If you’ve ever found yourself craving Olive Garden’s irresistible appetizers, then this Olive Garden Stuffed Mushrooms Copycat Recipe is about to become your new best friend. It’s a mouthwatering blend of tender cremini mushrooms filled with a savory mixture of minced clams, aromatic herbs, and a trio of melty cheeses, baked to perfection. Every bite brings that warm, comforting feeling you get from a favorite restaurant dish, but made fresh and personal in your own kitchen. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll want to keep it on your regular rotation for dinner parties, family meals, or whenever you need a little taste of something special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Olive Garden Stuffed Mushrooms Copycat Recipe relies on simple, accessible ingredients, but each one plays a crucial role in delivering that authentic flavor. From the earthiness of the mushrooms to the mild brininess of minced clams, plus the creamy and savory cheeses, it all works together to create a beautiful balance of taste and texture.
- Cremini mushrooms: Large caps provide the perfect vessel and a robust mushroom flavor that’s not too overpowering.
- Olive oil: Adds healthy fat and a subtle fruitiness to sauté the filling ingredients.
- Unsalted butter: Enhances richness without masking other flavors.
- Onion, finely chopped: Provides sweetness and a bit of crunch after sautéing.
- Bell pepper, finely chopped: Adds a touch of color and mild sweetness to the stuffing.
- Garlic, minced: Brings that unmistakable savory aroma that ties everything together.
- Minced clams (canned): The star seafood ingredient, giving the stuffing a wonderful briny depth.
- Breadcrumbs: Help bind the filling and add a light texture contrast.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds salty, nutty notes to the stuffing and topping.
- Dried basil and oregano: Introduce Mediterranean herb flavors reminiscent of Olive Garden’s style.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing the flavors.
- Mozzarella, shredded: Melts beautifully on top, giving you that gooey, cheesy finish.
- Romano cheese: Sharp and tangy, it complements the mozzarella perfectly.
- Fresh parsley: Offers a bright, fresh garnish that elevates the dish visually and flavor-wise.
- Lemon wedges: A little squeeze adds a vibrant zestiness that awakens your palate.
How to Make Olive Garden Stuffed Mushrooms Copycat Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the mushrooms
Start by gently cleaning your cremini mushrooms with a damp cloth so they stay firm and flavorful. Carefully remove the stems as these will be finely chopped and incorporated into the stuffing to make sure nothing goes to waste. This step ensures you get those lovely mushroom caps ready to be filled with all that savory goodness.
Step 2: Sauté the stuffing base
Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat, then add the chopped mushroom stems. Sauté them until they soften and release their natural moisture, about 3 to 5 minutes. This gives your stuffing extra depth and an earthy base that’s full of umami.
Step 3: Add veggies and garlic
Next, toss in the chopped onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Cook until they become translucent and tender—2 to 3 minutes is perfect. Stir in minced garlic last, cooking it just until fragrant for about a minute to avoid any bitterness. Then remove the pan from heat to keep the fresh flavors vibrant.
Step 4: Mix in clams and seasonings
Stir in the drained minced clams along with breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. This combination transforms your filling into a wonderfully balanced mixture with just the right texture and punch of flavor, reminiscent of the classic Olive Garden appetizer.
Step 5: Stuff the mushroom caps
Spoon the hearty stuffing mixture generously into each mushroom cap, making sure they’re nicely filled but not overflowing. This step is where your mushrooms start to look irresistible, promising a flavorful bite every time.
Step 6: Top with cheeses
In a bowl, combine shredded mozzarella, Romano, and additional Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle this three-cheese blend evenly over the stuffed mushrooms, ensuring each one gets a gooey, golden crust after baking.
Step 7: Bake and broil
Arrange the filled mushrooms in a baking dish and bake in a 375°F oven for 15 minutes until the mushrooms are tender. Then, switch to the broil setting for 2 to 3 minutes to get that gorgeous golden brown cheese topping. Keep a close eye so the cheese melts perfectly without burning.
How to Serve Olive Garden Stuffed Mushrooms Copycat Recipe
Garnishes
Once out of the oven, sprinkle the mushrooms with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh herbaceous notes. Serving them alongside lemon wedges offers guests the chance to add a bright, zesty finish that perfectly cuts through the richness.
Side Dishes
These stuffed mushrooms shine as an appetizer but also pair beautifully with a light green salad or a bowl of warm soup. They complement Italian mains like pasta or grilled chicken wonderfully, turning any meal into a little Italien feast right at your table.
Creative Ways to Present
Present these delightful stuffed mushrooms on a rustic wooden board or a white ceramic platter for a stunning contrast of colors. Garnish the serving plate with extra parsley sprigs and lemon slices to make the dish pop visually. For parties, consider skewering smaller stuffed mushrooms like bite-sized party snacks – fun and delicious!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover stuffed mushrooms are easy to keep fresh. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure they cool completely before refrigerating to maintain texture and flavor.
Freezing
This Olive Garden Stuffed Mushrooms Copycat Recipe can be frozen if you want to prepare ahead. Place the stuffed but unbaked mushrooms in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 1 month. When ready, bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the stuffed mushrooms in a preheated 350°F oven for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. This helps retain the texture better than microwaving, keeping the cheeses melty and the mushrooms tender.
FAQs
Can I use white button mushrooms instead of cremini?
Absolutely! White button mushrooms work well if you can’t find cremini. They’re milder in flavor but still soak up the stuffing beautifully.
Is canned minced clams necessary for this recipe?
The minced clams add a signature briny seafood flavor that’s key to capturing the Olive Garden Stuffed Mushrooms Copycat Recipe’s authentic taste, so it’s best not to skip them.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the clams and add extra vegetables like finely diced artichokes or spinach, plus a bit more cheese for richness.
What cheese works best for topping?
The combination of mozzarella, Romano, and Parmesan is what mimics the classic cheesy crust. However, you can use all mozzarella if you prefer a milder taste and a gooey melt.
How do I avoid soggy mushrooms?
Make sure to remove the stems and sauté them first to cook out excess moisture. Also, do not overcrowd them in the pan when baking so they cook evenly.
Final Thoughts
This Olive Garden Stuffed Mushrooms Copycat Recipe brings a restaurant favorite right to your table with fresh, bold flavors and a satisfying texture. Whether you’re feeding family or impressing guests, this recipe delivers a delicious experience that feels both luxurious and homey. Go ahead, try it out, and watch it become an instant classic in your kitchen!
Print
Olive Garden Stuffed Mushrooms Copycat Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Olive Garden Stuffed Mushrooms Copycat recipe replicates the classic appetizer with tender cremini mushrooms filled with a savory clam and breadcrumb mixture, topped with a blend of mozzarella, Romano, and Parmesan cheeses. Baked to golden perfection and garnished with fresh parsley and lemon wedges, it offers a delightful combination of textures and flavors perfect for sharing.
Ingredients
Mushrooms and Filling
- 12–15 large cremini mushrooms, cleaned and stems removed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- ¼ cup onion, finely chopped
- ¼ cup bell pepper, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 6.5 oz can minced clams, drained
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Topping and Garnish
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Romano cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the stuffed mushrooms.
- Prepare Mushrooms: Clean the mushrooms gently using a damp cloth and carefully remove the stems. Finely chop the stems to use in the stuffing mixture.
- Sauté Mushroom Stems: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the olive oil and unsalted butter together. Add the chopped mushroom stems and sauté them for 3-5 minutes until they become soft and tender.
- Cook Vegetables and Garlic: Add the finely chopped onion and bell pepper to the skillet and cook until translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Remove the skillet from heat after this step.
- Prepare Stuffing Mixture: Into the skillet, stir in the drained minced clams, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix all ingredients thoroughly to form a cohesive stuffing.
- Stuff the Mushrooms: Generously spoon the stuffing mixture into each mushroom cap, filling them evenly.
- Add Cheese Topping: In a separate bowl, combine shredded mozzarella, grated Romano, and grated Parmesan cheeses. Sprinkle this cheese mixture evenly over the topped mushrooms.
- Bake Mushrooms: Arrange the stuffed mushrooms in a baking dish and bake them in the preheated oven for 15 minutes until the mushrooms are tender and the filling is heated through.
- Broil for Golden Cheese: Switch the oven to broil and broil the mushrooms for an additional 2-3 minutes until the cheese topping is golden brown. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the mushrooms from the oven, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve immediately alongside lemon wedges for an added burst of flavor.
Notes
- Use cremini mushrooms for a firmer texture that holds up well during baking.
- Drain the canned minced clams thoroughly to avoid a soggy filling.
- Watch the mushrooms closely during broiling to prevent the cheese from burning.
- For a slightly crispier topping, you can add a light drizzle of olive oil before baking.
- Lemon wedges add a bright, fresh contrast to the rich flavors in the stuffed mushrooms.
