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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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