This enticing recipe of spinach and bacon stuffed mushrooms is a delightful blend of textures and flavors. It's an excellent choice for a gourmet appetizer or a side dish. The fresh taste of spinach pairs perfectly with the savory bacon, while the mushrooms provide a satisfying bite. This dish is bound to impress your guests and leave them wanting more.
Most of the ingredients for this recipe are readily available in many homes. However, if you don't usually cook with fresh baby spinach or Italian seasoned bread crumbs, you might want to add them to your shopping list. Fresh baby spinach is usually found in the produce section, while the Italian seasoned bread crumbs are typically in the baking aisle. Also, ensure you choose fresh mushrooms for the best flavor.
Ingredients for Spinach and Bacon Stuffed Mushrooms
Mushrooms: They serve as the base of this recipe, providing a superb texture and an earthy flavor.
Garlic: It adds a savory depth that enhances the overall taste of the dish.
Baby spinach: Offers a fresh and slightly tangy flavor that contrasts beautifully with the other ingredients.
Bacon: It provides a salty, smoky flavor and a wonderful crunch.
Olive oil: Used to sauté the garlic and mushroom stems, it aids in releasing their flavors.
Italian seasoned bread crumbs: These bread crumbs add a bit of crunch and an extra layer of flavor to the stuffing.
Parmesan cheese: It adds a nutty and slightly salty flavor which makes the dish more delicious.
Smart balance cooking spray: It prevents the mushrooms from sticking to the baking dish and makes it easier to remove them after baking.
One reader, Brandtr Albers says:
This spinach and bacon stuffed mushrooms recipe is a game-changer! The combination of savory bacon, earthy mushrooms, and fresh spinach is a flavor explosion. The crispy, golden tops add a delightful crunch. It's a must-try for anyone who loves a delicious and satisfying appetizer.
Techniques for Making the Best Stuffed Mushrooms
How to prepare the mushrooms: Remove the stems from the mushrooms and mince them finely.
How to wilt spinach: Rinse the spinach and add it to a skillet. Cook for about 2 minutes until it wilts, then remove it from the pan, squeeze out excess liquid, and chop it finely.
How to cook bacon: Add the bacon to a skillet and cook it on low heat until it is cooked through. Once done, set it aside on a paper towel and coarsely chop it.
How to sauté garlic: In a clean skillet, add olive oil and sauté the garlic for about 2 minutes until it turns golden.
How to sauté mushroom stems: Add the minced mushroom stems to the skillet and sauté for about 2 minutes until they become soft.
How To Make Spinach and Bacon Stuffed Mushrooms
Serve a tasty appetizer with these bacon stuffed mushrooms. They’re packed with sauteed spinach and cheese, then baked until golden.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 14ozfresh mushrooms,(1 package), stems separated
- 2clovesgarlic,sliced thin
- 4cupsfresh baby spinach
- 4bacon,slices center cut
- 1tspolive oil
- ¼: 5px; letter-spacing: 2px”>2tbspParmesan cheese,shredded
- Smart Balance cooking spray
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Lightly spray a foil-lined baking pan or baking dish with cooking spray.
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Remove stems from mushrooms and mince fine.
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Heat a medium-sized skillet. Rinse spinach and add to the skillet; cook for about 2 minutes until it wilts.
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Remove from the pan, squeeze excess liquid and chop fine. Set aside.
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Dry skillet, add bacon to the skillet, and cook on low heat until bacon is cooked through. Set aside on a paper towel. Coarsely chop.
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Clean skillet and add olive oil to the pan. Add garlic and saute for about 2 minutes until golden.
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Add minced mushroom stems and saute for about 2 minutes until soft.
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Remove from heat and combine mushroom stems with sauteed spinach, bacon, bread crumbs, and Parmesan cheese.
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Season mushroom caps with salt. Fill mushrooms with spinach mixture, rounding tops off.
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Place on an oven-safe dish and lightly spray the tops with oil.
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Bake for 20 minutes or until golden. Eat warm.
Nutrition
- Calories: 79.46kcal
- Fat: 5.89g
- Saturated Fat: 1.82g
- Trans Fat: 0.01g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 2.66g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.02g
- Carbohydrates: 3.60g
- Fiber: 0.56g
- Sugar: 1.01g
- Protein: 3.52g
- Cholesterol: 8.11mg
- Sodium: 116.25mg
- Calcium: 30.70mg
- Potassium: 164.47mg
- Iron: 0.47mg
- Vitamin A: 21.71µg
- Vitamin C: 1.95mg
Pro Tip for Perfecting Your Stuffed Mushroom Filling
When preparing the spinach for this recipe, it's important to remember that it will significantly reduce in size when cooked. Therefore, don't be alarmed by the large volume of raw spinach. Additionally, when sautéing the garlic, be careful not to burn it as it can easily become bitter. A good tip is to keep the heat low and stir frequently. For the mushrooms, choose ones that are firm and free from blemishes for the best results. Lastly, when stuffing the mushrooms, don't be afraid to really pack in the filling - the more the better!
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Spinach and Bacon Stuffed Mushrooms
Prep ahead: Wash and chop the mushrooms, spinach, and garlic in advance. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge until you're ready to use them.
Use pre-cooked bacon: Save time by using pre-cooked bacon or bacon bits instead of cooking bacon from scratch. It's a convenient shortcut for this recipe.
Multitask: While the mushrooms are baking, use that time to clean up the kitchen or prepare other elements of your meal. Making the most of your time in the kitchen can help streamline the cooking process.
Prep in bulk: Consider doubling the recipe and freezing half for later. This way, you'll have a delicious appetizer ready to go whenever you need it, without the extra prep work.
Efficient assembly: Set up a workstation with all the ingredients and tools you need before you start cooking. This will help you work more efficiently and reduce the chances of forgetting an ingredient.
Substitute Ingredients For Spinach and Bacon Stuffed Mushrooms Recipe
fresh mushrooms - Substitute with portobello mushrooms: Portobello mushrooms have a meaty texture and rich flavor, making them a great substitute for regular mushrooms in stuffed mushroom recipes.
garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a mild, sweet flavor similar to garlic and can be a great alternative in this recipe for those who prefer a less pungent taste.
baby spinach - Substitute with kale: Kale can be used as a substitute for spinach, providing a hearty and slightly earthy flavor that complements the other ingredients in the recipe.
bacon - Substitute with pancetta: Pancetta is an Italian bacon that has a similar salty and savory flavor, making it a suitable substitute for bacon in this recipe.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a mild flavor and high smoke point, making it a good substitute for olive oil in cooking applications.
italian seasoned bread crumbs - Substitute with panko breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs have a light and crispy texture, adding a nice crunch to the stuffed mushrooms.
parmesan cheese - Substitute with pecorino romano cheese: Pecorino romano cheese has a similar salty and tangy flavor to parmesan and can be used as a substitute in this recipe.
Presentation Ideas for Stuffed Mushroom Appetizers
Elevate the mushroom caps: Gently brush the mushroom caps with a touch of truffle oil to enhance their earthy flavor and add a luxurious aroma.
Garnish with microgreens: Sprinkle a delicate assortment of microgreens, such as pea shoots or micro basil, on top of the stuffed mushrooms to add a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous note.
Arrange on a sleek platter: Carefully place the stuffed mushrooms on a sleek, modern platter, ensuring they are evenly spaced and visually appealing.
Drizzle with balsamic reduction: Create an elegant drizzle of balsamic reduction on the serving platter, adding a touch of sweetness and acidity to complement the savory flavors of the dish.
Accent with edible flowers: Adorn the platter with edible flowers, such as pansies or nasturtiums, to provide a stunning visual contrast and a subtle floral essence.
Serve on individual tasting spoons: For a sophisticated and unique presentation, serve each stuffed mushroom on individual tasting spoons, allowing guests to savor the flavors in a single, elegant bite.
Accompany with truffle shavings: Shave delicate slices of truffle over the stuffed mushrooms just before serving, infusing the dish with an exquisite, indulgent aroma and flavor.
Present on a bed of arugula: Nestle the stuffed mushrooms on a bed of lightly dressed arugula, adding a peppery bite and a vibrant green backdrop to the dish.
Use elegant serving ware: Opt for elegant and minimalist serving ware, such as sleek slate platters or modern ceramic dishes, to showcase the stuffed mushrooms with refined simplicity.
Add a sprinkle of edible gold leaf: For a truly opulent touch, delicately apply a sprinkle of edible gold leaf to the stuffed mushrooms, creating a visually stunning and luxurious presentation.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Stuffed Mushrooms
- Frying pan: A flat-bottomed pan used for frying, searing, and browning foods.
- Chef's knife: A versatile kitchen knife used for slicing, chopping, and dicing various ingredients.
- Cutting board: A durable board used for cutting and preparing ingredients.
- Skillet: A pan with sloped sides, often used for sautéing and frying.
- Baking pan: A rectangular metal pan used for baking and roasting dishes in the oven.
- Oven: A kitchen appliance used for baking, roasting, and heating food.
- Paper towel: Absorbent paper used for drying and cleaning various kitchen items.
- Spatula: A kitchen tool with a broad, flat blade, used for lifting and flipping foods.
- Foil: Aluminum foil used for lining pans and wrapping foods for cooking.
- Skewers: Long, narrow metal or wooden sticks used for grilling and roasting foods.
- Mixing bowl: A bowl used for mixing and combining ingredients.
- Food processor: A kitchen appliance used for chopping, blending, and pureeing ingredients.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Tools used for accurately measuring ingredients for recipes.
Storing and Freezing Spinach and Bacon Stuffed Mushrooms
- Let the stuffed mushrooms cool completely before storing or freezing.
- For short-term storage, place the cooled stuffed mushrooms in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
- To freeze the stuffed mushrooms:
- Place the cooled stuffed mushrooms on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure they are not touching each other.
- Place the baking sheet in the freezer for about 2 hours or until the stuffed mushrooms are frozen solid.
- Once frozen, transfer the stuffed mushrooms to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents.
- Freeze for up to 2-3 months for best quality.
- To reheat frozen stuffed mushrooms:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the frozen stuffed mushrooms on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until heated through and the tops are lightly browned.
- Alternatively, you can microwave the frozen stuffed mushrooms on high power for 1-2 minutes or until heated through, but the texture may be slightly softer compared to oven reheating.
How To Reheat Leftover Stuffed Mushrooms
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover stuffed mushrooms on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and the tops are lightly crispy. This method will help retain the texture and flavor of the breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
For a quicker option, microwave the stuffed mushrooms on a microwave-safe plate. Arrange them in a single layer and cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Be careful not to overcook, as the mushrooms may become soggy.
If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover stuffed mushrooms in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until heated through and the tops are lightly crispy. This method will help restore the crispiness of the bacon and breadcrumbs.
For a stovetop method, heat a small amount of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the leftover stuffed mushrooms and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until heated through and lightly crispy. This method will help re-crisp the bacon and give the mushrooms a nice golden color.
If you want to add extra flavor and moisture to the reheated stuffed mushrooms, sprinkle a small amount of chicken broth or white wine over them before reheating in the oven or microwave. This will help prevent the mushrooms from drying out and add a burst of flavor to the spinach and bacon filling.
Interesting Trivia About Stuffed Mushrooms
Spinach and bacon stuffed mushrooms are a delicious appetizer or side dish. They are a great source of protein and fiber, making them a healthy and satisfying option. Spinach is rich in iron and vitamins, while bacon adds a savory and smoky flavor to the dish. This combination creates a perfect balance of taste and nutrition.
Budget-Friendly Spinach and Bacon Stuffed Mushrooms
This spinach and bacon stuffed mushrooms recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients, such as mushrooms, spinach, bacon, and parmesan cheese, are relatively affordable and readily available. The dish offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures, making it a versatile option for various occasions. The approximate cost for a household of four people is around $15-$20, making it a budget-friendly choice. Overall Verdict: 9/10
Are Spinach and Bacon Stuffed Mushrooms Healthy?
The spinach and bacon stuffed mushrooms recipe is a delicious and creative appetizer that combines several nutritious ingredients. However, from a culinary chef and nutritionist's perspective, there are a few aspects that could be improved to make it a healthier dish.
On the positive side, the recipe includes:
- Fresh mushrooms, which are low in calories and rich in vitamins and minerals
- Spinach, a nutrient-dense leafy green packed with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron and calcium
- Garlic, known for its anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties
However, the recipe also contains:
- Bacon, which is high in saturated fat and sodium
- Breadcrumbs, which add extra carbohydrates and calories
- Parmesan cheese, which contributes additional saturated fat and sodium
To enhance the nutritional value of this recipe, consider the following suggestions:
- Replace the bacon with a leaner protein source, such as turkey bacon or diced chicken breast
- Use whole wheat breadcrumbs or substitute with almond meal for a lower-carb, higher-fiber option
- Reduce the amount of Parmesan cheese or opt for a lower-fat cheese like part-skim mozzarella
- Add more vegetables to the stuffing mix, such as diced bell peppers or grated zucchini, to increase the fiber and nutrient content
- Use a heart-healthy oil like olive oil instead of Smart Balance cooking spray, which may contain added ingredients
By making these adjustments, you can create a more balanced and nutritious version of the spinach and bacon stuffed mushrooms while still maintaining the delicious flavors and textures that make this dish so appealing.
Editor's Opinion on This Delightful Stuffed Mushroom Recipe
This spinach and bacon stuffed mushrooms recipe offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The earthy mushrooms, savory bacon, and vibrant spinach create a harmonious blend, while the garlic and parmesan add depth and richness. The dish is well-balanced and satisfying, making it a perfect appetizer or side dish for any occasion. The recipe's simplicity and ease of preparation make it accessible for home cooks, while the final result is sure to impress even the most discerning palates. Enjoy the delightful aroma and taste of these stuffed mushrooms as they elevate your culinary experience.
Enhance Your Spinach and Bacon Stuffed Mushrooms Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Similar Appetizer Recipes to Try
Ideal Main Courses and Desserts to Pair with Stuffed Mushrooms
Why trust this Spinach and Bacon Stuffed Mushrooms Recipe:
This recipe guarantees a delightful experience with its combination of fresh mushrooms, flavorful bacon, and nutritious spinach. The use of garlic and parmesan cheese adds depth to the flavors, while the Italian seasoned bread crumbs provide a satisfying crunch. The careful sautéing of the ingredients ensures a harmonious blend of flavors. Trust the expertise behind this recipe to deliver a dish that will impress your taste buds and leave you craving for more.
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