Blue Cheese Bacon Stuffed Mushrooms: An Irresistible Appetizer

Are you looking for a show-stopping appetizer that’s both incredibly flavorful and surprisingly easy to make? Look no further than these Blue Cheese Bacon Stuffed Mushrooms! This recipe combines earthy mushrooms with the salty crunch of bacon and the pungent tang of blue cheese, creating a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds and impress your guests. Perfect for parties, holidays, or even a special weeknight treat, these stuffed mushrooms are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. This recipe provides detailed instructions, helpful tips, and variations to ensure your culinary success.

## Why You’ll Love These Stuffed Mushrooms

* **Flavor Explosion:** The combination of earthy mushrooms, salty bacon, and creamy blue cheese is simply divine. The addition of garlic, herbs, and a touch of balsamic vinegar elevates the flavor profile even further.
* **Easy to Make:** Despite their impressive appearance, these stuffed mushrooms are surprisingly simple to prepare. The recipe requires minimal prep time and common ingredients.
* **Crowd-Pleasing Appetizer:** These stuffed mushrooms are always a hit at parties and gatherings. Their savory flavor and elegant presentation make them the perfect appetizer for any occasion.
* **Versatile:** This recipe can be easily adapted to suit your personal preferences. You can use different types of mushrooms, cheeses, or herbs to create your own unique flavor combinations.
* **Make-Ahead Friendly:** You can prepare the mushroom filling ahead of time and stuff the mushrooms just before baking, saving you valuable time when entertaining.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Mushrooms:** 24-30 medium to large white or cremini mushrooms (about 1.5-2 inches in diameter). Larger mushrooms work best as they provide more surface area for the filling.
* **Bacon:** 6-8 slices of bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled. You can use regular or thick-cut bacon, depending on your preference. Turkey bacon can be used as a substitute.
* **Blue Cheese:** 4 ounces of crumbled blue cheese. Roquefort, Gorgonzola, or Stilton are all excellent choices. Adjust the amount of blue cheese to your liking, depending on how strong you want the flavor to be.
* **Cream Cheese:** 2 ounces of cream cheese, softened. This helps to bind the filling together and adds a creamy texture.
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves of garlic, minced. Garlic adds a pungent and aromatic flavor to the filling.
* **Shallot:** 1 small shallot, finely chopped. Shallots have a milder and sweeter flavor than onions, making them a great addition to this recipe.
* **Fresh Herbs:** 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley and 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh thyme. Fresh herbs add a bright and flavorful touch to the filling. You can use other herbs such as chives, oregano, or rosemary.
* **Balsamic Vinegar:** 1 teaspoon of balsamic vinegar. This adds a touch of acidity and sweetness to the filling, balancing the flavors.
* **Olive Oil:** 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Olive oil is used to sauté the mushroom stems and shallots.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste. Season the filling and the mushrooms with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.
* **Optional:** 1/4 cup of breadcrumbs (panko or regular). Breadcrumbs can be added to the filling to help absorb excess moisture and add texture.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

1. **Prepare the Mushrooms:**

* Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
* Gently wash the mushrooms under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Pat them dry with a paper towel.
* Carefully remove the stems from the mushrooms. Set the caps aside.
* Finely chop the mushroom stems.

2. **Cook the Bacon:**

* Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and drain on a paper towel.
* Once the bacon has cooled, crumble it into small pieces.

3. **Prepare the Filling:**

* Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in the same skillet over medium heat.
* Add the chopped mushroom stems and shallot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
* Remove the skillet from the heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
* In a medium bowl, combine the cooked mushroom stem mixture, crumbled bacon, blue cheese, cream cheese, minced garlic, parsley, thyme, and balsamic vinegar.
* If using, add the breadcrumbs to the mixture. Mix well until everything is evenly combined.
* Taste the filling and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

4. **Stuff the Mushrooms:**

* Drizzle the mushroom caps with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
* Spoon the filling into each mushroom cap, mounding it slightly.

5. **Bake the Mushrooms:**

* Arrange the stuffed mushrooms on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
* Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the mushrooms are tender and the filling is heated through and lightly browned.

6. **Serve:**

* Remove the stuffed mushrooms from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.
* Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme, if desired.
* Serve warm and enjoy!

## Tips for Success

* **Choose the Right Mushrooms:** Look for mushrooms that are firm, plump, and free of blemishes. Medium to large white or cremini mushrooms are the best choice for this recipe. Avoid mushrooms that are slimy or discolored.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Pan:** When cooking the mushroom stems and shallots, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. This will prevent them from browning properly. If necessary, cook them in batches.
* **Soften the Cream Cheese:** Make sure the cream cheese is softened before adding it to the filling. This will make it easier to mix and ensure that the filling is smooth and creamy.
* **Don’t Overfill the Mushrooms:** Avoid overfilling the mushroom caps, as the filling may overflow during baking. Mound the filling slightly, but leave some room for expansion.
* **Use Parchment Paper:** Lining the baking sheet with parchment paper will prevent the mushrooms from sticking and make cleanup easier.
* **Adjust Baking Time:** The baking time may vary depending on the size of the mushrooms and the temperature of your oven. Check the mushrooms after 20 minutes and continue baking until they are tender and the filling is heated through.

## Variations and Substitutions

* **Cheese Variations:** Experiment with different types of cheese in the filling. Gorgonzola, Roquefort, Stilton, or even a sharp cheddar cheese would all be delicious.
* **Meat Variations:** In addition to bacon, you can add other types of meat to the filling, such as cooked sausage, ground beef, or prosciutto.
* **Vegetarian Option:** To make this recipe vegetarian, simply omit the bacon and add chopped walnuts or pecans to the filling for added texture and flavor.
* **Herb Variations:** Use different herbs to customize the flavor of the filling. Chives, oregano, rosemary, or sage would all be great additions.
* **Spicy Kick:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling for a spicy kick.
* **Breadcrumb Options:** Use different types of breadcrumbs, such as panko breadcrumbs or Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs, to add texture and flavor to the filling.
* **Wine Addition:** Add a tablespoon of dry sherry or white wine to the filling for a richer flavor.

## Serving Suggestions

* **Appetizer:** Serve these stuffed mushrooms as an appetizer at your next party or gathering. They are sure to be a hit!
* **Side Dish:** These stuffed mushrooms also make a delicious side dish to accompany grilled steak, chicken, or fish.
* **Snack:** Enjoy them as a savory snack any time of day.
* **Party Platter:** Add these stuffed mushrooms to a party platter alongside other appetizers, such as cheese and crackers, olives, and dips.

## Make-Ahead Instructions

* You can prepare the mushroom filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
* Stuff the mushrooms just before baking.
* Alternatively, you can stuff the mushrooms and store them in the refrigerator for up to 4 hours before baking.
* Add a few minutes to the baking time if baking the mushrooms straight from the refrigerator.

## Storage Instructions

* Store leftover stuffed mushrooms in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
* You can also reheat them in the microwave, but they may become slightly soggy.

## Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

*(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)*

* Calories: Approximately 150-200
* Fat: 10-15 grams
* Saturated Fat: 6-8 grams
* Cholesterol: 30-40 mg
* Sodium: 200-300 mg
* Carbohydrates: 5-7 grams
* Fiber: 1-2 grams
* Sugar: 1-2 grams
* Protein: 5-7 grams

## Conclusion

These Blue Cheese Bacon Stuffed Mushrooms are a delightful appetizer that is sure to impress. With their combination of savory flavors and easy preparation, they are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a delicious side dish, or simply want a tasty snack, these stuffed mushrooms are a winning choice. So, gather your ingredients, follow the simple instructions, and get ready to enjoy a culinary masterpiece!

Enjoy!