I have always loved experimenting with hearty appetizers that bring people together, and the Longhorn Stuffed Mushroom has quickly become one of my personal favorites. The first time I made this recipe, I was blown away by how a simple mushroom could transform into a rich, flavorful bite that feels both indulgent and comforting. Every time I serve them, friends and family immediately reach for seconds, which is a true sign of a recipe that works.
You will love this recipe for many reasons. The combination of savory flavors, creamy textures, and perfectly baked mushrooms makes every bite irresistible. The dish is versatile, allowing you to serve it as an appetizer, a side dish, or even a party snack. You can also adjust the stuffing to suit your taste, whether you want it cheesier, spicier, or packed with herbs. Its adaptability makes it perfect for casual dinners, festive gatherings, or even a quick weeknight treat when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen.
Another reason this recipe stands out is its affordability. The ingredients are simple, easy to source, and won’t break the budget. Mushrooms, turkey bacon, chicken ham, cheeses, and a few pantry staples come together to create a dish that looks and tastes impressive without being expensive. You can easily scale the recipe up or down depending on the number of guests, making it ideal for both small family meals and larger gatherings.
Here’s what you’ll need for the Longhorn Stuffed Mushroom:
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Large white or cremini mushrooms
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Turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled
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Chicken ham, finely diced
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Cream cheese, softened
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Shredded cheddar cheese
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Grated Parmesan cheese
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Minced garlic
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Fresh parsley, chopped
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Breadcrumbs
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Olive oil
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Salt and pepper
These ingredients combine to create a stuffing that is creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor, perfectly complementing the tender mushrooms. From the savory turkey bacon and chicken ham to the aromatic garlic and fresh parsley, each element works together to create a dish that’s satisfying, easy to make, and universally loved.
How to Prepare Longhorn Stuffed Mushrooms
Preparing Longhorn Stuffed Mushrooms is simple and enjoyable, even for beginners. The recipe is designed to be quick, easy, and adaptable while ensuring each mushroom is packed with flavor. By following these steps carefully, you’ll achieve perfectly cooked mushrooms with a creamy, savory filling that melts in your mouth.
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil. This ensures the mushrooms bake evenly without sticking.
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Clean the mushrooms by gently wiping them with a damp paper towel. Avoid rinsing them directly under water, as mushrooms absorb moisture, which can affect the stuffing’s texture. Remove the stems carefully and set them aside for the filling.
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Cook the turkey bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Once done, place it on a paper towel to drain excess oil, then crumble into small pieces.
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Dice the chicken ham into small cubes, ensuring they are roughly the same size as the bacon for consistent flavor distribution.
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Prepare the mushroom stems by finely chopping them. Sauté the chopped stems in the same skillet with a drizzle of olive oil and minced garlic until softened and fragrant, about 3–4 minutes.
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Mix the filling in a large bowl: combine the sautéed mushroom stems, crumbled turkey bacon, diced chicken ham, cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated and creamy.
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Stuff the mushrooms by spooning the mixture into each mushroom cap. Press gently so the filling stays in place, leaving a slight mound on top for a visually appealing presentation.
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Sprinkle breadcrumbs over the stuffed mushrooms to add a crunchy texture after baking. Lightly drizzle a small amount of olive oil over the tops to enhance browning.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes or until the mushrooms are tender and the filling is golden and bubbly. Keep an eye on them during the last 5 minutes to prevent over-browning.
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Garnish and serve by removing the mushrooms from the oven and letting them cool slightly. Sprinkle additional chopped parsley on top for a fresh finish. Serve warm for the best flavor and texture.
Quick and Easy Tips
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You can prepare the filling in advance and refrigerate it until ready to stuff the mushrooms, which saves time on busy days.
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If you prefer a lighter version, reduce the cheese slightly or use low-fat alternatives without compromising flavor.
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For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or a few drops of hot sauce to the filling for a subtle kick.
Customization Options
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Swap out cheddar for mozzarella or gouda for a different cheesy experience.
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Add finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers or spinach to increase nutritional value and color.
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Adjust the herbs to your preference; thyme or rosemary can complement the mushrooms beautifully.
These Longhorn Stuffed Mushrooms are incredibly popular at gatherings. Their savory, cheesy filling combined with tender mushrooms appeals to both adults and kids. The recipe’s simplicity, affordability, and versatility make it a go-to choice for parties, potlucks, or a special appetizer for family meals.
PrintLonghorn Stuffed Mushroom
The Longhorn Stuffed Mushroom is a savory, cheesy appetizer that combines tender mushrooms with a rich filling of turkey bacon, chicken ham, cheeses, and aromatic herbs. This recipe is versatile, easy to make, and perfect for gatherings or a special family meal.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 25
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 1x
Ingredients
- 12 large white or cremini mushrooms
- 4 slices turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled
- ½ cup chicken ham, finely diced
- ½ cup cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp breadcrumbs
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease with olive oil.
- Clean mushrooms with a damp paper towel. Remove stems carefully and set aside.
- Cook turkey bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Drain on paper towel, then crumble.
- Dice chicken ham into small cubes.
- Chop mushroom stems finely and sauté with olive oil and minced garlic for 3–4 minutes until soft.
- In a large bowl, mix sautéed mushroom stems, crumbled turkey bacon, diced chicken ham, cream cheese, shredded cheddar, Parmesan, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper until creamy and well combined.
- Spoon filling into each mushroom cap, pressing gently to secure. Leave a slight mound on top.
- Sprinkle breadcrumbs over the stuffed mushrooms and drizzle lightly with olive oil.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until mushrooms are tender and the filling is golden and bubbly.
- Remove from oven, let cool slightly, and garnish with additional parsley. Serve warm.
Notes
The filling can be made ahead and refrigerated.
Adjust cheese and herbs to taste for different flavor profiles.
For a crunchier top, add extra breadcrumbs or lightly broil the mushrooms for 1–2 minutes at the end.
FAQs – Longhorn Stuffed Mushrooms
1. Can I make these mushrooms ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling and clean the mushrooms in advance. Store the filling in the refrigerator and stuff the mushrooms just before baking to maintain freshness and texture.
2. Can I freeze stuffed mushrooms?
Absolutely. Prepare and stuff the mushrooms, then freeze them on a baking sheet until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe container. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
3. What is the best type of mushroom to use?
Large white mushrooms or cremini mushrooms work best because their caps are sturdy enough to hold the filling and provide a tender, juicy bite.
4. Can I make a vegetarian version?
Yes, simply omit the turkey bacon and chicken ham. You can add extra vegetables, such as bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini, along with additional cheeses to enhance flavor.
5. How do I get a crispy topping?
Sprinkle breadcrumbs over the filling and lightly drizzle olive oil on top before baking. This creates a golden, crunchy layer that contrasts nicely with the creamy filling.
6. Can I adjust the cheese types?
Certainly. Cheddar, mozzarella, gouda, or even a mix of cheeses can be used to suit your taste preferences. Each cheese will slightly change the flavor and texture but will remain delicious.
7. Are these mushrooms suitable for parties?
Yes, they are a crowd-pleaser. Their bite-sized portion and rich, flavorful filling make them perfect appetizers for gatherings, potlucks, or festive occasions.