If you are looking to impress your guests or simply indulge in a delightful treat yourself, this Creamy Shrimp Stuffed Mushrooms Recipe is the answer. Imagine tender mushroom caps filled with a luscious blend of finely chopped shrimp, cream cheese, Parmesan, and a hint of garlic, baked to golden perfection. The marriage of textures and flavors in this appetizer is nothing short of magical, transforming simple ingredients into a sophisticated dish that’s equally comforting and elegant. It’s perfect for any occasion, from casual family dinners to festive gatherings, and it’s bound to become one of your favorite recipes to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Preparing this Creamy Shrimp Stuffed Mushrooms Recipe is a breeze with just a handful of thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in building the dish’s vibrant taste, creamy texture, and inviting aroma, ensuring every bite bursts with flavor and satisfaction.
- 16 large white or cremini mushrooms, stems removed and cleaned: These form the perfect edible vessels, offering an earthy base that holds the filling beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a subtle richness and helps roast the mushrooms to tender perfection without drying out.
- 1/2 pound shrimp, peeled, deveined, and finely chopped: Provides a sweet, succulent seafood element with a lovely bite.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the filling with aromatic depth and a hint of warmth.
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened: Gives the stuffing that irresistible creamy texture and tangy undertone.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Offers a savory, nutty dimension to enrich every forkful.
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise: Enhances moisture and lusciousness while binding the filling ingredients with ease.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Brings brightness and a fresh zing that cuts through the richness beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: Adds a burst of color and a fresh herbal note that lifts the overall flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika: Contributes a gentle smoky warmth and vibrant color to the mixture.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to balance and elevate all the flavors in the filling.
- Extra Parmesan and parsley for garnish (optional): Perfect finishing touches for an eye-catching and flavorful presentation.
How to Make Creamy Shrimp Stuffed Mushrooms Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Mushrooms
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep things neat. Place your cleaned mushroom caps cavity side up on the sheet and lightly brush them with olive oil. This step ensures they roast nicely without drying out and develop a tender texture that perfectly complements the filling.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp and Garlic
In a warm skillet over medium heat, cook the finely chopped shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes until they’re just opaque and tender—be careful not to overcook! Add in the minced garlic next and sauté for about 30 seconds to release its fragrant, savory notes without burning. Remove from heat and let the shrimp and garlic mixture cool slightly, so it combines smoothly with the creamy filling later on.
Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, grated Parmesan, mayonnaise, lemon juice, parsley, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix these together until smooth and well combined, creating the luscious base of your stuffing. Now gently fold in the cooked shrimp and garlic, making sure the flavors meld evenly with the creamy mixture.
Step 4: Stuff and Bake
Spoon generous mounds of the shrimp filling into each mushroom cap. Don’t be shy — the filling is the star! If you want an extra cheesy touch, sprinkle a little more Parmesan over the tops. Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes until the mushrooms are tender and the topping turns a lovely golden color. This oven time lets all the flavors deepen and marry beautifully while giving the mushrooms just the right texture.
How to Serve Creamy Shrimp Stuffed Mushrooms Recipe
Garnishes
A handful of fresh chopped parsley on top brightens the dish instantly, adding a fresh herbal note and beautiful color contrast. For an elegant sparkle, an extra dusting of parmesan cheese just before serving adds savory richness and a little texture that guests will adore.
Side Dishes
These stuffed mushrooms are wonderfully versatile but shine best alongside light, fresh sides such as a crisp mixed green salad or lemony arugula. You can also pair them with crusty bread or a delicate pilaf to round out a perfect appetizer or light dinner plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the Creamy Shrimp Stuffed Mushrooms Recipe on a rustic wooden board for a charming, casual vibe or arrange them carefully on a platter with edible flowers for special occasions. You can even skewer a few on cocktail sticks to create bite-sized party picks that look impressive and invite easy snacking.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The mushrooms may soften slightly but the flavors remain rich and inviting—perfect for a quick snack or an easy second serving.
Freezing
While fresh is always best, you can freeze the unbaked stuffed mushrooms in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag once solid. Freeze for up to one month. When ready to enjoy, bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure they’re fully heated through.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if you want to retain their texture and avoid sogginess—the oven method brings back that delightful crisp top and tender mushroom base.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp can be used but make sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly before chopping and cooking to avoid excess moisture that can make the filling watery.
Are there any good alternatives for cream cheese?
Cream cheese gives that ideal creamy texture, but you can substitute with ricotta or mascarpone for a slightly different flavor and similar richness.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! All ingredients used in this Creamy Shrimp Stuffed Mushrooms Recipe are naturally gluten-free, making it a great choice for gluten-sensitive guests.
Can I add a spicy kick to the filling?
Definitely! A pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes mixed into the filling adds a wonderful heat that complements the shrimp beautifully without overpowering the dish.
What type of mushrooms works best?
Large white or cremini mushrooms are ideal for stuffing because they have a sturdy cap and a mild earthy flavor that pairs well with the creamy shrimp filling.
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend this Creamy Shrimp Stuffed Mushrooms Recipe enough for anyone seeking a simple yet stunning appetizer or light meal option. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings together comfort, flavor, and elegance with every bite. Give it a try and watch how this tasty creation becomes a staple in your recipe collection — you and your guests will be so glad you did!
Print
Creamy Shrimp Stuffed Mushrooms Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 16 stuffed mushrooms
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Creamy Shrimp Stuffed Mushrooms are a delightful appetizer featuring large mushroom caps filled with a savory mixture of finely chopped shrimp, cream cheese, Parmesan, and fresh herbs, baked to perfection. These bite-sized treats combine seafood flavors with creamy textures, making them perfect for parties or elegant gatherings.
Ingredients
Mushrooms
- 16 large white or cremini mushrooms, stems removed and cleaned
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Filling
- 1/2 pound shrimp, peeled, deveined, and finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish (optional)
- Extra Parmesan cheese
- Additional chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Mushrooms: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the mushroom caps on the baking sheet with the cavity side facing up. Lightly brush each mushroom cap with olive oil to enhance browning and flavor. Set aside.
- Cook Shrimp Mixture: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes until they become just opaque, indicating they are cooked but not overdone. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 30 seconds to release the garlic’s aroma without burning. Remove the skillet from heat and allow the shrimp and garlic mixture to cool slightly.
- Mix Filling Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, mayonnaise, lemon juice, chopped fresh parsley, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated.
- Combine Shrimp with Filling: Fold the cooked shrimp and garlic mixture gently into the cream cheese mixture, ensuring the shrimp are evenly distributed throughout the filling.
- Stuff the Mushrooms: Spoon the shrimp filling into each mushroom cap, mounding the filling slightly over the rim. If desired, sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top for an added cheesy crust after baking.
- Bake: Place the filled mushrooms into the preheated oven and bake for 18–20 minutes, or until the mushrooms are tender and the tops of the filling turn golden and slightly crispy.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the mushrooms from the oven and garnish with additional fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm to enjoy the creamy seafood flavors at their best.
Notes
- Serve these stuffed mushrooms warm, straight from the oven, for the best texture and flavor.
- For a spicy twist, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the filling mixture.
- The shrimp filling can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated until you’re ready to bake, making this recipe convenient for entertaining.
