Grilled Mushroom Magic: Stuffed with Basil and Blue Cheese Butter Perfection
Get ready to elevate your grilling game with these incredibly flavorful grilled mushrooms, generously stuffed with a vibrant basil and blue cheese butter. This recipe is a delightful combination of earthy mushrooms, creamy butter, pungent blue cheese, and fragrant basil, all brought together by the smoky char of the grill. It’s perfect as a side dish, a vegetarian main course, or even a delicious appetizer for your next barbecue. These stuffed mushrooms are surprisingly easy to make and will impress even the most discerning palates. Let’s dive into the details!
## Why You’ll Love This Recipe
* **Unbelievable Flavor:** The combination of earthy mushrooms, tangy blue cheese, fresh basil, and rich butter creates an explosion of flavor in every bite.
* **Easy to Make:** Despite its impressive taste, this recipe is surprisingly simple and requires minimal prep time.
* **Versatile:** Serve these mushrooms as a side dish, appetizer, or vegetarian main course. They’re perfect for any occasion.
* **Grill Master Status:** Impress your friends and family with your grilling skills by serving up these gourmet-inspired stuffed mushrooms.
* **Customizable:** Feel free to adjust the ingredients to your liking. Try different cheeses, herbs, or even add a sprinkle of nuts for added texture.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
* **Large Portobello Mushrooms:** Choose mushrooms that are firm, plump, and free from blemishes. The size will determine how much stuffing you can fit.
* **Unsalted Butter:** Use high-quality unsalted butter as the base for the flavorful stuffing. Unsalted allows you to control the overall saltiness.
* **Blue Cheese:** Crumbled blue cheese adds a pungent and creamy element to the stuffing. Roquefort, Gorgonzola, or Stilton are all excellent choices.
* **Fresh Basil:** Fresh basil provides a bright and herbaceous note that complements the other flavors perfectly. Chopped finely.
* **Garlic:** Minced garlic adds a savory depth to the stuffing. Use fresh garlic for the best flavor.
* **Lemon Juice:** A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens the flavors and adds a touch of acidity to balance the richness of the butter and cheese.
* **Olive Oil:** For brushing the mushrooms before grilling, prevents sticking and adds flavor.
* **Salt and Black Pepper:** To season the mushrooms and stuffing to taste.
* **Optional Add-ins:** Toasted pine nuts, chopped walnuts, breadcrumbs, or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese can add texture and flavor complexity.
## Detailed Step-by-Step Instructions
**Step 1: Prepare the Mushrooms**
1. **Clean the Mushrooms:** Gently wipe the mushrooms with a damp paper towel to remove any dirt or debris. Avoid washing them under running water, as they will absorb the water and become soggy. If necessary, use a soft brush to clean stubborn dirt.
2. **Remove the Stems:** Carefully twist or cut out the mushroom stems. Save the stems! They can be chopped and added to the stuffing, used in soups or sauces, or even grilled alongside the mushroom caps.
3. **Scrape the Gills (Optional):** Some people prefer to remove the gills from portobello mushrooms as they can sometimes be a bit muddy or have a slightly bitter taste. To remove them, use a spoon to gently scrape them out. This step is optional and depends on your personal preference.
4. **Brush with Olive Oil:** Lightly brush the inside and outside of the mushroom caps with olive oil. This will prevent them from sticking to the grill and add a touch of flavor.
5. **Season with Salt and Pepper:** Season the mushroom caps with salt and pepper to taste.
**Step 2: Make the Basil Blue Cheese Butter**
1. **Soften the Butter:** In a medium bowl, let the unsalted butter soften at room temperature. This will make it easier to mix with the other ingredients.
2. **Combine Ingredients:** Add the crumbled blue cheese, minced garlic, chopped fresh basil, and lemon juice to the softened butter. If you saved the mushroom stems, finely chop them and add them as well.
3. **Mix Well:** Use a fork or spoon to thoroughly mix all the ingredients together until well combined. The butter should be evenly distributed with the blue cheese and basil.
4. **Taste and Adjust:** Taste the butter mixture and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more blue cheese for a stronger flavor, more basil for a fresher taste, or a pinch of salt and pepper to enhance the overall flavor.
**Step 3: Stuff the Mushrooms**
1. **Fill the Mushroom Caps:** Spoon the basil blue cheese butter mixture into the prepared mushroom caps, filling them generously. Mound the stuffing slightly on top of each mushroom.
2. **Optional Topping:** If desired, sprinkle the stuffed mushrooms with toasted pine nuts, chopped walnuts, breadcrumbs, or grated Parmesan cheese for added texture and flavor.
**Step 4: Grill the Mushrooms**
1. **Preheat the Grill:** Preheat your grill to medium heat (about 350-400°F or 175-200°C). Make sure the grill grates are clean and lightly oiled.
2. **Place Mushrooms on Grill:** Carefully place the stuffed mushrooms on the preheated grill, stuffing-side up. Avoid overcrowding the grill; you may need to grill them in batches.
3. **Grill Time:** Grill the mushrooms for about 8-12 minutes, or until the mushrooms are tender and the stuffing is melted and lightly browned. The exact grilling time will depend on the size of the mushrooms and the temperature of your grill.
4. **Check for Doneness:** Use a fork to check the tenderness of the mushrooms. They should be easily pierced with a fork when they are done.
5. **Avoid Burning:** Watch the mushrooms carefully to prevent the stuffing from burning. If the stuffing starts to brown too quickly, move the mushrooms to a cooler part of the grill or reduce the heat.
**Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!**
1. **Remove from Grill:** Carefully remove the grilled stuffed mushrooms from the grill using a spatula. Transfer them to a serving platter.
2. **Garnish (Optional):** Garnish with fresh basil leaves, a drizzle of olive oil, or a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper.
3. **Serve Immediately:** Serve the grilled mushrooms immediately while they are still warm and the stuffing is melted and creamy.
4. **Serving Suggestions:** These grilled stuffed mushrooms are delicious served as a side dish with grilled steak, chicken, or fish. They also make a fantastic vegetarian main course served with a side salad or grilled vegetables. For an appetizer, cut the mushrooms into smaller pieces and serve them on crostini or crackers.
## Tips and Tricks for Perfect Grilled Stuffed Mushrooms
* **Choose the Right Mushrooms:** Select portobello mushrooms that are large, firm, and free from blemishes. The size of the mushrooms will determine how much stuffing you can fit.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Grill:** Overcrowding the grill will lower the temperature and prevent the mushrooms from grilling properly. Grill them in batches if necessary.
* **Control the Heat:** Keep a close eye on the grill temperature and adjust it as needed to prevent the mushrooms from burning. Medium heat is usually ideal.
* **Use High-Quality Ingredients:** The quality of the ingredients will significantly impact the flavor of the dish. Use fresh herbs, high-quality butter, and flavorful blue cheese for the best results.
* **Soften the Butter Properly:** Make sure the butter is softened at room temperature before mixing it with the other ingredients. This will ensure that the stuffing is creamy and well combined.
* **Don’t Overfill the Mushrooms:** Avoid overfilling the mushrooms, as the stuffing may spill out during grilling.
* **Get Creative with Fillings:** The basil blue cheese butter is just a starting point. Feel free to experiment with other fillings, such as sautéed vegetables, sausage, or different types of cheese.
* **Add Breadcrumbs for Extra Texture:** Adding breadcrumbs to the stuffing will provide a delightful textural contrast to the creamy butter and tender mushrooms.
* **Use a Grill Basket:** If you’re worried about the mushrooms falling apart on the grill, use a grill basket to keep them contained.
* **Experiment with Wood Chips:** Add wood chips to your grill for a smoky flavor. Hickory or mesquite wood chips pair well with mushrooms and blue cheese.
## Variations and Substitutions
* **Cheese Variations:** If you’re not a fan of blue cheese, try using goat cheese, feta cheese, or a combination of Parmesan and mozzarella cheese.
* **Herb Variations:** Experiment with different herbs, such as thyme, oregano, or rosemary, in place of basil.
* **Vegetable Additions:** Add sautéed onions, bell peppers, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes to the stuffing for extra flavor and nutrients.
* **Protein Additions:** Add cooked sausage, bacon, or ground beef to the stuffing for a heartier dish.
* **Spicy Kick:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the stuffing for a spicy kick.
* **Vegan Option:** Use vegan butter and vegan blue cheese substitute for a vegan version of this recipe.
## Serving Suggestions
* **As a Side Dish:** Serve alongside grilled meats, poultry, or fish.
* **As a Vegetarian Main Course:** Serve with a side salad or grilled vegetables.
* **As an Appetizer:** Cut into smaller pieces and serve on crostini or crackers.
* **On a Burger:** Top a grilled burger with a stuffed mushroom for an extra layer of flavor.
* **In a Salad:** Slice the grilled mushrooms and add them to a salad for a gourmet touch.
## Storage Instructions
* **Refrigerate:** Leftover grilled stuffed mushrooms can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
* **Reheat:** Reheat the mushrooms in the oven, microwave, or on the grill until heated through.
* **Freezing:** Freezing is not recommended as it will affect the texture of the mushrooms.
## Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)
* Calories: 250-300
* Fat: 20-25g
* Protein: 8-10g
* Carbohydrates: 5-7g
*Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*
## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
**Q: Can I use different types of mushrooms?**
A: While portobello mushrooms are the best choice for stuffing, you can also use other large mushrooms such as cremini or shiitake, but you may need to adjust the cooking time.
**Q: Can I prepare the mushrooms ahead of time?**
A: Yes, you can prepare the mushrooms and the stuffing ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator and assemble them just before grilling.
**Q: Can I bake the mushrooms instead of grilling them?**
A: Yes, you can bake the mushrooms in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until the mushrooms are tender and the stuffing is melted and browned.
**Q: How do I prevent the mushrooms from becoming soggy?**
A: Avoid washing the mushrooms under running water. Instead, gently wipe them with a damp paper towel. Also, don’t overfill the mushrooms, as this can cause them to release excess moisture during grilling.
**Q: Can I add breadcrumbs to the stuffing?**
A: Yes, adding breadcrumbs to the stuffing will provide a delightful textural contrast to the creamy butter and tender mushrooms. Use about 1/4 cup of breadcrumbs per 4 mushrooms.
**Q: What kind of blue cheese should I use?**
A: Roquefort, Gorgonzola, or Stilton are all excellent choices for this recipe. Choose a blue cheese that you enjoy the flavor of.
**Q: Can I use dried basil instead of fresh basil?**
A: While fresh basil is preferred for its bright and herbaceous flavor, you can use dried basil in a pinch. Use about 1 teaspoon of dried basil for every tablespoon of fresh basil.
**Q: How do I prevent the stuffing from burning on the grill?**
A: Keep a close eye on the grill temperature and adjust it as needed. If the stuffing starts to brown too quickly, move the mushrooms to a cooler part of the grill or reduce the heat. You can also tent the mushrooms with aluminum foil.
**Q: Can I add other vegetables to the stuffing?**
A: Yes, you can add sautéed onions, bell peppers, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes to the stuffing for extra flavor and nutrients. Make sure to cook the vegetables before adding them to the stuffing.
**Q: Are these mushrooms gluten-free?**
A: Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you don’t add breadcrumbs to the stuffing. If you do add breadcrumbs, make sure to use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version.
With their rich, savory flavor and simple preparation, these grilled mushrooms stuffed with basil and blue cheese butter are sure to become a new favorite. So fire up the grill and get ready to enjoy a truly unforgettable culinary experience!