Crab Stuffed Mushrooms Recipe

Irresistibly Savory Crab Stuffed Mushrooms Recipe

Culinary magic happens when delicate crab meets earthy mushrooms in this irresistible stuffed mushroom masterpiece.

Small appetizers pack incredible flavor into every single bite.

Tender mushroom caps become delicious vessels for rich, succulent seafood filling.

Each morsel combines creamy cheese with sweet crab meat that melts perfectly in your mouth.

Elegant yet simple, these little bites promise to impress guests at any gathering.

Weekend entertaining just got seriously delicious with this crowd-pleasing recipe that disappears faster than you can serve them.

Prepare to become the ultimate appetizer hero among your food-loving friends.

Pro Tips for Tasty Crab Stuffed Mushrooms

  • Choose Fresh Mushrooms: Select firm, unblemished button or cremini mushrooms with intact caps for the best texture and presentation.
  • Drain Crab Meat Thoroughly: Pat crab meat dry with paper towels to prevent excess moisture from making the filling soggy and compromising the stuffing's consistency.
  • Customize Seasoning: Adjust Old Bay and herbs to personal taste, adding a pinch of cayenne for extra heat or using fresh herbs for brighter flavor profiles.
  • Prevent Overcooking: Watch mushrooms closely during baking to ensure they remain tender and don't become rubbery or dried out.
  • Make Ahead Friendly: Prepare filling and stuff mushrooms in advance, refrigerating up to 24 hours before baking for convenient entertaining or meal preparation.

How to Save and Reheat Crab Stuffed Mushrooms

  • Transfer leftover mushrooms to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Preheat oven to 350F, place mushrooms on a baking sheet, and warm for 810 minutes until heated through.
  • Heat mushrooms in 30second intervals, checking to prevent overcooking and maintain texture.
  • Do not freeze these stuffed mushrooms, as cream cheese and crab meat can separate and lose quality when thawed.

Best Matches for Crab Stuffed Mushrooms

  • Select a chardonnay or sauvignon blanc to complement the rich, creamy crab filling and cut through the buttery texture.
  • Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to contrast the mushrooms' richness and add a fresh, peppery counterpoint.
  • Offer warm, crusty sourdough or French bread to soak up the delicious filling and provide a satisfying textural contrast.
  • Prepare a light shrimp cocktail or ceviche as a companion dish to enhance the oceanic flavors of the crab stuffed mushrooms.

Fun Flavor Ideas for Crab Stuffed Mushrooms

  • Vegan Seafood Alternative: Replace crab meat with hearts of palm or artichoke hearts, using vegan cream cheese and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a plant-based version.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Swap breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers, ensuring all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
  • Spicy Cajun Kick: Add cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, and extra Old Bay seasoning to boost heat and complexity of the stuffed mushrooms.
  • Lean Protein Swap: Substitute crab meat with cooked, diced shrimp or imitation crab for a different seafood profile while maintaining similar texture and flavor.

What Makes Crab Stuffed Mushrooms Stand Out

  • Craft Gourmet Appetizers Effortlessly
  • Whip up sophisticated crab stuffed mushrooms in just 30 minutes from start to finish, perfect for busy home cooks seeking restaurant-quality bites.
  • Impress guests at cocktail parties, holiday gatherings, or game nights with these elegant yet simple bite-sized delights that blend seafood and creamy textures.
  • Combine basic ingredients like cream cheese, crab meat, and mushrooms to create a mouthwatering appetizer that requires zero professional culinary skills, making gourmet cooking accessible to everyone.
  • Easily adapt the recipe by swapping crab for other proteins or adjusting seasonings to match personal taste preferences, ensuring a crowd-winning dish every single time.

Everything You’ll Need for Crab Stuffed Mushrooms

Main Protein:
  • Crab Meat: Sweet and delicate seafood that provides the primary protein and rich flavor for the stuffing.
Dairy Components:
  • Cream Cheese: Creamy base that helps bind ingredients and adds smooth texture.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, salty cheese that enhances overall flavor and provides golden brown topping.
Base Vegetables:
  • Mushrooms, Onions: Fresh mushrooms create the vessel for stuffing, with onions adding depth and aromatic sweetness.
  • Mushroom Stems: Part of the mushroom used to enhance the filling's texture and reduce waste.
Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Old Bay Seasoning: Classic seafood spice blend that adds signature maritime flavor.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing overall taste.
  • Parsley: Fresh herb that provides brightness and green color to the dish.
  • Lemon Juice: Adds bright, citrusy note that complements the crab meat.
Binding Ingredients:
  • Breadcrumbs: Helps absorb moisture and provides structure to the stuffing.
Cooking Necessities:
  • Butter: Used for sautéing vegetables and adding rich flavor.

Cooking Crab Stuffed Mushrooms the Simple Way

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Preheat the oven to 375F (190C). Prepare a baking sheet by lightly greasing it or covering with parchment paper.

Step 2: Sauté Flavorful Base

In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter and cook:
  • Onions
  • Chopped mushroom stems

Sauté until ingredients become soft and fragrant, around 3-4 minutes. Allow mixture to cool slightly.

Step 3: Create Creamy Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine the sautéed mixture with:
  • Crab meat
  • Cream cheese
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Breadcrumbs
  • Fresh parsley
  • Lemon juice
  • Old Bay seasoning
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 4: Stuff Mushroom Caps

Carefully spoon the prepared filling into each mushroom cap, ensuring a generous portion.

Step 5: Prepare For Baking

Arrange stuffed mushrooms on the prepared baking sheet. Optional: Sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese on top.

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Place in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Look for tender mushrooms with golden brown tops.

Step 7: Serve And Enjoy

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve warm and delight in the delicious appetizer.

Your Questions on Crab Stuffed Mushrooms, Answered

  • Can I use canned crab meat for this recipe?

Yes, canned crab meat works perfectly. Just drain it well and check for any shell pieces before mixing into the filling.

  • What if I don't have Old Bay seasoning?

You can substitute with a mix of paprika, celery salt, and dried thyme to create a similar flavor profile. Alternatively, use a seafood seasoning blend.

  • How do I prevent my mushrooms from becoming watery?

Choose fresh, firm mushrooms and gently pat them dry with paper towels before stuffing. This helps reduce excess moisture during baking.

  • Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

While best served fresh, you can prepare the stuffed mushrooms ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 5 minutes to the baking time if cooking directly from the refrigerator.

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Crab Stuffed Mushrooms Recipe

Crab Stuffed Mushrooms Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 11 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Savory crab stuffed mushrooms bring coastal elegance to your appetizer spread with their delicate blend of fresh seafood and earthy mushroom caps. Each bite promises rich, creamy indulgence you’ll crave at every gathering.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 24 fresh white or cremini mushrooms, stems removed and cleaned
  • 6 ounces (170 grams) lump crab meat, cooked, picked over for shells
  • 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese, softened

Dairy and Cheese:

  • ¼ cup (60 milliliters) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon butter

Additional Ingredients:

  • ¼ cup (60 milliliters) finely chopped onion
  • ¼ cup (60 milliliters) finely chopped mushroom stems
  • ¼ cup (60 milliliters) breadcrumbs
  • 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • ½ teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: extra Parmesan and parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking sheet with a light coating of grease or parchment paper.
  2. In a skillet, melt butter and gently sauté finely chopped onions and mushroom stems until they become translucent and softened, releasing their aromatic flavors.
  3. Transfer the sautéed mixture to a mixing bowl and allow it to cool slightly to prevent overheating the other ingredients.
  4. Combine the cooled vegetable mixture with delicate crab meat, creamy cream cheese, aged Parmesan, crisp breadcrumbs, fresh parsley, zesty lemon juice, robust Old Bay seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
  5. Thoroughly blend the ingredients until they form a cohesive, well-integrated stuffing mixture with balanced flavors and textures.
  6. Carefully fill each mushroom cap with a generous spoonful of the prepared crab mixture, ensuring an even distribution.
  7. Arrange the stuffed mushrooms on the prepared baking sheet, leaving slight space between each cap.
  8. Optionally, sprinkle an additional layer of Parmesan cheese over the tops for extra richness and a golden crust.
  9. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, watching for the mushrooms to become tender and the tops to turn a beautiful golden brown.
  10. Remove from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant, fresh finish.
  11. Serve immediately while warm to enjoy the optimal blend of flavors and textures.

Notes

  • Ensure mushroom caps are thoroughly cleaned and dried to prevent excess moisture during baking.
  • Use fresh lump crab meat for the most authentic and rich seafood flavor, avoiding imitation crab if possible.
  • For a gluten-free version, replace breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds to maintain texture.
  • Adjust seasoning by adding a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes for those who enjoy a subtle heat kick.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 600
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 50 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Cholesterol: 100 mg
Jessica Martinez

Jessica Martinez

Pastry Chef & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Organic Baking Techniques, Gluten-Free Recipe Development, Southwestern Dessert Specialties, Food Styling and Photography

Education

Santa Fe Community College (SFCC)

  • Program: Certificate in Patisserie
  • Focus: Cultivating disciplined kitchen preparation for a safe, organized, and sanitary workstation; mastering the timely production of nutritious, visually appealing pastries; safely operating standard pastry equipment; and honing core patissier techniques for professional pastry work.

Jessica brings the sweet side to Urban Organic with her passion for baking and love for the Southwest. She trained at Santa Fe Community College and has built a career creating beautiful, gluten-free, and organic desserts that feel both nostalgic and new.

She believes baking should be fun, creative, and open to everyone, no matter your diet or skill level. Jessica’s recipes are simple enough to follow, but special enough to remember.

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