How to Make Baked Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Mushrooms: A Step-by-Step Guide
Are you in search of a simple yet delicious appetizer or side dish that is sure to impress? Look no further! Baked Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Mushrooms are an easy-to-make, tasty treat that combines the earthy flavor of mushrooms with the creamy, rich taste of ricotta cheese and the nutritional benefits of spinach. Perfect for parties, gatherings, or even a solo indulgence, let’s dive into how to create this delightful dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Large mushrooms (like Portobello or large button mushrooms) – 12 pieces. These serve as the base for your stuffing.
- Spinach – 2 cups, fresh. This leafy green will add nutrition and a lovely color to your dish.
- Ricotta cheese – 1 cup. It brings a creamy texture and binds the filling.
- Parmesan cheese – ½ cup, grated. This adds a nice, salty, and cheesy crust.
- Garlic – 2 cloves, minced. For that aromatic flavor kick.
- Onion – 1 small, finely chopped. It adds sweetness and texture.
- Olive oil – 2 tablespoons. For cooking and extra flavor.
- Salt and pepper – To taste. This will help layer the flavors.
- Breadcrumbs – Optional, for added crunch.
Step-by-Step Guide:
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Preparation:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the oven is ready and at the correct temperature by the time your mushrooms are stuffed and ready to go in.
- Clean the mushrooms with a damp cloth and carefully remove the stems. Set the caps aside and finely chop the stems to add to your filling later for extra flavor and zero waste.
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Cook the Filling:
- In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéeing until they become soft and fragrant. This is the foundational flavor for your filling.
- Add the chopped mushroom stems, cook for another few minutes until they’re soft.
- Add the fresh spinach, cooking it down until wilted. This shouldn’t take more than 3-5 minutes. Spinach reduces a lot in volume, so don’t worry if it seems like a lot at first.
- Remove from heat and let it cool for a couple of minutes. This is crucial because adding the ricotta to very hot ingredients could make it too runny.
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Mix the Filling:
- In a bowl, combine the sautéed ingredients with ricotta cheese. Mix well. This is where your flavors truly marry.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Remember, Parmesan will also add saltiness, so go easy on the salt.
- If you’d like a little extra crunch, this is the time to fold in some breadcrumbs into your filling mixture.
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Stuff the Mushrooms:
- Spoon the filling into each mushroom cap. Be generous but ensure the mixture is well-contained within the caps.
- Place the stuffed mushrooms on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. This will help in easy cleanup later.
- Sprinkle the tops with grated Parmesan cheese. The cheese will melt and create a beautiful, golden crust.
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Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until the mushrooms are tender and the cheese on top is golden and bubbly.
- For that extra golden touch, you can broil them for an additional 2-3 minutes, but keep a close eye to prevent burning.
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Serve and Enjoy:
- Let them cool for a few minutes before serving. These mushrooms can be incredibly hot straight out of the oven.
- Serve on a platter, maybe sprinkle some fresh herbs on top for a pop of color and freshness.
Pro Tips:
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Choosing Your Mushrooms: Larger mushrooms not only hold more filling but are also easier to stuff. Portobello mushrooms are excellent for a meal-size portion, while large button mushrooms are perfect for bite-sized appetizers.
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Variations: Feel free to experiment with the stuffing. Adding chopped nuts for crunch, different cheeses for creaminess, or even bits of pancetta or sausage for a meaty version can all elevate this simple dish to new heights.
Baked Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Mushrooms are a fantastic dish that’s not just easy to make but is also versatile, allowing for various adaptations to suit your taste or dietary needs. Whether as a side dish, appetizer, or simply a tasty treat, these stuffed mushrooms are sure to delight anyone who tries them. Happy cooking!
