Crab Stuffed Mushrooms – The Ultimate Crowd-Pleasing Appetizer
Looking for an elegant yet easy-to-make appetizer that will impress your guests? These Crab Stuffed Mushrooms are a savory, creamy, and irresistible treat, packed with the rich flavors of crab, Parmesan, garlic, and fresh herbs.
Whether you’re preparing for a dinner party, holiday gathering, or game night, these stuffed mushrooms are a guaranteed hit. They are simple to prepare, require minimal ingredients, and bake to perfection in just 20 minutes!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Quick & Easy – Simple steps and minimal prep.
✔ Rich & Savory – Loaded with creamy crab filling.
✔ Make-Ahead Friendly – Prep them in advance for convenience.
✔ Perfect for Parties – An elegant and crowd-pleasing appetizer.
✔ Customizable – Swap out ingredients to suit dietary needs.
Ingredients for Crab Stuffed Mushrooms
For the Stuffed Mushrooms:
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12 large white or cremini mushrooms (stems removed)
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8 ounces crab meat (fresh, canned, or imitation)
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½ cup cream cheese (softened)
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¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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¼ cup breadcrumbs (Panko works well)
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2 tablespoons mayonnaise
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1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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½ teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (optional)
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¼ cup green onions (chopped)
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1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped)
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Salt and pepper (to taste)
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Olive oil (for drizzling)
Ingredient Highlights:
🔹 Crab Meat – Fresh or canned crab gives a sweet and delicate flavor. Use real lump crab meat for the best taste!
🔹 Mushrooms – Large white or cremini mushrooms are ideal as they hold the filling well.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
✔ Baking sheet – To bake the stuffed mushrooms.
✔ Parchment paper – Prevents sticking.
✔ Mixing bowl – For combining the filling.
✔ Measuring cups and spoons – For accurate portions.
✔ Spoon or small scoop – To fill the mushroom caps evenly.
How to Make Crab Stuffed Mushrooms
Step 1: Prepare the Mushrooms
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Preheat the Oven – Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Clean the Mushrooms – Gently wipe them with a damp cloth to remove any dirt.
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Remove Stems – Twist off the stems and set the caps aside.
Step 2: Make the Crab Filling
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Mix Ingredients – In a medium bowl, combine the crab meat, cream cheese, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, Old Bay seasoning, green onions, parsley, salt, and pepper.
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Adjust Seasoning – Taste the mixture and add more seasoning if needed.
Step 3: Stuff the Mushrooms
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Fill the Caps – Using a spoon or small scoop, generously fill each mushroom cap with the crab mixture. Press down gently to pack the filling in.
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Drizzle with Olive Oil – This helps keep the mushrooms moist and enhances flavor.
Step 4: Bake the Mushrooms
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Bake – Place the stuffed mushrooms on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, until the mushrooms are tender and the tops are golden brown.
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Cool Slightly – Remove from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
How to Store & Reheat Leftovers
Refrigeration:
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Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing:
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Freeze uncooked stuffed mushrooms on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
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Bake directly from frozen (add 5 extra minutes to the cooking time).
Reheating Instructions:
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Oven: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.
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Air Fryer: Heat at 375°F for 5-6 minutes.
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Microwave: Heat in 20-second intervals until warm.
Recipe Variations & Substitutions
🔹 Gluten-Free Version – Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed pork rinds.
🔹 Spicy Kick – Add ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce.
🔹 Cheesy Upgrade – Mix in shredded cheddar or Gruyère for extra richness.
🔹 Low-Carb Option – Skip the breadcrumbs or use crushed almonds.
🔹 Vegetarian Alternative – Swap crab for chopped spinach or artichokes.
What to Serve with Crab Stuffed Mushrooms
For a complete meal, serve with:
🥗 Fresh Green Salad – A light, crisp contrast to the creamy mushrooms.
🍋 Garlic Butter Shrimp – Complements the crab flavors beautifully.
🥖 Crusty Baguette – Perfect for scooping up any extra filling.
🍷 Wine Pairing – A glass of Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc enhances the flavors.
For a party platter, pair them with Bruschetta, Deviled Eggs, or Caprese Skewers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use imitation crab?
Yes! While fresh crab has the best flavor, imitation crab works as a budget-friendly substitute.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the mushrooms up to 24 hours in advance and store them in the fridge until ready to bake.
Why are my mushrooms watery?
This can happen if the mushrooms release too much moisture. To prevent this:
✔ Avoid overstuffing the mushrooms.
✔ Use fresh breadcrumbs instead of soft ones.
✔ Bake on a rack so excess liquid can drain.
Can I cook these in an air fryer?
Yes! Air fry at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, checking for doneness at 10 minutes.
Final Thoughts
These Crab Stuffed Mushrooms are the perfect appetizer for any occasion. They are simple, flavorful, and absolutely delicious! Whether you’re serving them at a holiday dinner, cocktail party, or casual get-together, they’ll always be a crowd favorite.
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Happy cooking!
