If there’s one appetizer that can steal the show at any gathering, it’s got to be these Cheesy Bacon Jalapeno Stuffed Mushrooms. Imagine the savory aroma wafting through the air, like a warm hug for your senses, and the first bite—oh, it’s like a crunchy, spicy, cheesy explosion, as if your taste buds just won the lottery. And let’s face it, anything with bacon is basically a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, right?
Steps
- Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it is evenly browned, taking about 10 minutes. Once done, drain the bacon on a paper towel-lined plate and crumble it for later use.
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and prepare a baking dish by coating it with cooking spray.
- In a skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil and add the chopped mushroom stems, jalapeño, and garlic. Stir and cook until the mushrooms release their moisture and become soft, approximately 10 minutes.
- Transfer the cooked mixture to a bowl and mix in the cream cheese, Cheddar cheese, and crumbled bacon. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Firmly spoon the cheese mixture into the reserved mushroom caps and place them in the prepared baking dish.
- Bake in the preheated oven until the cheese begins to brown, typically for 15 to 20 minutes.
Ingredients
- 2 strips bacon
- Cooking spray
- 1 ½ teaspoons olive oil
- 8 mushrooms (stems removed and chopped, caps reserved)
- 1 jalapeño pepper (ribs and seeds removed, finely chopped)
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 3 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 3 tablespoons shredded Cheddar cheese
- Sea salt (to taste)
- Ground black pepper (to taste)
Nutritional Values
Calories: 604 | Total Fat: 52g | Saturated Fat: 28g | Cholesterol: 140mg | Sodium: 1152mg | Total Carbohydrate: 12g | Dietary Fiber: 4g | Total Sugars: 4g | Protein: 24g | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 264mg | Iron: 8mg | Potassium: 744mg
FAQ
- Can I make these jalapeño popper mushrooms vegetarian?
- Absolutely! You can skip the bacon or replace it with a vegetarian alternative like bacon-flavored salt or plant-based bacon. The mushrooms will still be delicious!
- What type of mushrooms work best for this recipe?
- Baby Bella or portobello mushrooms are great choices as their caps can hold the filling well. You can also use white button mushrooms if you prefer.
- How can I adjust the spice level of these mushrooms?
- To increase the heat, leave some seeds or ribs in the jalapeños. For a milder version, ensure all seeds and ribs are removed. You can also substitute jalapeños with serrano peppers for a different level of spiciness.
- Is there a lower-fat version of this recipe?
- Yes, you can use Neufchâtel cheese instead of cream cheese and turkey bacon instead of regular bacon to reduce the fat content without compromising the taste.
- Can these stuffed mushrooms be made in advance?
- Yes, you can prepare the filling and stuff the mushroom caps ahead of time. Store them in the refrigerator and bake them just before serving to enjoy them fresh and warm.
Tips
- If you prefer a spicier kick, consider leaving some seeds or ribs in the jalapeño while chopping. Adjusting the heat level can cater to different spice preferences.
- For a lower-fat alternative, try using Neufchâtel cheese and turkey bacon. These substitutions maintain flavor while reducing fat content.
- To avoid soggy mushrooms, ensure the chopped mushroom stems are sautéed until they are almost crisp, similar to bacon texture. This step enhances the texture of the filling.
- Consider using a mix of cheeses like a Monterey Jack/Cheddar blend or adding Parmesan for an extra layer of flavor. A quick turn under the broiler at the end can also give a satisfying golden-brown finish to the cheese topping.
Equipment
- Deep Skillet – A large, deep skillet is needed for cooking the bacon and sautéing the vegetables.
- Baking Dish – A suitable baking dish is required for baking the stuffed mushrooms.
- Cooking Spray – While often found at home, it’s notable for baking to prevent sticking.
- Small Cookie Scoop – Useful for filling mushroom caps evenly, as mentioned in user comments.
