The holiday season is here, and you know what that means. The house smells like pine needles and cinnamon, festive music is playing, and your to do list is a mile long. It is a wonderful time, but it can also be a little overwhelming, right?
When it comes to hosting, the last thing you need is a complicated recipe. You want simple, delicious, and impressive. That is where I come in with some fantastic Christmas appetizer ideas that will save the day. These bacon and cream cheese stuffed mushrooms are just the ticket.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
First off, the flavor is just incredible. You have the earthy taste of the mushrooms, the rich and creamy filling, and the salty, crispy crunch of beef bacon. It is a combination that guests always love.
Another reason is the simplicity. Seriously, this is one of those easy Christmas appetizers for a party that looks way more complicated than it is. It is a great recipe for beginners or when you are short on time.
They are also the perfect size for mingling. Guests can easily grab one while holding a drink and chatting. They fit right into any Christmas buffet spread without any fuss or extra plates needed.
These little bites are packed with savory goodness that sets the stage for the main course. They are a wonderful choice for Christmas dinner appetizers because they are satisfying but not too filling. They just get everyone excited for the meal to come.
Ingredients
The ingredient list for these stuffed mushrooms is short and sweet. You likely have some of these items in your kitchen already. Here is what you will need to gather.
- 6 slices beef bacon
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- salt and pepper, to taste
- parsley, chopped, optional
- 1 pound cremini mushrooms, or 24 mushrooms
Step-By-Step Instructions
Ready to make some delicious holiday party appetizers? Let’s walk through the steps together. It is easier than you think.
Step 1: Prepare And Preheat
First things first, get your oven preheating to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. While it warms up, you can get the mushrooms ready. Grab a damp paper towel and gently wipe them clean. You want to avoid rinsing them under water, as they can get waterlogged and turn out soggy.
Once they are clean, gently twist the stems to pop them off. They should snap right out. Set the mushroom caps on a lightly greased baking sheet. This simple prep work is key to getting the texture just right.
Step 2: Cook The Beef Bacon
Next up is the bacon. Place the beef bacon slices in a large skillet over medium heat. Let them cook until they are nice and crisp. The smell alone is worth it. Once cooked, move the bacon to a plate lined with a paper towel to drain any excess grease. After it cools a bit, crumble it into small pieces.
Step 3: Make The Filling
Now for the heart of our Christmas appetizer ideas, the creamy filling. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir until everything is well combined and smooth.
Now, take about half of those crispy beef bacon bits and fold them into the cheese mixture. This ensures you get that savory bacon flavor in every single bite. The other half will be for topping.
Step 4: Fill The Mushrooms
It is time to bring it all together. Take a small spoon and divide the filling evenly among the mushroom caps. You will use about one tablespoon of stuffing for each mushroom. Do not be shy, mound it up nicely.
After they are all filled, sprinkle the remaining beef bacon crumbles over the top. If you are a cheese lover like me, you can also add a little extra Parmesan cheese on top for good measure. It adds a nice, golden crust.
Step 5: Bake The Mushrooms
Place the baking sheet with your prepared mushrooms into the preheated oven. Let them bake for about 15 minutes. You will know they are done when the mushrooms are tender and the tops are a beautiful golden brown color. They will smell absolutely amazing.
How To Store Leftovers
Honestly, these stuffed mushrooms are best enjoyed fresh from the oven when they are warm and the filling is gooey. If you do have leftovers, you can store them in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, just pop them back in the oven for a few minutes until warmed through.
Tips
Want to make your stuffed mushrooms even better? Here are a few handy tips to keep in mind for these lovely holiday party appetizers.
- Mushroom Selection: Cremini mushrooms are great because they have a nice flavor and size. Look for mushrooms that are similar in size so they cook evenly. White button mushrooms also work well.
- Fresh Parmesan: For the best flavor, I highly recommend grating your own Parmesan cheese. The pre shredded kind often has anti caking agents that can affect the texture of the filling.
- Make Ahead Prep: To save time, you can prepare the filling a day in advance and store it in the fridge. You can also clean the mushrooms and remove the stems ahead of time. Just fill and bake when you are ready to serve.
- Spice It Up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cream cheese mixture. It gives a nice, subtle warmth that complements the bacon.
- Serving Garnish: A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley on top right before serving adds a pop of color and freshness. It really makes these Christmas dinner appetizers look polished.
These tips can help you tailor the recipe to your liking and make your Christmas buffet spread extra special. Every great cook has a few tricks up their sleeve.
Conclusion
And there you have it. A simple, delicious, and crowd pleasing recipe that will become a staple in your collection of Christmas appetizer ideas. They are the perfect way to kick off a festive meal or to serve at a casual holiday get together.
Making good food for the people you care about is what the holidays are all about. These stuffed mushrooms are more than just an appetizer; they are a way to create happy memories. I hope you and your guests enjoy every single bite. Happy holidays.
FAQ
Can I Use A Different Kind Of Bacon?
Absolutely. While beef bacon provides a wonderful savory flavor, traditional pork bacon or even turkey bacon would work just as well. Just cook it until it is crispy before crumbling it for the filling.
Can I Make These Vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make a vegetarian version. You can omit the bacon entirely or substitute it with a vegetarian bacon alternative. Finely chopped sun dried tomatoes or toasted walnuts would also add a great texture and flavor to the filling.
What Other Mushrooms Work Well For This Recipe?
Cremini mushrooms, also known as baby bellas, are a great choice. However, standard white button mushrooms are also a fantastic option and are very easy to find. Just try to pick ones that are big enough to hold a good amount of filling.
How Do I Know When The Mushrooms Are Fully Cooked?
You will see a few visual cues. The mushroom caps will become tender and slightly darker in color. The filling will be hot, and the cheese on top will be melted and golden brown. They should be sizzling slightly when you take them out of the oven.
Bacon and Cream Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms
These easy Bacon and Cream Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms are the perfect festive appetizer for your holiday gatherings. Earthy mushrooms filled with a rich, creamy cheese mixture and savory beef bacon bits, baked until golden and tender. Simple to make, yet incredibly impressive, they are a crowd-pleasing snack that’s ready to enjoy in minutes.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Gently wipe cremini mushrooms clean with a damp paper towel and twist off stems. Place mushroom caps on a lightly greased baking sheet.
- Place the beef bacon slices in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook until crisp. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate, then crumble into small pieces.
- In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth. Fold in half of the crumbled beef bacon.
- Fill each mushroom cap with about one tablespoon of the cheese mixture. Sprinkle remaining beef bacon crumbles over the top. Optionally, add extra Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for about 15 minutes, until the mushrooms are tender and the tops are golden brown.
Notes
Honestly, these stuffed mushrooms are best enjoyed fresh from the oven when they are warm and the filling is gooey. If you do have leftovers, you can store them in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, just pop them back in the oven for a few minutes until warmed through.
Cremini mushrooms are great because they have a nice flavor and size. Look for mushrooms that are similar in size so they cook evenly. White button mushrooms also work well.
For the best flavor, I highly recommend grating your own Parmesan cheese. The pre shredded kind often has anti caking agents that can affect the texture of the filling.
To save time, you can prepare the filling a day in advance and store it in the fridge. You can also clean the mushrooms and remove the stems ahead of time. Just fill and bake when you are ready to serve.
If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cream cheese mixture. It gives a nice, subtle warmth that complements the bacon.
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley on top right before serving adds a pop of color and freshness. It really makes these Christmas dinner appetizers look polished.
Nutrition
Calories
Sugar
Fat
Carbs
