Caprese Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

$- 4 large portobello mushrooms, stems removed - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls, halved - 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped - 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 2 cloves garlic, minced - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) Gather these ingredients before you start cooking. The portobello mushrooms serve as a great base. Their large caps hold all the tasty fillings well. Cherry tomatoes add a sweet burst, while mozzarella gives a creamy texture. Fresh basil brings a bright flavor. Balsamic vinegar adds a tangy note, and olive oil helps everything blend. Garlic adds depth, and salt and pepper balance the dish. If you like a little heat, add red pepper flakes. With these ingredients on hand, you’re ready to create a savory delight! {{ingredient_image_1}} - Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). - Clean the portobello mushrooms with a damp cloth and remove the stems. I love starting with fresh ingredients. Cleaning the mushrooms is simple. Just wipe them gently to remove dirt. Then, take out the stems, so the caps can hold the filling. - Combine cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. In a bowl, mix the cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and chopped basil together. Add balsamic vinegar and olive oil for a nice tang. Then, toss in minced garlic, salt, and pepper. If you like spice, add some red pepper flakes. This mixture brings the Caprese flavor to life. - Spoon the Caprese mixture into each mushroom cap and drizzle with olive oil. Spoon the filling into each mushroom cap. Pack it gently but fully. This ensures every bite is tasty. Drizzle a bit of olive oil on top to add flavor. It also helps the mushrooms cook well. - Bake for 20 minutes until mushrooms are tender and cheese is bubbly. Place the stuffed mushrooms in the oven for 20 minutes. Watch as they puff up and the cheese melts. You want the mushrooms to be tender and the cheese to bubble. This step makes the dish warm and inviting. Enjoy the aroma as they bake! To make your Caprese stuffed portobello mushrooms shine, focus on presentation. Use a nice plate or a wooden board. Place the mushrooms in a circle, leaving space for garnishes. Add fresh basil leaves around the dish for color. Drizzle balsamic reduction on the plate for a tasty touch. It makes the dish look gourmet and inviting. When choosing mushrooms, look for large portobellos with smooth caps. They should be firm and free of blemishes. Fresh ingredients matter too. Use ripe cherry tomatoes and creamy mozzarella. For a twist, try burrata or even a vegan cheese. If you’re out of cherry tomatoes, regular tomatoes work well too. Just chop them small. Bake your mushrooms for just the right time. Twenty minutes at 375°F (190°C) gives you tender mushrooms. You want them soft but not mushy. To avoid soggy mushrooms, make sure you clean them well. Don’t soak them in water; use a damp cloth. This keeps them from getting too wet during cooking. Pro Tips Choose the Right Mushrooms: Opt for large, firm portobello mushrooms to ensure they hold their shape and provide a hearty base for stuffing. Fresh Ingredients Matter: Use fresh mozzarella and basil for the best flavor. This dish relies on the quality of its ingredients to shine. Don’t Overstuff: While it’s tempting to pack in the filling, overstuffing can cause the mushrooms to collapse during baking. Fill them generously but leave a little room. Let Them Rest: Allow the stuffed mushrooms to cool for a few minutes after baking. This will help the flavors meld and make them easier to serve. {{image_2}} You can change the filling to fit your taste. Adding spinach gives a nice twist. You can also mix in other veggies like bell peppers or zucchini. For cheese, try feta or goat cheese. Both add rich flavors and work well with the tomatoes and basil. To boost flavor, add herbs like oregano or thyme. These herbs pair well with the Caprese mix. You can also use flavored balsamic vinegar for a unique touch. This adds depth and makes your dish stand out. You can grill or bake the mushrooms. Grilling gives a smoky flavor, while baking keeps them tender. Both methods work great! Serve them as an appetizer or a main dish. They look beautiful on a plate and taste amazing, no matter how you serve them. To store leftover stuffed mushrooms, let them cool first. Place them in an airtight container. They stay fresh for up to three days in the fridge. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing. For the best taste, reheat mushrooms in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the mushrooms on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. This keeps the texture and flavor. You can also microwave them, but they may get soggy. Yes, you can freeze stuffed mushrooms. First, let them cool completely. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can last up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat in the oven as noted above for the best results. The best mushrooms for stuffing are portobello. They are large and have a nice shape. Their caps hold fillings well. Shiitake and cremini mushrooms also work, but they are smaller. Portobello mushrooms have a deep flavor that pairs well with many ingredients. They create a great base for your dish. Yes, you can prepare these mushrooms ahead of time. You can stuff them and store them in the fridge. Just cover them well to keep them fresh. Bake them just before serving. This makes them easy for parties or family dinners. You know the mushrooms are fully cooked when they are tender. The cheese should be bubbly and slightly golden. The mushrooms should not be soggy. You can poke them gently with a fork to check their softness. This ensures they are ready to eat. Absolutely! Caprese Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms are perfect for vegetarians. They contain no meat and are full of fresh veggies and cheese. You can enjoy them as a main dish or a side. They are nutritious and delicious for anyone. You can serve these mushrooms with a fresh salad or crusty bread. A light pasta dish also pairs well. Adding a glass of white wine enhances the flavors. For a complete meal, consider roasted veggies or a grain like quinoa. These sides will balance the rich flavors of the mushrooms. You learned how to make tasty Caprese Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms. We covered the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for success. Remember, you can switch ingredients or try different cooking methods to suit your taste. These stuffed mushrooms are not just a dish; they’re a creative meal choice. Enjoy every bite and share them with friends at your next gathering. Cooking can be fun and rewarding when you try new flavors and ideas.$

Caprese Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

Delicious portobello mushrooms stuffed with fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and basil.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 20

Total Time 35

Course Appetizer

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

4 large portobello mushrooms, stems removed
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup fresh mozzarella balls, halved
0.5 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
to taste salt and pepper
0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Clean the portobello mushrooms with a damp cloth and gently remove the stems. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, gill side up.
In a mixing bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, chopped basil, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix gently until well combined.
Spoon the Caprese mixture generously into each portobello mushroom cap, packing them slightly full.
Drizzle a little extra olive oil over the stuffed mushrooms for added flavor.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until the mushrooms are tender and the cheese is bubbly.
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Serve on a decorative board or plate while garnishing with extra fresh basil leaves for an elegant touch. Drizzle some additional balsamic reduction on the plate for added flair.

Keyword caprese, mushrooms, stuffed