This Stuffed Mushroom Dip is a rich, indulgent appetizer that brings the classic flavors of stuffed mushrooms into a creamy, baked dip. It’s easy to make but packs a ton of flavor, with a savory mix of mushrooms, garlic, and cheese, topped with a crispy golden breadcrumb crust. Perfect for Thanksgiving, holiday parties, or any special occasion!
Ingredients:
- 8 oz container of fresh mushrooms (white button mushrooms, cremini, or baby bellas work best)
- These mushrooms will form the base of the dip, giving it that earthy flavor. Make sure to chop them into small pieces so they incorporate well into the dip mixture.
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- Used to sauté the mushrooms and garlic. The butter adds richness and helps develop the deep flavors of the mushrooms.
- 1 large scoop minced garlic (about 2-3 cloves)
- Garlic adds a fragrant, savory flavor that complements the mushrooms and cheese, making the dip even more irresistible.
- 1 block cream cheese (8 oz), softened
- The base of the dip, providing a smooth and creamy texture. Make sure the cream cheese is softened so it blends easily into the other ingredients.
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- Adds a slight tang to balance the richness of the cream cheese and butter, giving the dip a creamy yet light texture.
- 1 cup freshly shredded Parmesan cheese
- Parmesan offers a nutty, salty flavor that enhances the depth of the dip. Freshly shredded Parmesan will melt better and provide a smoother texture than pre-grated cheese.
- Pepper and garlic herb seasoning
- Season to taste with freshly ground black pepper and a garlic herb seasoning blend (store-bought or homemade). The seasoning will bring a fragrant, herby finish to the dip.
- 1/2 cup Italian panko bread crumbs
- Panko crumbs are light and crispy, which makes them perfect for topping the dip. They’ll bake up golden and crunchy, adding texture and a slight contrast to the creamy base.
- 3 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
- Mixed with the breadcrumbs for an extra layer of cheesy flavor on top of the dip, giving it that beautiful golden crust.
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- Pouring melted butter over the breadcrumb topping will help it crisp up and become golden brown while baking.
Instructions:
- Prepare the Mushrooms:
- Take an 8 oz container of fresh mushrooms and roughly chop them into small, bite-sized pieces. The mushrooms will cook down quite a bit, so you want them to be small enough to easily incorporate into the dip.
- Sauté the Mushrooms and Garlic:
- In a large sauté pan over medium-high heat, melt 3 tbsp butter. Once the butter is melted and sizzling, add the chopped mushrooms.
- Cook for about 2-3 minutes, allowing the mushrooms to soften and release their moisture. Stir occasionally to ensure they cook evenly.
- Add 1 large scoop of minced garlic (about 2-3 cloves) to the pan and toss everything together. Cook for an additional 2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant and slightly golden, but not burnt.
- Once the garlic has cooked, remove the pan from heat and set the mushrooms aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture:
- In a separate mixing bowl, add 1 block softened cream cheese. Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature so it blends smoothly with the other ingredients.
- To the cream cheese, add 1/2 cup sour cream and 1 cup freshly shredded Parmesan cheese.
- Season the mixture with pepper (to taste) and garlic herb seasoning (about 1 tsp, depending on your preference). The garlic herb seasoning will add complexity and fragrance to the dip.
- Use a hand mixer or a spoon to blend everything together until smooth and creamy.
- Combine the Mushroom and Cream Cheese Mixture:
- Add the sautéed mushrooms and garlic to the cream cheese mixture. Stir until everything is evenly incorporated. The mushrooms will add texture and flavor to the creamy base, so make sure the mixture is well combined.
- Prepare the Baking Dish:
- Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or a similar sized oven-safe dish with butter or cooking spray. This will help the dip come out easily once baked and prevent it from sticking to the pan.
- Pour the mushroom and cream cheese mixture into the prepared dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
- Make the Topping:
- In a small bowl, mix together 1/2 cup Italian panko bread crumbs and 3 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese.
- The panko crumbs will provide a light and crispy topping, while the Parmesan cheese will enhance the flavor and help the topping turn golden.
- Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the dip.
- Add Butter to the Top:
- Melt 2 tbsp butter in the microwave or on the stovetop.
- Pour the melted butter over the breadcrumb topping. This will help the crumbs become golden and crispy, adding texture and richness to the dip.
- Bake the Dip:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the dish in the oven and bake for 12 minutes, or until the dip is bubbling and the edges are slightly golden.
- After 12 minutes, switch your oven to broil on high and broil the dip for 1-2 minutes, or until the breadcrumbs turn golden brown and crispy. Keep a close eye on it during this time to avoid burning the topping.
- Serve:
- Once baked, remove the dip from the oven and allow it to cool for 5-10 minutes.
- If you used toothpicks to hold the dip together, remove them before serving.
- Garnish with additional grated Parmesan cheese, fresh herbs, or a light dusting of paprika for color, if desired.
- Serve with crackers, sliced baguette, or fresh veggies for dipping. Enjoy!
Tips and Variations:
- Mushrooms: You can use a mix of mushrooms (e.g., cremini and white button) for added flavor. If you’re not a fan of mushrooms, try substituting with spinach or artichokes for a different variation.
- Seasoning: Adjust the seasoning to your taste. You can add more garlic, fresh herbs, or even a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Make Ahead: This dip can be prepared ahead of time. Simply assemble the dip and refrigerate it until ready to bake. When you’re ready to serve, just pop it in the oven and bake as instructed.
Enjoy!
This Stuffed Mushroom Dip is the perfect appetizer—creamy, savory, and with a satisfying crunch on top. It’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering, whether it’s a holiday feast or a casual get-together. The combination of earthy mushrooms, creamy cheese, and the crispy topping is absolutely irresistible!