Stuffed Asiago-Basil Mushrooms: A Flavorful, Irresistible Appetizer

Stuffed mushrooms are a crowd-pleasing appetizer that can be made in many different ways. One of the best combinations is Stuffed Asiago-Basil Mushrooms, which bring together the savory richness of Asiago cheese, the freshness of basil, and the earthy depth of baby portobello mushrooms. These bite-sized treats are packed with flavor and make for an elegant addition to any gathering or dinner party. Ready to impress your guests with an easy-to-make and delicious dish? Let’s dive into this irresistible recipe.

For more ideas on preparing mushrooms, check out this guide on stuffed mushroom variations, and to learn how to pair your appetizers with wines, visit this article on wine pairings.

Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions

The ingredients for Stuffed Asiago-Basil Mushrooms combine simple, fresh items with bold flavors that make for a perfect appetizer. Here’s the recipe:

Stuffed Asiago-Basil Mushrooms: A Delicious Appetizer with Asiago Cheese & Fresh Basil

Author: Jennifer Mitchell
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 24 stuffed mushrooms (serves 6-8 people) 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Stuffed Asiago-Basil Mushrooms are a flavorful and cheesy appetizer made with baby portobello mushrooms stuffed with a creamy, Asiago cheese filling. The basil adds a fresh, aromatic touch, while the white pepper gives it a subtle kick. Finished off with halved cherry tomatoes, these bite-sized treats are perfect for entertaining or as a savory snack.

Ingredients

Scale

24 baby portobello mushrooms (about 1 pound), stems removed
1/2 cup reduced-fat mayonnaise
3/4 cup shredded Asiago cheese
1/2 cup loosely packed basil leaves, stems removed
1/4 teaspoon white pepper
12 cherry tomatoes, halved
Thinly sliced or shaved Parmesan cheese, optional (for garnish)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Prepare the Mushrooms: Clean the baby portobello mushrooms by wiping them gently with a damp cloth. Remove the stems and set the mushroom caps aside.
Make the Stuffing: In a food processor, combine the reduced-fat mayonnaise, shredded Asiago cheese, basil leaves, and white pepper. Pulse until smooth and well-combined.
Stuff the Mushrooms: Using a spoon or a piping bag, fill each mushroom cap with the Asiago-basil stuffing, pressing gently to pack the filling in.
Arrange on a Baking Sheet: Place the stuffed mushrooms on a baking sheet, ensuring they are evenly spaced.
Add Tomatoes: Top each stuffed mushroom with a halved cherry tomato.
Bake: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the mushrooms are tender and the stuffing is lightly golden on top.
Optional Garnish: After baking, top with thinly sliced or shaved Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Serve: Serve the stuffed mushrooms warm as an appetizer or party snack.

Notes

Storage: Leftover stuffed mushrooms can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain texture.
Substitute for Mayonnaise: If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute the reduced-fat mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or sour cream.
Other Toppings: You can add other toppings like pine nuts or crumbled bacon for extra flavor.
Make-Ahead: These mushrooms can be stuffed ahead of time and baked just before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Appetizer, Snack
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 stuffed mushroom
Calories: 70
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 220mg
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 1.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 3g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 10mg

Keywords: Stuffed Asiago-Basil Mushrooms Recipe

Instructions:

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready to bake the mushrooms.
Prepare the Mushrooms: Clean the baby portobello mushrooms with a damp cloth and carefully remove the stems. Set aside the mushroom caps for stuffing.
Make the Stuffing: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the reduced-fat mayonnaise, shredded Asiago cheese, fresh basil, and white pepper. Mix until everything is evenly incorporated.
Stuff the Mushrooms: Using a spoon, stuff each mushroom cap with the Asiago-basil mixture. Be generous with the filling, as it should heap slightly over the top of the mushroom cap.
Arrange on a Baking Sheet: Place the stuffed mushrooms on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Top with Tomatoes: Halve the cherry tomatoes and place one half on top of each stuffed mushroom for a burst of color and additional flavor.
Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the mushrooms are tender and the stuffing is lightly golden.
Optional Garnish: Once baked, you can top the mushrooms with thinly sliced or shaved Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of cheesy goodness.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Stuffed Asiago-Basil Mushrooms warm. They’re perfect on their own or with a light salad or wine pairing.

Advanced Techniques for Stuffed Asiago-Basil Mushrooms

While the basic recipe is delicious on its own, there are a few advanced techniques that can take these stuffed mushrooms to the next level.

1. Infuse Extra Flavor

Roast the Mushroom Stems: Instead of discarding the mushroom stems, finely chop and roast them in a separate pan with olive oil and garlic. This can add an extra layer of flavor when mixed into the stuffing.
Herb Butter: For an even richer stuffing, combine softened butter with finely chopped garlic and fresh herbs (such as thyme or rosemary) and blend it into the mayonnaise. This enhances the overall flavor profile.

2. Enhance the Cheese Mixture

Add a Touch of Garlic: For a stronger flavor, finely mince a small garlic clove and incorporate it into the cheese mixture. The garlic will complement the Asiago and basil beautifully.
Experiment with Cheeses: While Asiago is a fantastic choice, you can mix in other cheeses like Parmesan, Gruyère, or even a bit of ricotta for a creamier filling.

3. Presentation Tips

Individual Portions: For a more refined presentation, serve the Stuffed Asiago-Basil Mushrooms individually on small plates with a drizzle of balsamic reduction or a sprinkle of fresh basil.
Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil or parsley on top of the stuffed mushrooms makes for a beautiful garnish and adds a fresh, vibrant touch to the dish.

4. Baking Variations

Broil for a Crispy Top: If you like a crispier, more golden topping, broil the stuffed mushrooms for an additional 2-3 minutes after baking.

See more advanced recipes, at Mobolux.

Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips

When you’re preparing Stuffed Asiago-Basil Mushrooms ahead of time, proper storage and maintenance are essential to keeping them fresh and tasty. Here are some helpful storage tips:

1. Storage Tips

Refrigerate: If you have leftover stuffed mushrooms or want to prepare them in advance, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2-3 days.
Unbaked Storage: You can also prepare the mushrooms, stuff them, and then store them uncooked in the refrigerator. Simply cover the baking sheet with plastic wrap and bake them within 24 hours for the best results.

2. Shelf Life

Stuffed Asiago-Basil Mushrooms are best enjoyed within 2-3 days of making them. After this time, the mushrooms may begin to lose their texture, and the filling could separate from the mushroom caps.

3. Freezing

While it’s not ideal to freeze stuffed mushrooms after baking (as the mushrooms can become soggy), you can freeze the stuffed mushrooms before baking. Arrange the stuffed mushrooms on a baking sheet and freeze them until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, simply pop them in the oven, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

4. Reheating

To reheat leftover stuffed mushrooms, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes or until heated through. You can also use the microwave if you’re in a hurry, but the texture may be less crispy.

Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions

Stuffed Asiago-Basil Mushrooms can be easily adapted to meet various dietary preferences and needs. Here are a few substitutions:

1. Gluten-Free

This recipe is naturally gluten-free! Just ensure that the mayonnaise and cheese you’re using are certified gluten-free. You can serve these mushrooms with gluten-free crackers or bread for a complete appetizer.

2. Vegan or Dairy-Free

For a vegan version, substitute the Asiago cheese and Parmesan with plant-based cheeses like vegan mozzarella or vegan Parmesan. You can also swap the mayonnaise with a dairy-free version or use cashew cream for a rich, creamy texture.

3. Lower-Calorie

To make the recipe lower in calories, you can substitute the reduced-fat mayonnaise with Greek yogurt, which offers a tangy, creamy alternative. Opt for a low-fat or reduced-fat cheese as well to reduce calories while keeping the flavor.

4. Low-Carb

If you’re following a low-carb diet, this recipe is naturally low in carbs. However, be mindful of the cherry tomatoes if you’re following a strict keto or low-carb plan. You can omit them if you prefer.

FAQs About Stuffed Asiago-Basil Mushrooms

1. Can I use regular-sized mushrooms instead of baby portobellos?

Yes! You can use larger mushrooms, but be sure to adjust the stuffing and baking time as larger mushroom caps may require more filling and longer baking.

2. Can I prepare these mushrooms ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the mushrooms and stuffing the day before and store them in the refrigerator. When you’re ready, just bake them off as directed.

3. Can I freeze the stuffed mushrooms?

You can freeze the unbaked stuffed mushrooms. After they freeze solid, transfer them to a freezer bag and bake them directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

4. Can I make these without cheese?

If you want to skip the cheese, you can try using a plant-based alternative or a mixture of breadcrumbs and herbs for a more filling stuffing.

Conclusion & Final Thoughts

Stuffed Asiago-Basil Mushrooms are the perfect appetizer that combines the savory flavors of Asiago cheese, the freshness of basil, and the heartiness of mushrooms. Whether you’re serving them at a party, holiday gathering, or just for a cozy evening at home, these stuffed mushrooms are guaranteed to be a hit. With simple ingredients, easy preparation, and plenty of room for creative variations, they’re a must-try dish that will leave everyone coming back for more.

Enjoy these stuffed mushrooms warm, paired with a crisp white wine or a light salad, and relish the delicious flavors in every bite.