Cheesy Stuffed Mushrooms

### Instructions:

#### 1. Prepare the Mushrooms:
Start by cleaning the mushrooms. Gently wipe each mushroom cap with a damp cloth or paper towel to remove any dirt. Carefully remove the stems from the mushrooms, setting them aside. You’ll use the caps for stuffing, and the stems can be chopped up and added to the filling for extra flavor.

#### 2. Sauté the Mushroom Stems:
Chop the mushroom stems into small pieces. In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped stems, minced garlic, and chopped onion to the pan. Sauté for about 4-5 minutes, or until the mushrooms have released their moisture, and the mixture is tender. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

#### 3. Make the Cheesy Filling:
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, thyme, salt, and pepper. Add the sautéed mushroom mixture and stir everything together until well-combined. The filling should be creamy and cheesy with a nice balance of flavors.

#### 4. Stuff the Mushrooms:
Take each mushroom cap and carefully spoon the cheesy filling into the center. Be generous with the filling, as it should be heaping but not overflowing. Repeat this process until all the mushrooms are stuffed.

#### 5. Bake the Mushrooms:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the stuffed mushrooms in a baking dish or on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Once arranged, brush the tops of the mushrooms lightly with melted butter to add extra richness and flavor.

Bake the stuffed mushrooms in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the mushrooms are tender, and the filling is golden and bubbly. The cheese should be melted and slightly browned on top, creating a beautiful and appetizing crust.

#### 6. Garnish and Serve:
Once baked, remove the mushrooms from the oven and allow them to cool for a couple of minutes before serving. Garnish with additional chopped parsley for a fresh, vibrant touch. Serve these Cheesy Stuffed Mushrooms warm, and watch them disappear quickly as your guests enjoy every bite!

### Why Cheesy Stuffed Mushrooms Are the Perfect Appetizer:

1. **Versatile**: You can customize the filling to suit your tastes. Want to add bacon? Mix in some spinach? Swap the cheeses? Feel free to get creative—this recipe is a blank canvas for your favorite flavors!

2. **Crowd-Pleaser**: These stuffed mushrooms are a hit at any gathering. They’re flavorful, easy to eat, and instantly elevate any event. Whether it’s a dinner party, family gathering, or holiday celebration, Cheesy Stuffed Mushrooms will always be one of the first dishes to disappear.

3. **Perfect for Any Diet**: These mushrooms can easily be made gluten-free by substituting gluten-free breadcrumbs. You can also make them vegetarian by skipping meat-based add-ins and keeping the focus on the cheesy, creamy filling.

4. **Simple Yet Elegant**: Despite their simple preparation, these stuffed mushrooms look and taste sophisticated. The combination of flavors—creamy cheese, savory garlic, and fresh herbs—pairs beautifully with the tender mushroom caps, making for a decadent bite-sized treat.

### Tips for Perfect Cheesy Stuffed Mushrooms:

– **Mushroom Size**: Choose mushrooms that are large enough to hold a good amount of filling, but not so large that they become difficult to eat in one bite. Large white button mushrooms or cremini mushrooms work well.

– **Don’t Overstuff**: Be sure to stuff the mushrooms generously, but not to the point where the filling spills over. This helps prevent the cheese from burning and ensures that each bite stays neat.

– **Pre-cook the Mushroom Stems**: Sautéing the chopped mushroom stems and onions beforehand removes excess moisture and enhances the flavor. It also prevents the filling from being too watery.

– **Try Different Cheeses**: While mozzarella and Parmesan are classic choices, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like cheddar, goat cheese, or fontina for added flavor complexity.

– **Make-Ahead Option**: You can prepare these stuffed mushrooms ahead of time by stuffing them the day before and refrigerating them until you’re ready to bake. Just pop them in the oven when your guests arrive, and you’ll have a delicious appetizer ready in no time!

### Variations of Cheesy Stuffed Mushrooms:

– **Bacon & Cheddar**: Add crispy bacon bits to the cheesy filling and use sharp cheddar cheese for a smoky twist.

– **Spinach & Artichoke**: Mix in some cooked spinach and chopped artichoke hearts for a Mediterranean-inspired version.

– **Herb & Garlic**: Add more fresh herbs like basil, rosemary, or oregano to infuse the filling with aromatic flavors.

– **Vegetarian Option**: Skip the meat entirely and add finely chopped veggies such as bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini for a fresh, veggie-packed alternative.

### Conclusion

Cheesy Stuffed Mushrooms are the perfect blend of rich flavors and satisfying textures, making them an ideal appetizer or side dish for any occasion. Their versatility, ease of preparation, and impressive taste make them a go-to recipe that’s sure to impress friends and family alike. Whether you keep them classic with cheese and garlic or get creative with additional fillings, one thing is for certain—Cheesy Stuffed Mushrooms will be the star of your next gathering!