Ingredients
For the Mushrooms
- 4 portobello mushroom caps, 3-1/2 to 4″ diameter
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Crab Stuffing
- 8 oz lump crabmeat, fully-cooked, pasteurized
- 1/2 cup panko crumbs
- 2 tablespoons chopped sweet onion
- 1 or 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/4 teaspoon dried)
- 1-1/2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice (from 1/2 lemon)
- 2/3 cup shredded Muenster or Monterey Jack cheese, divided
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
For Serving
- Lemon wedges
- Hot sauce (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and coat a sheet pan with nonstick spray to prepare for baking the mushrooms.
- Prepare the Mushrooms: Remove stems from the portobello caps and finely chop them. Scoop out the dark gills gently with a spoon and clean the caps with paper towels to remove any moisture.
- Bake Mushroom Caps: Place the mushroom caps gill side up on the prepared pan. Lightly season with salt and pepper. Bake for 8 minutes, then blot away any liquid released using paper towels, and set aside.
- Make the Crab Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped mushroom stems, lump crabmeat, panko crumbs, chopped onion, minced garlic, thyme, lemon juice, and all but 2 tablespoons of the shredded cheese. Season with salt and pepper, then fold in the beaten egg gently to keep the crabmeat intact.
- Stuff the Mushrooms: Divide the crab mixture evenly among the mushroom caps, pressing gently to fill and mounding slightly on top.
- Bake the Stuffed Mushrooms: Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the filling is hot and edges turn lightly golden.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the reserved 2 tablespoons of cheese on top of each mushroom and bake for another 2 to 4 minutes until the cheese melts and becomes bubbly.
- Serve: Serve the baked crab stuffed mushrooms hot with lemon wedges and hot sauce if desired for added flavor.
Notes
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Reheat uncovered in a 375°F oven for 10 to 15 minutes until warmed through.
- Be careful when folding in the egg to avoid breaking up the lump crabmeat excessively.
- Use fresh lemon juice for best flavor in the stuffing mixture.
- You can substitute the cheese with Monterey Jack or Muenster based on preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 22-24 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American