Craving a showstopping appetizer that’s loaded with flavor, elegance, and sheer comfort-food vibes? Look no further than these Creamy Garlic Crab-Stuffed Mushrooms. Each juicy mushroom cap hides a luscious, garlicky crab filling that’s unbelievably creamy, rich, and packed with just the right amount of seafood flavor. Whether you serve them for a special celebration, holiday gathering, or casual party, these irresistible bites disappear as soon as they hit the table!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You won’t need an endless shopping list for this recipe: every ingredient here plays a starring role, making each bite of Creamy Garlic Crab-Stuffed Mushrooms truly memorable. From buttery sautéed garlic to tender crab, every component adds a layer of flavor, richness, or incredible texture. Here’s what you’ll need, and why it matters:
- White or cremini mushrooms (20 large): Perfect bite-sized vessels with a meaty texture that hold up beautifully when baked.
- Butter (2 tablespoons): Adds essential richness and is the key to infusing the garlic into every mushroom.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Brings the main flavor punch, offering a fragrant, savory note that blends perfectly with crab.
- Lump crab meat (8 ounces): The star! Choose fresh or high-quality canned crab for the sweetest, freshest flavor.
- Cream cheese (4 ounces, softened): The secret to that dreamy, melt-in-your-mouth creamy texture.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (¼ cup): Delivers a nutty, salty note and helps brown the tops beautifully.
- Breadcrumbs (¼ cup): Gives the filling a little lift and ensures a satisfying finish in every bite.
- Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped): Pops of color and freshness that brighten the filling and garnishes.
- Mayonnaise (1 tablespoon): Adds a touch more creaminess and depth of flavor to the crab filling.
- Lemon juice (1 teaspoon): Balances the richness with a fresh citrus zing.
- Old Bay seasoning or paprika (½ teaspoon): For that signature seafood spice blend or a gentle smoky note.
- Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors with subtle heat.
- Nonstick cooking spray or melted butter: Gives the mushrooms a golden finish and prevents sticking.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Crab-Stuffed Mushrooms
Step 1: Prep Your Mushrooms
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), and get your baking dish ready by lightly greasing it or lining it with parchment paper. Clean each mushroom cap gently using a damp cloth, and carefully remove the stems. If you want even more earthy flavor, chop up a few of those stems to mix into your filling—trust me, it’s worth the small extra step!
Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Mushroom Stems
In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and toss in your minced garlic. Stir for about 1–2 minutes, just until you can smell that glorious aroma wafting through your kitchen. If you decided to use them, add the chopped mushroom stems and cook for another minute. This brief sauté brings out tons of flavor and infuses the butter, which mixes into your filling for maximum deliciousness.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Filling
Turn off the heat and transfer your garlicky, buttery mix to a medium bowl. Add the crab meat, softened cream cheese, grated Parmesan, breadcrumbs, fresh parsley, mayonnaise, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning (or paprika), and black pepper. Using a spoon or spatula, fold everything together until gorgeously combined and silky smooth. The filling for your Creamy Garlic Crab-Stuffed Mushrooms should look inviting and rich—go ahead, have a taste!
Step 4: Fill the Mushrooms
Place your mushroom caps in the prepared baking dish, cavity side up. Use a small spoon to generously scoop the creamy crab mixture into each mushroom, piling it high for that classic stuffed look. The filling will bake up beautifully and keep its shape (no messy spread here!).
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Lightly mist the tops of your stuffed mushrooms with nonstick spray or gently brush with a little melted butter, which helps them turn a mouthwatering golden color. Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 20–22 minutes. The mushrooms should become tender, and the tops of the Creamy Garlic Crab-Stuffed Mushrooms will look beautifully browned and irresistible.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
For that chef’s touch, shower the finished mushrooms with more fresh chopped parsley. Serve them up warm and get ready for the rave reviews—these are the kind of appetizers people remember!
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Crab-Stuffed Mushrooms
Garnishes
For a pop of color and freshness, sprinkle your Creamy Garlic Crab-Stuffed Mushrooms with extra chopped parsley or even delicate snips of chives. A tiny squeeze of fresh lemon over the finished platter can bring all the flavors to life. Some folks also love adding a light dusting of extra Parmesan cheese right before serving for that irresistible cheese pull.
Side Dishes
Creamy Garlic Crab-Stuffed Mushrooms pair perfectly with all sorts of sides—from crisp salads dressed with lemony vinaigrette to warm baguette slices for soaking up every drop of filling. If you’re planning a party spread, surround the platter with other seafood bites, roasted vegetables, or even a big bowl of citrusy couscous for a full-on feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Go beyond the basic platter! Try serving your Creamy Garlic Crab-Stuffed Mushrooms on a rustic wooden board, nestled among fresh herbs and lemon wedges. For an intimate dinner party, place a couple of stuffed mushrooms on each guest’s small appetizer plate with a tiny microgreens salad on the side. You can even skewer them with bamboo picks for an easy pass-around party snack.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you (miraculously!) end up with leftover Creamy Garlic Crab-Stuffed Mushrooms, stash them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to two days, and the flavors just meld together more beautifully as they sit.
Freezing
To freeze, assemble the stuffed mushrooms up until the baking step and lay them out on a baking sheet. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a sealable freezer bag or container. When you’re ready, bake from frozen at 375°F, adding a few extra minutes until heated through and golden. They’re a lifesaver for impromptu entertaining!
Reheating
To reheat, simply pop your Creamy Garlic Crab-Stuffed Mushrooms back into the oven at 350°F for 8–10 minutes, or until just warmed through. This keeps the filling perfectly creamy without drying out the mushrooms. The microwave works in a pinch but the oven really brings back the fresh-baked texture.
FAQs
Can I use canned crab meat instead of fresh?
Absolutely! High-quality canned lump crab meat works beautifully for Creamy Garlic Crab-Stuffed Mushrooms. Just be sure to drain it well and gently pick over for any bits of shell.
Are these mushrooms gluten-free?
You can easily make them gluten-free by using your favorite gluten-free breadcrumbs. Everything else in the filling is naturally gluten-free, so this swap is all you need!
Can I prepare Creamy Garlic Crab-Stuffed Mushrooms ahead of time?
Yes, you can! Assemble the mushrooms and filling a day ahead, then cover and refrigerate. Bake them just before serving for that fresh-from-the-oven experience. Perfect for stress-free entertaining!
What type Appetizer
Large white button mushrooms or cremini mushrooms are ideal for this recipe. They’re sturdy enough for stuffing and soak up all those rich, buttery flavors as they bake.
Is there a substitute for Old Bay seasoning?
If you can’t find Old Bay, smoked or sweet paprika makes a great substitute. You can also use a blend of celery salt, cayenne, and paprika to create your own seafood-friendly spice mix.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for an appetizer that delivers big on flavor and elegance with minimal effort, you have to try these Creamy Garlic Crab-Stuffed Mushrooms. They’re guaranteed crowd-pleasers that transform simple ingredients into something truly special, and they might just become your new go-to shareable dish. Go ahead and give them a whirl—you’ll see why everyone falls in love at first bite!
Print
Creamy Garlic Crab-Stuffed Mushrooms Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: 20 stuffed mushrooms
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Creamy Garlic Crab-Stuffed Mushrooms are a luxurious appetizer perfect for any gathering. Plump mushrooms filled with a savory blend of lump crab meat, cream cheese, and seasonings, baked to perfection for a delightful bite.
Ingredients
Mushrooms:
- 20 large white or cremini mushrooms, stems removed and cleaned
Filling:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces lump crab meat, picked over for shells
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (or paprika)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Additional:
- Nonstick cooking spray or extra melted butter for brushing
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish or line with parchment paper. Clean mushroom caps, remove stems.
- Make Filling: Sauté garlic in butter until fragrant. Add chopped mushroom stems, cook, then transfer to a bowl. Add crab meat, cream cheese, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, parsley, mayonnaise, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, and pepper. Mix well.
- Fill Mushrooms: Spoon filling into mushroom caps. Place in baking dish. Spray tops with cooking spray or butter.
- Bake: Bake for 20–22 minutes until mushrooms are tender and golden on top.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Use lump or claw crab meat for best texture.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Can be assembled ahead and refrigerated until ready to bake.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 mushrooms
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
