Name: Olive Garden Stuffed Mushrooms: A Delicious Copycat Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 24 stuffed mushrooms
Ingredients: 24 large white or cremini mushroom caps (about 2 inches in diameter), stems removed and reserved; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/8 teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/2 cup finely chopped onion; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup finely chopped reserved mushroom stems; 1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup grated Romano cheese; 1/4 cup heavy cream; 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley; 1 large egg, lightly beaten; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/8 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/8 teaspoon dried oregano; Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional); 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Olive Garden Stuffed Mushrooms: Prepare to be transported to your favorite Italian-American restaurant without ever leaving your kitchen! Imagine biting into a plump, juicy mushroom, bursting with a savory, creamy filling that’s both comforting and utterly irresistible. This isn't just a recipe; it's a culinary adventure that brings the beloved flavors of Olive Garden right to your dining table.

While the exact origins of stuffed mushrooms are debated, the concept of filling mushrooms with delicious mixtures has been around for centuries, appearing in various cultures and cuisines. Olive Garden's version, however, has carved out a special place in the hearts (and stomachs!) of many. It's become a signature appetizer, often the first dish that comes to mind when planning a visit.

What makes these Olive Garden Stuffed Mushrooms so incredibly popular? It's the perfect combination of textures and tastes. The earthy, meaty mushrooms provide a satisfying bite, while the creamy, herb-infused filling offers a rich and decadent experience. Plus, they're surprisingly easy to make at home, allowing you to enjoy this restaurant favorite whenever the craving strikes. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this delightful appetizer that's sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients:

For the Mushroom Caps:

24 large white or cremini mushroom caps (about 2 inches in diameter), stems removed and reserved
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper

For the Stuffing:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup finely chopped reserved mushroom stems
1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup grated Romano cheese
1/4 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/8 teaspoon dried oregano
Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

For the Cheese Topping:

1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Preparing the Mushroom Caps

Clean the Mushrooms: Gently wipe the mushroom caps with a damp paper towel to remove any dirt. Avoid soaking them in water, as they will absorb it and become soggy.
Prepare the Caps: Remove the stems from the mushroom caps. Don't throw them away! We'll be using them in the stuffing.
Season the Caps: In a large bowl, toss the mushroom caps with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/8 teaspoon of black pepper. Make sure each cap is evenly coated.
Pre-bake the Caps: Arrange the seasoned mushroom caps, open-side up, on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes. This step helps to release some of the moisture from the mushrooms, preventing the stuffing from becoming watery.

Making the Delicious Stuffing

Sauté the Aromatics: While the mushroom caps are pre-baking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
Add Garlic and Mushroom Stems: Add the minced garlic and chopped mushroom stems to the skillet. Cook for another 3-5 minutes, until the garlic is fragrant and the mushroom stems are tender. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Combine the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the sautéed onion, garlic, and mushroom stem mixture with the Italian breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, grated Romano cheese, heavy cream, chopped fresh parsley, lightly beaten egg, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, 1/8 teaspoon of black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder, a pinch of dried oregano, and a pinch of red pepper flakes (if using).
Mix Well: Use a spoon or your hands to thoroughly mix all the ingredients until they are well combined. The mixture should be moist but not too wet. If it seems too dry, add a little more heavy cream, a tablespoon at a time. If it seems too wet, add a little more breadcrumbs, a tablespoon at a time.
Taste and Adjust: Taste the stuffing mixture and adjust the seasonings as needed. You may want to add a little more salt, pepper, garlic powder, or oregano to suit your taste.

Stuffing and Baking the Mushrooms

Stuff the Mushroom Caps: Remove the pre-baked mushroom caps from the oven. Using a spoon or your fingers, generously stuff each mushroom cap with the prepared stuffing mixture. Mound the stuffing slightly on top of each cap.
Prepare the Cheese Topping: In a small bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese.
Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the cheese mixture evenly over the stuffed mushroom caps.
Bake to Perfection: Return the stuffed mushrooms to the oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown, and the stuffing is heated through.
Broil for Extra Color (Optional): If you want the cheese to be even more golden brown, you can broil the stuffed mushrooms for the last 1-2 minutes of baking. Watch them closely to prevent burning.
Let Cool Slightly: Remove the baked stuffed mushrooms from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the cheese to set slightly and prevent you from burning your mouth.

Serving Suggestions

These Olive Garden-inspired stuffed mushrooms are delicious served as an appetizer, side dish, or even a light meal. Here are a few serving suggestions:

As an Appetizer: Arrange the stuffed mushrooms on a platter and serve them with toothpicks or small forks for easy eating.
As a Side Dish: Serve the stuffed mushrooms alongside grilled chicken, steak, or fish.
As a Light Meal: Serve the stuffed mushrooms with a side salad or a bowl of soup for a satisfying and flavorful light meal.
Garnish: Garnish the stuffed mushrooms with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a drizzle of olive oil before serving.

Tips and Variations

Here are a few tips and variations to help you customize this recipe to your liking:

Mushroom Variety: While this recipe calls for white or cremini mushrooms, you can also use other types of mushrooms, such as portobello or shiitake, for a different flavor and texture.
Breadcrumb Options: If you don't have Italian breadcrumbs, you can use plain breadcrumbs and add a pinch of Italian seasoning to the stuffing mixture. Panko breadcrumbs will also work, but they will give the stuffing a slightly crunchier texture.
Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese in the stuffing and topping. Provolone, Asiago, or Fontina cheese would all be delicious additions.
Add Meat: For a heartier stuffing, you can add cooked and crumbled Italian sausage, ground beef, or bacon to the mixture.
Spice it Up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the stuffing mixture.
Make Ahead: You can prepare the stuffed mushrooms ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you're ready to bake them. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure they are heated through.
Freezing: You can also freeze the stuffed mushrooms for longer storage. To freeze, arrange the unbaked stuffed mushrooms on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to bake, bake from frozen, adding about 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

Enjoy Your Homemade Stuffed Mushrooms!

Conclusion:

And there you have it! My take on the absolutely irresistible Olive Garden Stuffed Mushrooms. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves that classic appetizer, or even just enjoys a savory, satisfying bite. The combination of earthy mushrooms, creamy filling, and that hint of garlic and herbs is simply divine. It's the kind of dish that disappears quickly at parties, and it's equally enjoyable as a starter for a cozy weeknight dinner. But why is this recipe so special? Well, beyond the incredible flavor, it's surprisingly easy to make. You don't need to be a professional chef to achieve restaurant-quality results. The instructions are straightforward, and the ingredients are readily available at most grocery stores. Plus, it's a fantastic way to impress your friends and family without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me, the rave reviews will be worth it! This Olive Garden Stuffed Mushrooms recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Now, let's talk about serving suggestions and variations. While these stuffed mushrooms are delicious on their own, there are plenty of ways to customize them to your liking. For a heartier appetizer, consider adding some cooked Italian sausage or crumbled bacon to the filling. If you're a cheese lover, feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. A blend of mozzarella and provolone would be fantastic, or you could even add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top before baking for an extra layer of flavor. For serving, I love to arrange the stuffed mushrooms on a platter garnished with fresh parsley or chives. They pair perfectly with a crisp white wine or a light beer. You can also serve them alongside a simple salad for a complete and satisfying meal. And if you happen to have any leftovers (which is unlikely!), they're delicious reheated in the oven or microwave. Another fun variation is to use different types of mushrooms. While I typically use white button mushrooms for this recipe, you could also try using cremini mushrooms or even portobello mushrooms for a more robust flavor. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as larger mushrooms may require a bit longer to bake. Don't be afraid to get creative and experiment with different ingredients and flavors. The beauty of this recipe is that it's incredibly versatile and can be easily adapted to suit your personal preferences. I'm so confident that you'll love this recipe that I urge you to give it a try. Gather your ingredients, follow the instructions, and prepare to be amazed by the deliciousness of these Olive Garden Stuffed Mushrooms. Once you've made them, I would absolutely love to hear about your experience. Did you make any modifications? What did your friends and family think? Share your photos and comments on social media using #MyStuffedMushrooms or tag me in your posts. I can't wait to see your creations! Happy cooking, and enjoy! I hope this recipe becomes a new favorite in your household.