Mushrooms baked with bacon is a delicious, savory dish that combines the earthiness of mushrooms with the rich, smoky flavor of bacon. This recipe is easy to make and works wonderfully as an appetizer, side dish, or even a main course when paired with a salad. Here’s how you can prepare it:
Ingredients:
- 12 large mushrooms (such as button or cremini)
- 6 slices of bacon
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Olive oil (for drizzling, optional)
Instructions:
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Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Prepare the Mushrooms:
- Clean the mushrooms with a damp cloth or paper towel to remove any dirt.
- Carefully remove the stems from the mushrooms and set the caps aside. Finely chop the stems.
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Cook the Bacon:
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon slices until they are crispy.
- Remove the bacon and place it on a paper towel to drain. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces.
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Make the Filling:
- In the same skillet, using the bacon fat, sauté the minced garlic and chopped mushroom stems for about 2-3 minutes, until softened.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked garlic and mushroom stems with the cream cheese, crumbled bacon, grated Parmesan cheese, black pepper, and thyme or rosemary. Mix until well combined.
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Stuff the Mushrooms:
- Spoon the filling mixture into each mushroom cap, pressing down slightly to ensure it stays in place.
- Arrange the stuffed mushroom caps on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased.
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Bake the Mushrooms:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the mushrooms are tender and the tops are golden and bubbly.
- If you like, drizzle a little olive oil over the mushrooms before baking for extra flavor.
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Garnish and Serve:
- Remove the mushrooms from the oven and let them cool slightly.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Tips:
- For an extra kick, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling.
- Experiment with different cheeses, like Gruyère or sharp cheddar, for a different flavor profile.
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, skip the bacon and add sautéed spinach or sundried tomatoes to the filling.
These mushrooms baked with bacon are a crowd-pleaser, offering a perfect combination of creamy, savory, and smoky flavors. Enjoy them warm!
