Easy Caprese Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms (Elegant Appetizer or Meal!)

These Caprese Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms are a simple yet elegant dish that's bursting with fresh Italian flavors! Meaty portobello mushrooms are brushed with garlic butter, filled with juicy tomatoes and creamy fresh mozzarella, then broiled until the cheese is melted and bubbly. I love how this recipe combines the classic Caprese flavors in a warm, satisfying, and low-carb format. They're perfect as an appetizer, a light vegetarian main course, or a side dish. Get ready for a dish that's both easy to make and incredibly delicious!

Why You'll Love These Caprese Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

• Classic Caprese Flavors: The combination of fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil is a timeless Italian favorite.
• Easy Elegance: This dish looks and tastes sophisticated, but it's surprisingly simple to prepare.
• Healthy and Flavorful: Packed with vegetables and cheese, it's a satisfying and flavorful option.
• Low-Carb: Using portobello mushrooms as the base makes this a great low-carb alternative.
• Quick: Ready in about 20 minutes, making it perfect for a quick appetizer or light meal.

Ingredients for Caprese Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

Here's what you'll need to make these flavorful stuffed mushrooms. The full list with measurements is in the recipe card below.

Garlic Butter

• Butter (Fat)
• Garlic, crushed (Aromatic)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (Herb)

Mushrooms

• Large Portobello mushrooms, stem removed, washed and dried thoroughly (Fungi)
• Fresh mozzarella cheese balls, sliced thinly (Dairy)
• Grape or cherry tomatoes, sliced thinly (Vegetable)
• Fresh basil, shredded (to garnish) (Herb)

Balsamic Glaze

• Balsamic vinegar (Acid)
• Brown sugar (optional) (Sweetener) (Recipe link for homemade glaze also provided in original)

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Variations

I love these Caprese Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms as is, but here are a few ideas for variations:

• Add Pesto: Spread a thin layer of basil pesto inside the mushroom caps before adding the cheese and tomatoes.
• Different Cheese: Use sliced provolone, fontina, or even crumbled goat cheese instead of fresh mozzarella.
• Add Protein: Stir some cooked Italian sausage or shredded chicken into the tomato mixture before stuffing.
• Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter.
• Grill Instead of Broil: Grill the stuffed mushrooms for a smoky flavor.

How to Make Caprese Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

Let me show you how easy it is to make these elegant Caprese Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms:

Prepare Oven and Mushrooms

1. I preheat my oven to grill/broil settings on high heat. I arrange the oven shelf to the middle of my oven.
2. I prepare the portobello mushrooms by removing the stems and wiping them clean. It's important to dry them thoroughly with a paper towel.

Make Garlic Butter

1. I combine all of the Garlic Butter ingredients (butter, crushed garlic, chopped parsley) together in a small saucepan (or microwave-safe bowl).
2. I melt the mixture until the garlic is fragrant.

Prepare and Stuff Mushrooms

1. I brush the bottoms (gill side) of each mushroom with the garlic butter.
2. I place them, buttered side down, on a baking tray.
3. I flip the mushrooms and brush any remaining garlic butter over the insides of each cap.
4. I fill each mushroom cap with the fresh mozzarella slices and the thinly sliced tomatoes.

Broil

1. I grill/broil the stuffed mushrooms until the cheese has melted and is golden in color, about 8 minutes. Keep a close eye on them under the broiler to prevent burning!

Make Balsamic Glaze (Optional)

1. (If making the glaze from scratch, I prepare it while the mushrooms are in the oven.) I combine the sugar (if using) and balsamic vinegar in a small saucepan over high heat and bring it to the boil.
2. I reduce the heat to low and allow it to simmer for 5-8 minutes or until the mixture has thickened and reduced to a glaze. (If not using sugar, I allow it to reduce for 12-15 minutes on low heat).

Serve

1. To serve, I top the Caprese Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms with the shredded fresh basil.
2. I drizzle with the balsamic glaze.
3. I sprinkle salt to taste.

Tips and Tricks for the BEST Stuffed Mushrooms

Here are my secrets for making these mushrooms truly exceptional:

• Clean Mushrooms Properly: Wipe mushrooms clean with a damp cloth instead of washing them, as they absorb water easily which can make them soggy.
• Use Fresh Mozzarella: Fresh mozzarella provides the best creamy texture and mild flavor.
• Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Give the mushrooms space on the baking sheet so they roast evenly.
• Watch the Broiler: The broiler works quickly! Keep a close eye on the mushrooms to ensure the cheese melts perfectly without burning.
• Fresh Basil is Key: Fresh basil adds that classic Caprese aroma and flavor.

How to Serve

These Caprese Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms are perfect served as:

• Appetizer: An elegant and flavorful starter for a dinner party.
• Light Lunch or Dinner: A satisfying vegetarian main course, perhaps alongside a simple green salad.
• Side Dish: A delicious accompaniment to grilled chicken, steak, or fish.

Make Ahead and Storage

You can prepare the garlic butter and the balsamic glaze ahead of time. Assemble and broil the mushrooms just before serving for the best results. Leftover cooked mushrooms can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.

FAQs about Caprese Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

• Can I use different types of mushrooms?
  • Large portobello mushrooms work best as they provide a good base for stuffing. Cremini mushrooms could be used for smaller bites.
• Can I make these vegan?
  • Yes! Use olive oil instead of butter in the garlic butter mixture and substitute a vegan mozzarella alternative. Ensure your balsamic glaze ingredients are vegan.
• Can I use dried basil?
  • Fresh basil is highly recommended for the classic Caprese flavor, but you can use dried basil in a pinch (use less, about 1 teaspoon).

Enjoy these simple, elegant, and incredibly delicious Caprese Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms! They're a perfect taste of Italy.

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