Perfect Ina Garten Crab Stuffed Mushrooms Recipe for Parties

Crab stuffed mushrooms represent an elegant appetizer that transforms simple ingredients into a sophisticated culinary experience.

These delectable bites combine rich seafood with earthy fungi in a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.

Creamy and indulgent, the stuffing brings unexpected depth to small mushroom vessels.

Perfectly balanced ingredients create a mouthwatering mixture that tempts even discerning palates.

Home cooks can elevate their entertaining game with this crowd-pleasing recipe that looks impressive yet requires minimal technical skill.

Guests will be delighted by these bite-sized delicacies that offer a luxurious start to any meal: get ready to wow your dinner companions.

Why Ina Garten’s Crab Stuffed Mushrooms Impress Guests

• Explode with Seafood Richness: Packed with luxurious lump crabmeat, these mushrooms deliver an incredible ocean-fresh flavor that transforms a simple appetizer into a gourmet experience.
• Super Quick Elegant Appetizer: Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe provides a sophisticated dish perfect for unexpected guests or last-minute entertaining without requiring complex culinary skills.
• Texture Wonderland: Crispy cracker-crusted tops contrast beautifully with the creamy, soft crab filling and tender mushroom base, creating a delightful multi-layered mouthfeel that keeps every bite interesting.
• Party-Perfect Crowd Pleaser: Designed to impress with minimal effort, these stuffed mushrooms work brilliantly as cocktail party nibbles, game day snacks, or elegant holiday appetizers that guests will absolutely adore.

What You Need for Ina Garten Crab Stuffed Mushrooms

• Cremini Mushrooms: Tender base for the stuffing, providing an earthy flavor and delicate texture.
• Lump Crabmeat: Succulent protein that brings rich, sweet oceanic taste to the dish.
• Cream Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Creamy binding agents that add richness and depth to the filling.

• Celery, Red Bell Pepper, Scallions, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that provide crunch, color, and layered savory notes.
• Parsley: Fresh herb that adds brightness and herbal complexity to the stuffing.
• Lemon: Zest and juice that enhance the crab's flavor with a bright, tangy element.

• Butter Crackers, Butter, Mayonnaise: Crispy base and creamy ingredients that help bind the filling and add richness.
• Salt: Essential seasoning that heightens and balances the overall flavor profile.

Steps to Make Ina Garten Crab Stuffed Mushrooms

Step 1: Prep the Mushroom Base

Preheat oven to 425°F. Gently remove stems from cremini mushrooms. Clean mushroom caps with a damp paper towel. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Arrange on a baking sheet.

Step 2: Create Crispy Cracker Topping

Finely crush 20 butter crackers. Mix with melted butter until well combined.

Step 3: Sauté Vegetable Blend

• Chopped celery
• Diced red bell pepper

Cook for 5 minutes until vegetables soften. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.

Step 4: Mix Creamy Crab Filling

• Cream cheese
• Mayonnaise
• Chopped scallions
• Grated parmesan cheese
• Cracker crumbs
• Chopped fresh parsley
• Lemon zest
• Lemon juice

Fold in sautéed vegetable mixture and lump crabmeat. Mix thoroughly.

Step 5: Bake and Golden Finish

Fill each mushroom cap with crab mixture. Sprinkle remaining cracker crumbs on top. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes. Switch oven to broil and cook until tops turn golden brown. Allow 5 minutes cooling time before serving. Enjoy these elegant appetizers hot!

Tips for Delicious Ina Garten Crab Stuffed Mushrooms

• Broil Strategically: Golden brown tops signal perfect doneness. Monitor closely to prevent burning during the final cooking stage.
• Customize Flavor Profiles: Experiment with fresh herbs like dill or chives. Finely chop to distribute herbs uniformly throughout the mixture.
• Control Moisture Levels: Pat crabmeat dry before mixing to prevent watery filling. Excess liquid can compromise the stuffing's texture and integrity.
• Blend Cream Cheese Smoothly: Bring cream cheese to room temperature for seamless mixing. Thoroughly combine ingredients to ensure even flavor distribution.
• Craft Crispy Cracker Coating: Use a rolling pin or food processor to crush butter crackers. Create a consistent, fine texture for an even crunch.

Preserving Ina Garten Crab Stuffed Mushrooms

• Vacuum Sealing: Lock in the delicate flavors and prevent moisture loss by using a vacuum sealer. Place cooled mushrooms in vacuum-seal bags, remove all air, and seal tightly. This method extends refrigerator storage life up to 5 days while maintaining peak texture and taste.
• Layered Storage: Create a protective barrier between stuffed mushrooms using parchment paper. Arrange mushrooms in a single layer, separate with parchment, and stack carefully in an airtight container. This prevents crushing and preserves their delicate stuffing structure.
• Shallow Container Technique: Choose a shallow, wide container with a tight-fitting lid for optimal storage. Position mushrooms without overcrowding, ensuring minimal contact and maximum air circulation. Refrigerate promptly after cooling to preserve their fresh, delicate crab filling and prevent bacterial growth.

Different Takes on Ina Garten Crab Stuffed Mushrooms

• Seafood Symphony: Replace crabmeat with a blend of shrimp and scallops for a mixed seafood experience that brings extra ocean flavors to your appetizer.
• Mediterranean Magic: Swap bell peppers with sun-dried tomatoes and add crumbled feta cheese to give the stuffed mushrooms a Greek-inspired profile with tangy Mediterranean notes.
• Spicy Cajun Kick: Incorporate Cajun seasoning into the filling and add chopped andouille sausage for a bold, spicy version that brings Louisiana-style heat to the mushroom appetizer.
• Vegetarian Herb Garden: Substitute crabmeat with sautéed wild mushrooms, ricotta cheese, and fresh herbs like thyme and basil for a rich, earthy vegetarian alternative that maintains the creamy texture of the original recipe.

Closing Thoughts on Ina Garten Crab Stuffed Mushrooms

Garten’s crab stuffed mushrooms emerge as coastal culinary poetry, blending delicate seafood with earthy mushroom vessels.

Maritime flavors dance across palates, creating sophisticated appetizer magic that elevates any gathering.

Creamy textures meld with crisp cracker crumbs, promising an unforgettable gastronomic journey.

Sophisticated yet approachable, these mushrooms whisper gourmet comfort with each delectable bite.

Mediterranean-inspired ingredients transform simple cremini into luxurious party centerpieces.

Complex yet balanced, each mushroom delivers an oceanic embrace that calls you to savor, share, comment, and spread delicious inspiration across social platforms.

Ina Garten Crab Stuffed Mushrooms Recipe

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4.7 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s crab stuffed mushrooms offer a luxurious appetizer that blends delicate seafood with rich, creamy cheese. Gourmet flavors mingle in these elegant bites, promising a sophisticated start to any gathering you’ll savor from first to last bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) lump crabmeat
• 24 large cremini mushrooms
• 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese
• 20 butter crackers (such as Ritz)

Vegetable and Herbs:

• ½ cup (75 grams) finely chopped celery
• ½ cup (75 grams) finely chopped red bell pepper
• ½ cup (60 grams) chopped scallions
• ¼ cup (15 grams) chopped parsley
• 1 chopped garlic clove

Seasoning and Binding Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 tablespoons (56 grams) melted butter (divided)
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• ¼ cup (25 grams) grated parmesan
• ¼ cup (30 grams) cracker crumbs
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 425°F (218°C). Carefully detach stems from cremini mushrooms and gently cleanse the caps using a moistened paper towel. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the mushrooms and generously sprinkle with salt. Arrange them evenly on a baking sheet.
2. Create a crisp coating by pulverizing 20 butter crackers into fine crumbs. Combine the crushed crackers with 2 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter, ensuring a uniform mixture.
3. Develop a vegetable base by melting 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Introduce finely chopped celery and diced red bell pepper, sautéing until they become tender and translucent, approximately 5 minutes. Add a minced garlic clove and continue cooking for an additional minute to enhance the aromatic profile.
4. Craft the crab filling in a spacious mixing bowl by blending 4 ounces (113 grams) of cream cheese with 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise. Incorporate finely chopped scallions, freshly grated parmesan cheese, prepared cracker crumbs, chopped parsley, lemon zest, and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Gently fold in the sautéed vegetable mixture and 8 ounces (226 grams) of premium lump crabmeat.
5. Assemble the stuffed mushrooms by evenly distributing the crab mixture into the mushroom caps. Sprinkle the remaining cracker crumbs over the top for added texture. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes. Activate the broiler and cook until the surface achieves a golden-brown color. Allow the mushrooms to rest for 5 minutes before serving to enhance flavor and prevent burning.

Notes

• Capture the essence of gourmet entertaining with these irresistible crab-stuffed mushrooms that elevate any gathering.
• Cremini mushrooms create a hearty, earthy foundation that perfectly complements the delicate seafood filling.
• Fresh lump crabmeat delivers an authentic ocean-fresh flavor and luxurious texture to each bite.
• Butter crackers contribute a surprising crunch and subtle richness that transforms the appetizer from simple to spectacular.
• Quick to prepare and impressive to serve, this recipe becomes an instant crowd-pleaser for spontaneous or planned events.
• Pro tip: Gently mix ingredients at room temperature to ensure a smoother, more consistent stuffing that blends flavors seamlessly.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 120
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 25 mg