein: 8 grams per serving
• Carbs: 8 grams per serving
• Fats: 9 grams per serving
• Fiber: 1 gram per serving
• Sugars: 1 gram per serving
• Sodium: 456 mg per serving

Why You’ll Love This Olive Garden Stuffed Mushrooms

These Olive Garden stuffed mushrooms are not just a starter; they are a savory delight filled with succulent minced clams, creamy cheeses, and a hint of garlic. Each mushroom cap becomes a delectable vessel, trapping all those incredible flavors within. They’re perfect for dinner parties, family gatherings, or a cozy night in. Plus, the sight of those golden, bubbling cheese caps is enough to make anyone’s mouth water!

The Complete Cooking Journey

Cooking is a sensory journey. As you chop, mix, and bake, get ready to indulge in the beautiful transformation of simple ingredients into an irresistible dish. Imagine the rich scent of garlic warming up your kitchen as you prepare to stuff those mushroom caps. Picture the melted mozzarella turning perfectly golden right before your eyes. This recipe invites you to savor the process as much as the final dish!

Ingredients:

• 12 large fresh mushrooms
• 3 tablespoons melted butter
• 1/4 cup finely shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 can minced clams, drained (6 oz)
• 1 finely chopped green onion
• 1 large beaten egg
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1/2 cup Italian-style bread crumbs
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon melted butter
• 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Method:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F. While it warms up, prepare your baking dish to ensure a smooth cooking process.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish

Spray a baking dish large enough to hold the mushrooms with non-stick cooking spray. This will help prevent any delicious bits from sticking!

Step 3: Clean the Mushrooms

Remove the stems from the mushrooms and clean each mushroom cap using a dry paper towel. Avoid using water to prevent sogginess—this is key in keeping your mushrooms perfectly textured!

Step 4: Mix the Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine the clams, green onion, beaten egg, minced garlic, bread crumbs, dried oregano, and Parmesan cheese. Mix thoroughly to distribute the flavors evenly.

Step 5: Stuff the Mushrooms

Fill each mushroom cap with 1-2 spoons of the prepared filling. Don’t worry about overfilling—more flavor is always a good thing!

Step 6: Arrange the Stuffed Mushrooms

Arrange the stuffed mushroom caps, filling side up, in the prepared baking dish, ensuring they’re snug but not overcrowded.

Step 7: Butter It Up

Drizzle 3 tablespoons of melted butter over the stuffed mushrooms. This additional richness will enhance the mushrooms’ natural flavor and keep them moist.

Step 8: Bake Covered

Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes, until the mushrooms are tender.

Step 9: Add the Cheese

Remove the foil from the baking dish. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over each mushroom, letting the melty goodness ooze into every crevice.

Step 10: Bake Uncovered

Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Oozing cheese is the hallmark of a good stuffed mushroom!

Step 11: Serve Warm

Remove the baking dish from the oven; serve the stuffed mushrooms warm. Enjoy each bite—you’ve earned it!

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

These stuffed mushrooms are fabulous on their own, but you can take it a step further with some fresh salad or a comforting pasta dish to create a full meal. Pair them with a crisp white wine or a refreshing sparkling water to balance the richness.

Storage & Leftovers Guide

If you somehow have leftovers (which is unlikely!), allow the mushrooms to cool completely and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave till warm.

Kitchen Wisdom & Success Tips

• Avoid overloading the mushrooms—while you want them hearty, too much filling can make them tougher to handle.
• Feel free to get creative with the filling. You can swap clams with cooked sausage or add olives for an extra kick.
• If you want to add a bit of spice, a dash of red pepper flakes can elevate your dish.

Flavor Variations & Adaptations

Try replacing clams with crab meat or a vegetarian option by using sautéed spinach and artichokes for a different twist. The world of stuffed mushrooms is at your fingertips!

Reader Questions & Solutions

1. What if I can’t find fresh mushrooms?

   • You can use frozen mushrooms, but make sure they are fully thawed and drained before using.

2. How can I make this dish gluten-free?

   • Simply substitute the Italian-style bread crumbs with gluten-free alternatives, ensuring all other ingredients are compliant.

3. Can I prepare these ahead of time?

   • Absolutely! Prepare the stuffed mushrooms a day in advance and refrigerate them. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

4. What should I do if the filling is too dry?

   • You can add a splash of clam juice or broth to moisten it up slightly.

5. Can I use different cheeses?

   • Yes! Feel free to get creative—cream cheese, Gouda, or a spicy pepper jack would be divine.

Wrapping Up

These Olive Garden stuffed mushrooms blend simplicity with that restaurant-quality flair we all crave. They are a testament to how a few flavorful ingredients can come together to create something truly special. I hope you feel inspired to try this recipe and share it with loved ones. Cooking is all about connection, and every bite of these stuffed mushrooms serves as a reminder of the joy of gathering around the table. So, roll up your sleeves, get cooking, and enjoy the delightful journey this dish offers. Happy cooking!

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