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.